Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
BRENDA RIDGLEY is an author, coach, speaker, and girlfriend guru who loves helping women connect, find success, and discover joy through friendship. Her mission is to start a movement: women coming together to build thousands of new Lady Tribes around the globe. Through her coaching, workshops, retreats, blogs, and Podcast - "Find Your Lady Tribe", Brenda helps women connect and communicate with respect, love, and trust. Currently she is writing her second book - "And She Lived...". She holds an MA in human resources and has spent decades cultivating her own Tribe. A Colorado girl at heart, Brenda lives in the Carbon Valley area with her husband, Parker, two kids, Parker Jr. and Gillian, and pooch, Perry. She enjoys hiking and has conquered Longs Peak and several other 14’ers. To connect with Brenda, visit her website at http://www.BrendaRidgley.com.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Lady and the Tribe is about the woman and her journey through the roles in her life as wife, mother and professional, and how they often lead us to "let ourselves go". We fully commit to our roles and neglect our own interests, activities and friendships. Based on the author's life stories and those of other women, she was inspired to write the book to help women reconnect to their passions, purpose and people because of her own experience losing herself, and finding her way back. Lady and the Tribe is a blueprint for women who feel dissatisfied and become inspired about their life again.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don't like to write in my office. I set up my workstation in our home's parlor, the room where we keep all of our sentimental family heirlooms. Photographs, books, grandmothers quilt, antiques and knick-knacks are some of the treasures I surround myself with. I always light a candle, wear comfy clothing and enjoy hot tea or coffee when I write. I cherish this time to write as a "get-to" in my life, not a "have-to".
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Neale Donald Walsch, Abraham Hicks, Norman Vincint Peal, Napoleon Hill, Earl Nightingale, Don Miguel Ruiz
What are you working on now?
My next book, "And She Lived, Happily Ever After" is for women experiencing a life transition. Perhaps the kids are moving out, parents are moving in, divorce, death or even a new beginning of sorts. And She Lived is for and about gaining clarity and making the most out of our next chapter, whatever it may be, and living a full life of joy, eagerness and excitement. I am working on my 2nd women's "Whole YOU Retreat", a 4-day gathering in beautiful Breckenridge Colorado where women connect to nurture their divine feminine spirit with deep work and attention to their own mind, body and soul. Our goal is for women to discover a path to wholeness and leave with a "spark" of excitement about what is next. I am launching a number of individual and group coaching programs helping women find what inspires them and guide them on a path to fulfilment and meaning.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Lady and the Tribe is available on Amazon and at Barnes & Noble. I also offer personalized signed copies through my website: https://www.brendaridgley.com/getthebook
Which Websites you like most to promote your book
Global Book Awards - Silver Medalist
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don't wait for things to slow down to write that book! Set a do-able small daily/weekly goal and start today!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don't worry, everything is as it should be, you are exactly where you need to be right now.
What are you reading now?
The Buddha and the Badass
What’s next for you as a writer?
I have a personal story in a book being published for the holiday season 2023 called "The Heart of Christmas".
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Conversations with God, The Four Agreements, The Power of NOW, The Stand