Daily Inspiration: Meet Odelia Elgarat

Today we’d like to introduce you to Odelia Elgarat.

Thank you so much for sharing your story and insights with our readers. To kick things off, could you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was born in Paris, France, in 1974. I spent all my free time in museums, sitting on a bench and looking at art for hours. Artists like Edouard Manet, Claude Monet, Renoir, and Van Gogh colored my childhood. Art allowed me to lose myself in the colors and movements captured on the canvas.

I also spent a lot of time in libraries, nourishing my heart with the worlds of Balzac, Molière, and Voltaire. One of the first books I read was “Les Misérables” by Victor Hugo. As a child, I dreamed of being Jo March from “Little Women.”

I wrote my first story when I was 10 years old and dreamt of being an author. Unfortunately, life led me down a different path. In 2015, while living in Israel with my husband Sharon and our 4 kids, I pursued a degree in Art and Culture at Sapir College. This was when I reconnected with my inner writer. I started taking night writing classes. That’s when I began writing again after so many years. I started crafting poems and songs about anything and everything. My dream of becoming an author rekindled within me. One evening, I called my writing teacher and told her, “I want to write my story.” That’s how I started. I didn’t know exactly what I was doing, but I had the support of my teachers and friends. I embarked on writing my first book.

I initiated my memoir-writing journey in 2016. When we moved here, without family or friends, I perceived loneliness as an opportunity to fulfill my dreams. Today, I am working on four more books scheduled to be published in 2024. The dream I had when I was 10 years old has finally come true.

Has it been a smooth road for you, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road at all. My journey to becoming an author and navigating the world of writing in Colorado has been challenging. When I initially began writing my book, I was still in Israel, composing it in Hebrew.

My entire team, including editors and publishers, was based in Israel. After a few years, I translated my book into English. One of the significant obstacles I encountered was the language barrier. When we moved to the United States, I didn’t know English, which made effective communication, resource discovery, and connecting within the writing community difficult.

As I delved into the English-speaking market, I had to assemble a new team of editors, publishers, and collaborators who could understand my vision and help me refine my work. Building this support network required time and dedicated effort. Believe me, I’m still learning, as finding the right editor and publisher is challenging. I published my first book on Amazon, but my dream is to publish on other platforms as well.

Today, I’m writing my books in English. Writing within a new cultural context presents its challenges. I needed to familiarize myself with the preferences, tastes, and expectations of English-speaking readers to ensure that my writing resonates with them. This isn’t simple, but it’s crucial for my success.

The writing process in English is an unfamiliar experience for me, but it allows me to surpass my limits and constantly challenge myself. As a writer, I have to overcome challenges like all the authors in the world, such as writer’s block, where ideas seem to evaporate and words become elusive.

I’ve developed strategies to overcome my struggles as an author, such as taking brief breaks, engaging in creative exercises, finding inspiration at the Denver Art Museum, or persevering through resistance until creativity flows once more.

Thanks – So what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am currently focused on completing my second memoir titled “Never Allowed,” working on a children’s book called “Rubby Is Scared,” creating a self-help guide named “Reconciliation: A Journey to Self-Forgiveness,” and initiating a new project—an anthology centered around adoption titled “Adoption and Beyond.” I have a genuine passion for writing, and my objective is to ensure the publication of all these books by 2024.

I am aware that my writing evokes emotional responses in people and encourages them to reflect upon their own lives. I take pride in summoning the courage to share my personal narrative with others, with the hope that it can serve as a source of inspiration and resonance in their lives as well.

The distinct aspect of my writing is rooted in my experiences of living in different countries and immersing myself in diverse cultures. My journey began in France, then led me to Israel, and finally to the United States. This diverse background equips me to craft stories that resonate with a wide range of individuals.

Additionally, I’m a writing coach and a guided autobiography instructor. I assist new writers in honing their skills and finding their unique storytelling voice. Recognizing the challenges that writing can present, I create a welcoming environment where creativity can flourish.

When assisting individuals in narrating their life stories, I firmly believe that every person’s life holds valuable lessons and ideas capable of inspiring others. I encourage individuals to delve into their past, embrace their present, and envision their future. This approach results in narratives that are profound and impactful.

My writing is characterized by its honesty and openness, which serves as an example to my students and readers that authenticity and expressing genuine emotions are perfectly acceptable. I address imperfections and emotions in my work, allowing my readers to connect with the genuine human experiences within my narratives. My writing reflects vulnerability and authenticity, and to me, this represents the most genuine way to write and be.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
One aspect of my life and beliefs that might come as a surprise to most individuals familiar with me or my work is my deep spirituality and unwavering belief in God.

I am a devoted believer. Engaging in prayers and worshiping God has consistently been a central pillar of my life. I hold a deep reverence for places of worship, such as synagogues, churches, and temples, where I forge a profound connection with my inner self—similar to the connection I establish through writing, I suppose.

Growing up in a Jewish family with a Christian father who converted to Judaism for my Jewish mother, and having biological parents from differing religious backgrounds (Christian and Muslim), has left an indelible mark on me. It has instilled in me a sense of empathy and respect for individuals from all religious traditions.

My spirituality serves as a substantial source of contentment and fulfillment in my life, especially within a place of worship, such as my church. It provides me with a sense of connection to something greater than myself and operates as a guiding influence in my personal and creative journey. Moreover, I engage in active volunteering within this community, driven by my strong passion for giving back.

Embracing my spiritual convictions and the richness of my heritage has profoundly shaped my perspective as an author and writing coach. Spirituality has taught me empathy and provided me with a distinctive viewpoint on the human journey.

While people may know me as an author, the depth of my spirituality and its impact on my life and work might surprise some. It stands as an essential facet of my identity, infusing my writing, teaching, and interactions with a profound sense of purpose.

Pricing:

• GAB Program – 8 weeks online – $222
• Creative Writing – 8 weeks online – $555

Contact Info:

• Website: https://msha.ke/danslalunepublishing
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/odelia_author/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/odelia.remyelgarat
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/odelia-elgarat-33762a275/
• Other: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09K21NT91

Image Credits
Jennifer Macniven Photography