About the Book

Book: Able Soul

Author: Lucy Goncalves

Genre: Christian Inspirational Devotional

Release date: April 27, 2019

No stranger to adversity, Lucy Goncalves was deprived of oxygen at birth. She has lived her entire life with cerebral palsy, and the daily challenges she must face as a result.

In her award-winning debut book Able Soul: Empowering God’s Spirit Within, she explores the ground-breaking lessons garnered from embracing her struggles rather than giving up on God because of them. On the backdrop of personal stories from her life, along with related scriptures and prayers, you will find proof that the Holy Spirit is always accessible. God works with you in the midst of all your challenges.

By inviting God’s spirit in daily, Lucy has received tangible communications from God. She shares how the power of these soul-lifting reflections will lead you out of the darkness and steadfast toward pure contentment.

Click here to get your copy!

AND NOW AN INTERVIEW WITH THE AUTHOR

1. How long does it take you to write a book?

Overall, the book took me 5 years to complete and self-published. Initially, I started blogging sharing my faith journey. With positive feedback from readers, I gained confidence in my writing ability. Overall, it took about 4 years. One of the reasons why it took so long is because I needed to dictate to my assistant. I have cerebral palsy along with a speech impediment. Unfortunately, I’m not able to use voice dictation software as my speech pattern varies.

2. What tactics do you have when writing? Do you just sit down and start writing? Or have an outline plan before?

Since I had to dictate to another person, I like to pray before I write as I need to let go of my insecurities. Also, prayer calms me down. My ideas flow smoother. I have more inspiration.

3. What do you hope readers will take away from this story?
My answer is twofold. “I hope the readers are encouraged and feel inspired to explore their relationship with God in a deeper way, and I hope they gain a broader understanding on disability issues in a relatable way.”

4. What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned through years of writing?
My biggest misconception about writing is that I need to get it right the first time. I had to be cohesive. This fear prevented me from writing for years. A friend recommended a book to me by Anne Lamont called Bye Bye Birdie, where she breaks down the writing process. I learned that it’s ok to write anything to write what you think is crap as eventually, it will lead to the good stuff. It’s challenging to do by dictation as I have to trust my assistant to understand the process.

5. What do you know now that you wish you’d known at the beginning of your writing/publishing journey?

As I self-published my book, I thought that writing would be the difficult part. However, marketing is the most challenging aspect. I didn’t know how important it was to get reviews prior to publishing. Also, it takes a lot of work to get exposure for my book. I’m very grateful for this book blog opportunity. Thank you so much for having me as a guest and for taking time to read my book.

6. As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

I wanted to be a teacher or counsellor

7. Your favorite pastime or hobby?

I love adventure. Outdoor recreation. Anything near the water.

8. What is the most amusing thing that has ever happened to you?
One time my power chair stopped working and the only way for me to get home was in a police van. Interesting prospective when you are sober.

About the Author

Author, Advocate, Adventure Sport Enthusiast, Able Soul

Lucy Goncalves began her writing career by penning a sought-after blog, ‘Able Soul’ where she shares her life experiences of living with a disability, and in the midst of it found hope, faith, and the greatest love of all. Due to a lack of oxygen at birth, Lucy acquired Cerebral Palsy. She uses a powerchair for mobility, wrestling with chronic muscle spasms, and has a speech impediment, yet has fought through these obstacles to tell her story. She is the epitome of overcoming adversity.

Lucy is the daughter of Portuguese Canadian immigrants from Northern Portugal. She was raised in Kitimat, British Columbia and has been living independently in North Vancouver for the past few decades. She obtained a Bachelor of Business Administration and has chaired several nonprofit boards, including the InterFit Society, an organization that exists to remove barriers for people with disabilities to access outdoor recreational adventures.

Anyone who has met Lucy Goncalves can attest to her radiant personality, intellect, quick wit, sense of adventure and to the depth of her character. In her book, she shares candid reflections of her life living with a disability, the abuse she encountered, and the freedom she found with God. She hopes that you too will discover your own Able Soul story.

More from Lucy

Before writing the book, I felt a bit lost and frustrated, not having my voice completely heard. I felt that I had a lot to offer especially in regards to my faith. As a person with a disability, sometimes it’s difficult to be taken seriously, as an equal. Through prayer I began to write and started a blog. With positive feedback from readers, I gained confidence in my writing ability which led to the book.