Date Published: 05-23-2025
Publisher: Holy Cow! Press
In this memoir, Stephanie Mirocha weaves a blend of botany, philosophy, personal reflections, and healing through nature from grief after the loss of her father. Trees provide the backdrop of friendly support she clings to as she revives her father's educational Tree Trek. She "speaks for the trees," bringing enthusiasm to the treks she leads. Each chapter focuses on the science of a different tree, connecting the reader with the beauty of nature, and the vitality that comes from listening to the guiding wisdom of one's inner voice.
Can you tell
us a little about the process of getting this book published? How did you come
up with the idea and how did you start?
For the first
part of this question, I did my homework by researching literary agents and
book publishers in my genre, then sent out my manuscript. I also scheduled a
literary career consultation for coaching advice through an economic and
community development, nonprofit organization devoted to the arts, which opened
doors for me. For the second part of this question, the creative ideas arrived
and began pulling together different aspects of my experiences, so I sat down,
answered that pull and started writing.
What surprised you most about
getting your book published?
How much work was involved in the
editing process.
Tell us a little about what you
do when you aren’t writing
I’m a visual artist as my fulltime
profession and practice for what is now a 26-year career. For fun I love
biking, hiking, botany, gardening, swimming, cooking with whole foods and
reading.
As a published author, what
would you say was the most pivotal point of your writing life?
Having a publisher interested
enough to invest his funds in my work for the sole reason of bringing my work
and my words into the world was validating, to say the least.
Where do you get your best
ideas and why do you think that is?
My ideas come from my experiences
in the world, engaging with people, nature and ideas that strike my creativity.
There isn’t one thing or muse that I go to. Keeping one’s eyes, mind and heart
open is the key.
What is the toughest criticism
given to you as an author?
My goal is to touch peoples’
hearts. If I receive criticism, I tend to turn that into a positive tool if it
helps me continue towards that goal.
What has been your best
accomplishment as a writer?
When I feel that I have
successfully translated or captured my ideas in a descriptive and creative way,
that is the best accomplishment. On a different level, receiving payment for my
writing to be published is an honor I’m very grateful for.
How many unpublished and
half-finished books do you have?
I have one novel waiting in the
wings. I also have a manuscript of poetry as well as short stories that I’m
working on.
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