What is the best thing that I love about my work? Being a writer was my way of staying sane through most of my life until my poetry hit. It actually brought me to the ground for a while. I ended up with many poems that became a published book.
Now my writing continues in the form of children’s picture books, a middle school novel, short stories, an audio book version of my first poetry book, etc…..
What is my idea of perfect happiness? Perfect happiness – ha, doesn’t exist and that’s one of the reasons I write – to find my way through the lack of happiness out there.
What is my greatest fear? My greatest fear is hurting people. As a writer, I have to be careful not to “write about people”. The human condition being what it is, some of my characters might resemble people I’ve known in some way but they are purely fictional and come from my hard-won understanding of human nature.
What is the trait that I most deplore in myself? Actually I don’t deplore any trait in myself. I’m always working on myself because I’m far from perfect but I like me.
Which living persons in my profession do i most admire? Margaret Attwood. They say some writers have only a few really fantastic books in them and no matter what anyone says, they need to know when to stop writing. But Margaret has made a mind-blowing comeback with her continuation of an earlier book The Handmaiden’s Tale. She still has it!
What is my greatest extravagance? I’m not an extravagant person. I’ve lacked money for much of my life so I don’t throw it around mindlessly
On what occasion would I lie? I lie to protect people’s feelings. I’m a “pleaser” by nature and it takes screws to the nails for me to “just come out with it.”
What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work? I don’t dislike writing. I’m so glad to finally have found a great “publisher/distributer” and hope to connect with other agents/editors out there because I need their feedback.
When and where was I the happiest, in my work? I’m happiest right now, right here – writing up a storm
If I could, what would I change about myself? If I could change myself, I’d take a time machine back and say, “stop fooling around and write those darned books and get published.”
What is my greatest achievement in work? So far, my greatest achievement in my work was to get my first poetry book published – and also read on the radio back a few years ago.
Where would I most like to live? I’m not keen on living in an exotic country or even travelling to one. I go places in my mind when I’m writing that keep me happy. So, living where I am is the best for me.
What is my most treasured possession? My most treasured possession is my hard–won time to finally write what I really need to write.
What is my most marked characteristic?My most marked characteristic is “sensitivity”. I think maybe too much at times
What is my most inspirational location, in my city? My most inspirational location in my city is my backyard
What is my favorite place to eat and drink, in my city? My favorite place to eat and drink isn’t in my city, I go elsewhere.
What books influenced my life and how? Dickens, Nancy Drew, the English romantic poets, Shakespeare – all of which I read while a child/teenager
Who are my favorite writers? My favorite writers – again I have so many because I read so much, that I can’t say.
You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day? I’m also a musician so that’s a loaded question for me. On my dying day I’d probably like to listen to something that I wrote because I write music on occasion.
Who is my hero or heroine in fiction? My heroes in fiction are people who redeem themselves. They might be total scoundrels but if they sacrifice their life, for instance, for the “poor suffering main character”, as in Dicken’s stories sometimes, then that’s a hero in my mind.
Who are my heroes and heroines in real life? Paul Horn, the jazz flute player, because of his love of playing for seals in Vancouver, . B.C. in the past, which inspired me to do similar things and Ann Mortifee because she has blown me out of the water with her kind heart and incredible voice and creativity.
Which movie would I recommend to see once in a lifetime? As far as movies go – I really don’t have a favorite. There are lots that have moved me beyond words or made me cry. But a series that has me really freaking out lately is “The Handmaiden’s Tale”. Wow. When I read the book back when it first came out, I freaked. Now this series has gone beyond the book. Margaret is a genius.
What role art plays in my life and work? The role art plays in my work is big. I’m a graphic artist by training so I find it really handy when putting together picture books.
Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime? I have no sponsor or partner in crime. I have a partner but he “keeps me out of trouble” and he’s my greatest fan.
Whom would I like to work with in 2019/2020? I’d like to work with an agent in 2020, if that’s possible.
