Budding Writer Kristy Sidlar

This week’s Writer Wednesday features Kristy Sidlar from Troy, Michigan! Kristy is working with DWR coach Elizabeth Atkins on her first book, which chronicles her holistic approach to life resulting from a 25-year health battle she fought and won. Kristy is a new DWR member, and her story is one we can’t wait to read!

What writing projects are you currently working on?

My first book ever — part memoir / part life advice.

What is your favorite part of the writing process? 

Reading that chapter or paragraph for the 14th time and thinking, “Yep. That’s it!”

What does your writing workspace look like?

I’m pretty unconventional. Sometimes it’s my office, sometimes it’s the screened porch, sometimes it’s my bed. I tend to use a dictation software for my initial go at a chapter, so I like to be where no one else can hear me. 

What has it been like writing about your own health journey? What do you hope people take away from your book and experiences?

The reflection has been incredible — 25 years of learnings, and laughter, and panic, and hope and ultimately a new heart. I never thought I could love a body part so much, but I pat my chest everyday and thank my donor family for my amazing new ticker! My book is less about my health and more about the holistic approach I have taken to life. I truly believe people can make changes at any stage that can help them overcome challenges (and even trauma) with a few — minor or significant — lifestyle tweaks and outlook adjustments.

What is your favorite non-writing hobby?

Creating greeting cards with watercolor brush pens. 

What is a piece of writing advice that has helped you?

I have to say that spending an hour with my DWR coach Elizabeth Atkins was one of the best professional experiences of my life. Her validation, of course, was gratifying, but her recommendations on wrapping social and PR and timing and guest speakers to my book launch and build-up were so eye-opening. I bounded down the stairs after our call and announced to my family, “Oh my gosh! I’m going to be an author!”

Follow Kristy on Instagram at @kristy.sidlar.