Fran Briggs: Good morning, Miriam. Thank you for making the time to meet with us today.

Miriam Jacobs: Thank you, Fran. I am grateful to be able to share with you.

F.B. Your work is phenomenal. But, before we talk about it, could you share with us more about your background?

M.J. Sure, Fran. Thank you for asking. I have lived an amazing life - I know this, today. There were some times, however, when I didn't believe that my life was wonderful. Today, I know that the trials that I lived through were necessary in order for me to draw strength and build character. My father was a minister and we were a close-knit family. My mother was, and still is, the strong backbone of the family. I am married three times, I have three grown children and three granddaughters.

F.B. Becoming a publisher, that's huge. How intimidating was it when you first became one?

M.J. It was not something that was planned. It just, happened! I was in the process of publishing my own books through online self-publishing venues when I realized that these companies reaped the benefit of my hard work. Doing fund raising to raise money for my granddaughter's facial surgeries was my main objective. Writing and publishing inspirational books was my method of raising funds while educating and inspiring others. The publishing company happened and I am grateful for the challenges and the rewards.

F.B. Is there an ebb and flow as it pertains to your book releases?

M.J. Oh, what an excellent question, Fran! Like everything in life, there is an ebb and flow. There are times when autobiographies come along that are so moving that they must be published and released. Then, poetry books present with the most incredible verses that the inspirational words shine with brilliance! Therefore the releases are pure poetic genius. Candalyse Publishing has a reputation for publishing true life works that inspire and empower.

F.B. After publishing in various other forms, what brought you to the anthology, and what were some of the opportunities afforded to you along the way?

M.J. The anthology series, How to Jump From a Ferris Wheel and Land on Your Feet, was definitely God-inspired. I wanted to use my painful life experiences to encourage other people to never give up hope. I wanted to illustrate that although our lives can be extremely difficult at times, the adversity can be used as catalysts to new and better lives.

Then, it occurred to me that the more stories that were shared, the greater the opportunity to reach people who may be dealing with issues that I have yet to. Hence, the birth of the Ferris Wheel series.

F.B. Where did you get the idea for the Ferris Wheel Series?

M.J. I wanted to use a visual that would show people what it feels like to be in a place of adversity where we feel trapped. The Ferris wheel is what it felt like to me during the most difficult of times; stuck and unable to get off as the cycle went around and around, seemingly without end.

F.B. At what point did you know that the Ferris Wheel Series was going to be a thematic sequel?

M.J. Wow, awesome question! I knew that after the first volume was prepared for press that the stories would continue to pour in from women in the world who had dealt with traumatic life situations. I wanted those women to have an opportunity to share their stories of pain and loss, then ultimate victory and success.. this would take additional volumes and would reach more and more people. Volumes three and four are all ready filling with stories!

F.B.Many times people express themselves, but come short of connecting fully with their reader. This was not the case with your authors - even the first-time authors. What do you attribute to the phenomenal success?

M.J. Fran, experience has taught me that when we are passionate about sharing from personal experience with the intention of helping others, we share straight from the heart and soul. These women who shared their pasts - the real nitty-gritty, the deep pain, the extreme violence, the traumatic events - they did it with passion. The stories are riveting, gripping and mind-blowing. To know that these women all survived their personal Ferris wheel rides is nothing short of miraculous, thus, their stories are credible and leads to hope for a positive outcome for others.

F.B. Writers often say that while reading a book, something moved them enough to put the book down and start writing immediately. Have you ever been inspired in such a way?

M.J. Yes! Just as I finished reading David Pelzer's book, A Child Called It. I was moved to write a review of the book and in turn share some of my own childhood abuse. Although no where near as horrifying as David's life, it was my story and I knew that it could help save someone.

F.B. Are there any other books that you have read recently that you've really enjoyed?

M.J. Yes. The Long Journey Home by Faye Whitbeck

It's about a young woman who is charmed by a man who she eventually marries. She becomes a victim of emotional,domestic violence. Ironically, it takes her serving on an domestic abuse committee that she, too was a victim of domestic violence albeit it's not physical; it's still violence.

F.B. Many entrepreneurs will admit that there were several challenges they had to master before connecting with their vision. What were the obstacles involved following your decision to become a published author?

