In the words of Brene' Brown "Owning your story can be hard but not nearly as difficult as spending our lives running from it." Author Anastasia Bauer is doing just that "owning her story." In her new memoir called "#Winning," she divulges her journey and the hardships she has endured throughout her life. This book is for those who have experienced failure, abuse, financial disasters, divorce, drug addiction, rape, isolation, and much more. Anastasia's hope is that readers will feel a sense of comfort and hope that there is always light at the end of the tunnel.
Anastasia is Michigan-based. She is a first-time author but has plans to continue writing. She has already started the sequel to "#Winning" which picks up where the first book left off. She also has plans to shift gears and write poetry. Keep reading for our exclusive interview with her.
How would you describe your book “#Winning?”
There are several adjectives used to describe #winning. Some of them are raw, organic, graphic, detailed, deep, and sexual. It is an autobiography about a young woman who has experienced many hardships, which started at a very young age. There is believed to be a sexual curse that has haunted her and her family for generations, and the author is determined to get to the bottom of it and hopefully stop it. The book talks about several aspects of human behavior and asks questions about why we do what we do, and why we allow people to treat us poorly, etc. The majority of the book is kind of dark and twisted but ends with a “light at the end of the tunnel”, hopefully giving hope to anyone who has experienced similar hardships.
Your book details many hardships you have endured throughout your life. What kept you going during those times?
As a child and teenager, I am not exactly sure what kept me going during those times, but all I can figure is that I had guardian angels protecting me. I also believe that my disposition was one in which I just never let much bring me down. People are unaware that when they try to hurt me or bring me down it only adds fuel to my fire. It makes me stronger and motivates me even more to be the exact opposite of how they want me to feel or be.
As an adult, I would say that my children and my schooling kept me going. I wrote that when I got divorced, I was either going to go back to school or become an alcoholic, so I did both. That statement was meant to be kind of funny, but also kind of true. I definitely used alcohol as a crutch because it was one of the only things that eased my anxiety, even though it was also a major cause of it. But school and my children were my positive focus and held me accountable; I knew that I could never fail them.
And of course, my belief in God kept me going through all of it. I knew deep down that God had bigger plans for me and that someday all of this would make sense and there would be a purpose in it. Hopefully to help somebody else.
Your book is very personal. Was it difficult to write it?
The actual writing itself, as in putting thoughts into words and then onto paper was easy. I started writing when I was 12 and I love to do it and I love words and reading so that just comes naturally for me. But what was difficult was processing what I was writing. I’ve had many sleepless nights thinking about what I have written, what it all means, who am I going to hurt, who is going to understand, did I make it too graphic and detailed, am I really not a normal person, etc. I finished the book and never read it until I had to during the editing process. I have no intentions of ever reading it again, that part is difficult.
Also, when you write a story about actual events without any “stretching of the truth”, it makes it easier. There is no coming up with other scenarios or worrying about covering up your story. It’s all true. However, I’m not so convinced that I’m not going to be called a liar. People don’t like the truth or being exposed. But for the record, this book is not about exposing people or about revenge. I just merely told my story.
Can you tell us why you chose the title?
I truly believe that every person has or is going through a battle. Whether it be an addiction, depression, anxiety, pornography, suicidal ideation, rejection, obesity, fear, anger, relationships, jealousy… the list goes on and on. Everyone everywhere is dealing with something negative and I have faith and belief that they can “win” the battle. It’s not easy, it’s quite the opposite, but it can be done. If I can come out “winning” what I have gone through, so can you.
What do you feel you learned from writing your book?
I am not sure if I can answer this question just yet. I am still in limbo and uncertain of what this all means. I really have no idea what is happening with my book. The publishing process ended, and they were basically like good luck.
I suppose I’ve learned that I can become a published author.
A couple of people have said that writing my story was a way to help me, but I don’t think so. This book is for someone else. I’m just not sure who yet.
What is the main message you hope readers take away from your book?
That you can overcome anything you’re going through. You can take all the negative that people say about you or how they make you feel and turn it into good.
Are you working on any other books?
I started another book that takes off where #winning ends. It is written as a novel though and maybe one of the craziest stories I have to tell.
I also am working on a book composed of poems inspired by the good times in my childhood and good memories of my children. I had all of Shel Silverstein’s books growing up and loved them all, so it is kind of similar.
