Sacramento Native coauthors book – Unbreakable Spirit with Lisa Nichols
Unbreakable Spirit
Sacramento Native, Loretta (La-Rue’) Duncan-Fowler coauthors book, Unbreakable Spirit: Rising Above the Impossible with New York times bestselling author Lisa Nichols
Sacramento author, motivational speaker and performance poet, Loretta (La-Rue’) Duncan-Fowler is a co-author on #1 bestseller, Unbreakable Spirit: Rising Above the Impossible. New York Times bestselling author Lisa Nichols presents 39 inspiring true stories of bouncing back and soaring high, against all odds. Told with unfaltering honesty, hope and compassion for all circumstances, the authors, Lisa’s “ambassadors of fortitude,” are living testaments to the unbreakable, unshakable power of the human spirit. Duncan-Fowler shares a remarkable story in “Fighting for Something Greater” of the challenges she has encountered advocating for the rights of her developmentally disabled son Raymond. She states “Everyone has some strength, something inside of them that makes them a champion. It’s not about you; your fight is always about something greater!”
Donna Ramos, Senior Staff Writer of THE HUB Magazine recently had a chance to chat with mother of 3, Loretta Duncan-Fowler who goes by LaRue’: THE HUB: How did you get involved in writing the book “Unbreakable Spirit?” LaRue’: Lisa Nichols, the author of Chicken Soup for the African-American Woman’s Soul, read my previous book “In Search of a Father’s Love”. She emailed me that she was working on an anthology. Last year’s anthology was “Living Proof the Gift That Comes Wrapped in Sandpaper”. She suggested I look at it and get back to her if I was interested in being part of the 39 authors anthology, telling how they triumphed over life’s obstacles. THE HUB: How long have you been working on this writing project? LaRue’: I wrote my part in one day. THE HUB: How big was your part? LaRue’: The book is 248 pages, each author had 3 pages. The book also has author interviews for the authors that wanted to do them. THE HUB: What inspires you to write? LaRue’: This particular story was inspired by my son when he was young. He is developmentally disabled and moving from Boston to California. I had some challenges. My son has a condition and nothing was known about it then. I go into detail about all the ignorance, objections and obstacles we encountered in my story. THE HUB: Who should read this book? LaRue’: Anybody will be inspired by the stories in this book; from mid-teens to 80 year olds. I don’t care where you come from; this book is really an exceptional book about triumphs. THE HUB: Tell us about the several hats you wear; from a full-time employee to artist, author and entrepreneur. LaRue’: Writing is the priority, the job is to finance the dream; and it allows me to write. This project we started in January, I realized I had to act like I had two jobs, so I worked from 8-5 on my job and 5-9 I block off time for writing. I’m blessed my kids are all in their own places so I can work on whatever project I’m working on. I keep a calendar and I don’t deviate from it. I tell people let me get it on the calendar. Writing is like my baby, it takes my attention. I have to do it, I have no choice. When this is done, I’m already looking for the next thing. THE HUB: 3 words that best describe you LaRue’: Loving, nurturing, a whole lot of fun. THE HUB: 3 words that best describe the book LaRue’: Inspirational, insightful, uplifting. THE HUB: What has been the most challenging moments in writing the book? LaRue’: Deciding and being open about that part of my life and telling the story. I was really concerned about the reaction and feedback I’d get from people who didn’t know about that part of my life. Writing about myself is one thing but writing about my son and exposing him is another. Also this is the first time I’ve worked on an anthology. This has been a true team effort and collaboration to bring it together. Lisa Nichols and her staff were really good about keeping us on track. Being cognizant of her time and deadlines, I made sure to get my story in early. THE HUB: What are your future writing projects? LaRue’: I am thinking of doing a workbook as a bonus project to go with my short eBook, “Inner City Woman’s Guide to Focusing Your Life to go From Negative to Positive”. It is a spin-off from “In Search of a Father’s Love.” THE HUB: Who are some of your favorite book authors and why? LaRue’: Nikki Giovanni, she’s raw and represents inner-city girls. She’s revolutionary in the way she does things; her and Angela Davis are rebels. Sonia Sanchez is my absolute favorite author, she’s one of the founders of the Black Art Movement. I don’t know why she doesn’t get the recognition Nikki and Angela gets. THE HUB: Do you have a favorite book, what’s the title? LaRue’: Besides my own, that’s a hard question to answer. There are lots, I love the Bible and I love the Old Testament, especially how it’s written. I also like “Some Sing and Some Cry” by Notozake Shang and Isa Bayeza, “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf” by Ntozake Shange. THE HUB: Anything we haven’t covered that you want people to know about you? LaRue’: Yes, I will have a book signing February 17, 2012 at Le Rivage Hotel in Sacramento. Lisa Nichols will be there too for the official book signing for “Unbreakable Spirit”. REGISTER ONLINE and receive a 10% discount on your ticket to attend and “Evening with Lisa Nichols Celebrating The Unbreakable Spirit Gala Reception and Book Launch” at while supplies last. Taking place on Friday, February 17, 2012. Tickets may also be purchased through Front Row Promotions, contact Carolyn Allen at (916) 929-2622. Read more.
For more information, contact Loretta LaRue’ Duncan-Fowler at (916) 284-7831.
Unbreakable Spirit: Rising Above the Impossible makes for an outstanding holiday gift for co-workers, family and friends.CLICK HERE to pre-order today online.