M.J. Well, finding balance with the writing career and family was the biggest obstacle. It took several months to get this balanced where I had time and opportunity to write, work on projects and spend time with my family.

F.B. When writing, is there ever a middle before the beginning?

M.J. No, not really, Fran. I have had the ending on awakening from sleep. Then I grab my pen and start writing the ending. I will then take to the computer and create the rest of the story or poem.

F.B. What has been your biggest surprise since becoming a publisher?

M.J. Well now, the biggest surprise since becoming a publisher would have to be learning how many people have a quiet determination to become best-selling authors. I had no idea that poets and bloggers are also 'closet wannabe' published authors. I always encourage them to do whatever it takes to get published.

F.B. What advice do you have for the aspiring author?

M.J. I say never give up on your dreams. If you believe in yourself and take actions to make those dreams come true , they will! Never give up hope! Although discouraging events occur, that is a part of life. Use these opportunities to try other methods of achieving your dreams.

F.B. You have partnered with several other professionals from different industries; tell us about the genesis of your decision, and why do you think it has gone so well.

M.J. I realize that alone I am nothing. With God, I can do anything. When He leads me to something, I tend to do it. People have asked me to join with them for certain causes or projects. It is always a learning experience and for me, that is what life is all about. Lessons and blessings.

F.B. What do you do to relax?

M.J. I love music, Fran. It has been a calming mood stabilizer for me since childhood. I will play music, a wide variety of genres, as often as I can throughout my day. I tend to work with music playing. I drive with music blaring. I garden with the iPod on. It is something that feeds and nurtures my soul and brings me great enjoyment. I also crochet and watch movies while I do. I get twice the relaxation in half the time!

F.B. Was there ever a time when you second-guessed your publishing or writing abilities? If so, how did you overcome it?

M.J. Oh, definitely! I had recently questioned my purpose; is it writing and publishing or is it helping humanity? I realized that I can do both and feel very good about it. Writing and publishing - sharing, expounding on what I am passionate about - is my small contribution to helping humanity. As I continue to write and publish my books, and those inspirational stories of other authors, the message is getting to the masses; hope, respect, tolerance, unconditional love, compassion, kindness, courage, friendship, faith.

F.B. What makes you most happy?

M.J. (Laughing) Happiness is relative to what is going on at any given time. Happiness is peace of mind and serenity. Harmony and joy. Balance in my life, health in my body, and good people around me. What makes me happy are the wonderful people who I have encountered during my journey through life. God has placed some amazing folks in my life, Fran.

F.B. What's next for Miriam L. Jacobs?

M.J. My granddaughter, Candace, and I are headed to Dallas in July to attend a conference for families of children born with GCN. After that we are headed to Chicago for her tenth facial reconstructive surgery. During this time, I will continue to do whatever God leads me to.

F.B. Thank you, Mimi for the honor to interview today.

M.J. God bless you, Fran. I am grateful to have met you and for having this amazing opportunity to share a little about myself and my purpose in this world. Have a blessed and incredible day.

On assignment with eMediaCampaigns! Fran Briggs interviewed Miriam L. Jacobs in April, 2008. To contact her personally, please send an email to candalysepublishing.gmail.com or visit her website: http://candalysepublishing.com

Want to hire this writer? Crystal clear, content-rich and compelling communications should be the mandate as it pertains to your business or organization. Fran Briggs is an accomplished and award-winning writer. She is one of our best and is available on a contract basis to dynamically put your vision into words. Areas of expertise include short copy, press releases, investigative reports, radio spots, publicity, public relations, website content, and editorial. Write franbriggs.aol.com Fran is also an author, peak performance coach, motivational speaker, and the President of The Fran Briggs Companies, an organization dedicated to the personal and professional development of individuals and groups around the globe. Ms. Briggs is a dynamic keynote speaker and specializes in personal empowerment trainings. Her audiences include national corporations, non-profit organizations, youth groups, faith-based organizations, schools and universities. She presents content-rich, immediately applicable powerful modules in an engaging, tell-it-like-it-is style. For more information including how to book Fran for speaking engagements, visit http://franbriggs.com