Which people in my profession would I love to meet in 2019/2020? Margaret Attwood, James Patterson, Anne Tyler, Diana Gabaldon, David Baldacci, Chuck Sambuchino
What project, in 2019/2020, am I looking forward to work on? In 2020, I’ll be publishing quite a few books that I’ve been writing for forever
Where can you see me or my work in 2019/2020? http://webfootedness.com/
What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me? If we love something and keep letting it go, it always comes back. At least in my case
Which creative heroines should Peter invite to tell their story? I’d suggest Ann Mortifee and Paul Horn, even though he’s gone, it would be great to mention him. He’ll always be my hero
You can contact me at: writing@glendahiggins.com
The links to my book are:
BOOKSTORES
Barnes and Noble
Kobo
https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/poetry-in-motion-24
Apple
https://books.apple.com/us/book/id1479094275
Scribd
https://www.scribd.com/book/424638700/Poetry-in-Motion
24 Symbols
https://www.24symbols.com/book/x/x/x?id=3161247
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Y8TKQ8M
LIBRARIES
Overdrive
https://www.overdrive.com/media/4960761/poetry-in-motion
Bibliotheca
https://www.bibliotheca.com/library-self-service/
Here follows a message of Peter de Kuster, founder of The Heroine’s Journey
Are you a creative leader or creative professional looking to develop your business skills and storytelling?
Amidst today’s uncertainty, it is more important than ever to reconnect with yourself and others, develop your creative business, and build your story. Dive deep into your unique business style and areas for growth with the coaching of Peter de Kuster.
IS THE HEROINE’S JOURNEY COACHING FOR YOU?
You are a creative leader or creative professional who is interested in developing yourself, your business, and your story.
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You are aware that there are no quick fixes. Learning is a journey that works when you are fully committed to it. Coaching can bring awareness and help you navigate, but in the end it’s you who is in charge of your growth.
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You want to learn more about how to resource yourself, learn about blind spots, and get feedback.
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You are curious and want to engage in online learning.
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You are motivated to work in-between sessions on yourself (e.g. working on homework assignments that will help you develop new storytelling, skills, and behaviors).
WHAT’S YOUR COACHING QUESTION?
The Heroine’s Journey Coaching is all about your development. To make the most out of your sessions, we ask you to prepare topics to work on with Peter. These topics can serve as a starting point for further in-depth exploration with Peter.
These coaching topics typically resonate with the creative leaders Peter works with:
How can i tell the most powerful story possible about myself and my creative business?
How can I handle self promotion and marketing of my creative business better?
How do can I stay authentic and with focus when having difficult conversations with potential clients?
What are my creative values and how do I align these with my business values?
How can I manage my time and energy better?
How can I radiate confidence to my clients while feeling anxious inside?
How can I steer myself towards creative excellence without becoming rigid?
About Peter de Kuster
Peter de Kuster is the founder of The Heroine’s Journey & Hero’s Journey project, a storytelling firm which helps creative professionals to create careers and lives based on whatever story is most integral to their lives and careers (values, traits, skills and experiences). Peter’s approach combines in-depth storytelling and marketing expertise, and for over 20 years clients have found it effective with a wide range of creative business issues.
Peter is writer of the series The Heroine’s Journey and Hero’s Journey books, he has an MBA in Marketing, MBA in Financial Economics and graduated at university in Sociology and Communication Sciences.
PRICING
The Heroine’s Journey Coaching online sessions last 50 minutes and the fee is Euro 189 excluding VAT per session. The Heroine’s Journey Coaching is suitable for people at any stage in their career.
FAQ
Who can sign up for The Heroine’s Journey online coaching?
Creative leaders and creative professionals who wish to improve their business story and develop their business skills and mindset.
Should I choose 1:1 coaching?
Our The Heroine’s Journey experiences in world cities allow you to learn not only from the coach but also from your peers. For the small group coaching (1 – 4 people), we have selected important, relevant topics that we find regularly come up for creative professional: purpose, storytelling, creative confidence, self promotion, time & money and resilience.
If you would prefer to work alone or on a different topic, individual coaching is a better fit for you.
What language do we speak in the coaching sessions?
English.
Can I buy coaching for my organization?
Yes, you can! We support many organizations around the world with their coaching needs. Please contact us for more information.
Can I bring my own topics?
Yes, for individual coaching you get to choose your own topic.
Are coaching sessions confidential?
Yes. Peter will not share anything that is discussed in the coaching sessions.
Where will the coaching sessions take place?
Sessions will take place online (as per the times we live in) via an online tool like Zoom or Skype. Peter will let you know.
How do I sign up?
Send Peter a mail to theherojourneyquestionnaires@gmail.com to start booking your coaching sessions.
How do I pay?
After you send the mail, you will receive an email with a link to pay.
How do I book and reschedule sessions?
Once we’ve received your payment, Peter will contact you and book your coaching sessions. He will also support you with rescheduling sessions if needed.
What is your cancellation policy?
Individual coaching sessions can be postponed up to one week before the session.
The Heroine's Journey 