Inspirational Women (centre) by Natalie Stockdale (right) and writing the first book on her yacht (left). Photos by Natalie Stockdale and Big Sky Publishing
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Campfire for a Woman’s Heart: Stories of Resilience from Inspirational Women by Natalie Stockdale is without doubt an empowering read.
It features tales of tragedy and trauma from 25 outstanding international women.
Significantly released ahead of Mother’s Day, the book is the second in the Campfire for the Heart series by Big Sky Publishing.
So keep reading to discover more about Stockdale, her latest book and her tips for life-story creators…
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Natalie Stockdale’s Campfire for a Woman’s Heart
Learning from experience
I’m an author and resilience coach who is on a mission to make happier, resilient people.
Indeed I believe pain is a valuable life experience given to us as an opportunity to learn, grow and flourish.
In short, it’s not what happens to us that matters as much as how we react to what happens.
Certainly I learned this the hard way.
Following my traumatic marriage break up in 2009, I was distressed, grief-stricken and lacked the knowledge to rebuild my life.
Then 18 months later I ended up with cancer.
Without doubt I wish I knew then what I know now about the link between stress and health as well as between our mind and our body.
Similarly I wish I knew then that despite what happens to us, happiness is a choice.
Next I resigned from my job as CEO of the Jane Goodall Institute Australia and entered into the world of wellness.
Now I help people to rise from tragedy and trauma with greater resilience, strength and wisdom.
Why write Campfire for a Woman’s Heart?
One of my clients who was suffering from extreme anxiety asked me: “How do other people make the pain go away and find happiness again?”
So I began writing a series of books to find the answers.
The first book, Campfire for the Heart, is about 30 inspirational Australians.
The second book, Campfire for a Woman’s Heart, features 25 stories about international women who overcome a range of hardships.
For example: Taliban terror, illegal imprisonment and torture, to the tragic loss of loved ones, diseases, abuse and injuries.
However, what they all have in common is a ‘never give up’ attitude and a heartfelt desire to help others by sharing their story.
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Writing Campfire for a Woman’s Heart
How I made a start
The first Campfire book took 18 months and I wrote it while living on my boat on the Sunshine Coast during the COVID pandemic.
Because I didn’t have a publisher at that stage, I was under no pressure.
So I worked in between morning and afternoon swims and beach walks.
In contrast, my second book, Campfire for a Woman’s Heart, took six months.
But I was under a lot of pressure to meet a deadline for the publisher.
Therefore I had no life balance, no time for exercise or anything else.
Consequently, I lost my fitness and gained a lot of weight.
When I write my next book, I hope to find a happy balance!
Following a creative process
I spent more time sourcing stories for Campfire for a Woman’s Heart than I did writing and editing them.
Of course I wanted a broad range of stories to reflect a broad range of life experiences.
Once I sourced the storytellers, I gave them a set of questions to which they responded either in writing or orally.
After that their responses were woven into a story and given back for approval or changes.
Indeed it often took several drafts until we were both happy.
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Dealing with difficulties and reaping rewards
Certainly the hardest part of writing Campfire for a Woman’s Heart was finding willing storytellers who have a good yarn.
In particular those who could articulate how they overcame their situation and found peace and happiness again.
Therefore it took a lot of time and research to find the ideal contributors.
Also I love discovering how my books affect people – both the storytellers and the readers.
For example, some contributors said the process heightened their self-awareness.
While others found the process quite therapeutic.
Likewise I love receiving feedback from readers about how particular stories have touched or helped them in some way.
Reflecting on Campfire for a Woman’s Heart
Highlights from the second book
I admire every storyteller in Campfire for a Woman’s Heart.
However, we each resonate with some stories more than others.
For instance, I admire Amina Abaza for the way she confronts animal cruelty in Egypt despite the overwhelming challenges.
In addition, I love the way Tamana from Afghanistan retains hope and gratitude despite Taliban oppression.
Similarly I can’t help smiling whenever I think about Regina from war-torn Ukraine describing her unknown future in Australia as “thrilling”.
Also I admire Linda Stanley for hiking across Europe on the Camino after doctors told her she would never walk again.
Finally, I love the many stories where people found purpose from their tragedy or trauma.
Advice for life-story creators
Most importantly focus on the lessons of your experiences, rather than just a narrative of what happened.
Because it’s the wisdom gained from your experiences that gives value to your readers.
One of my favourite proverbs: “Tell me the facts and I’ll learn. Tell me the truth and I’ll believe. But tell me a story and it will live in my heart forever.”
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Final say
Campfire for a Woman’s Heart: Stories of Resilience from Inspirational Women by Natalie Stockdale is a beacon of hope.
Certainly it is packed with gutsy tales but importantly it shows recovery from tragedy and trauma is possible.
So grab a copy for yourself – or your mum for Mother’s Day – from Big Sky Publishing, leading bookshops and online.
Also visit Stockdale’s website for more about her books and resilience coaching.
Happy writing!
Please note: If you need someone to talk to: Beyondblue, Lifeline Australia, Kids Help Line.
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