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Due to the current COVID-19 guidelines and precautions, most of the world is at home and running out of fruitful things to do with their time on a daily basis. With thousands of schools and businesses shut down, and the high stress levels regarding the unknown details of the current pandemic, we are coming to snag your attention with some interesting insight from a young woman, survivor, mother and now author. Sabrina Lewis is a champion in her victories through life altering experiences, such as growing up with a drug-addicted parent and navigating her way through the system as a victim of abuse and neglect. Today, she shares with us some of the strategies and challenges behind the execution of her first book.

There is no doubt that we are smack in the middle of a worldwide crisis, however, we refuse to shrink the opportunities of each moment to accommodate the energy it takes to be more upset and further out of sorts. Instead, we will keep you fed with valuable and inspiring information, as well as current news and entertainment. — Let’s get into the scene behind the scenes of Sabrina’s book, Running In The Clouds.

What initially inspired you to turn your personal story into a story for the whole world to experience? 

The older I get; I realize I have a survivor story. I started hearing a lot of people with a Similar upbringing, who lacked love and parenting… saying I can’t do it. I just want everyone to know you don’t have to be a product of where you came from; we all make our own paths and we all can be better than we were yesterday. Love yourself, fix what you think is wrong and stay focused.

How did your past life experiences help to shape you into the woman you are today?

My mom was on drugs my whole life and me watching that; I never wanted or never did touch a drug growing up. I never had that mother to go to and talk to or just to know my mother has my back. So, today I am very hands-on with my kids. They get extra hugs kisses and “I love you” all day and every day. As long as I’m on this earth my kids will always know mommy got me.

Were there any initial fears when it came to exposing specific details of real stories, passions and pains?

I used to be embarrassed about certain things that happened to me as a kid, but as I got older I noticed I am not alone and I also found out that by telling my story, it made a lot of people open up and now ready to tell their stories.

What was your support system like as you went through the process of curating your book?

I had a great support system! My kids’ father/my husband really inspired me to write it. He has all ways thought of my story as strength and as a way I could help others once I talk about it. My friends couldn’t wait; they were just excited as me.

How has this book release helped you internally? 

More and more people are sharing their truths in forms of novels and it seems to be such a freeing process. 

It feels great to not have any secret (laughs) my book was raw and uncut; my truth, my story.  I just laughed with my home girl Michelle telling her girl I’m an open book, now she said, “Literally you are.” (Laughs).

Would you be so kind to share one of the challenges you faced as you navigated the process of becoming an author, and how you managed to overcome it? 

I fought with myself on it. Did I really want to say this in my book, do I really want to tell the world what happened to me? I had fear up into the day I put the book out.

What do you hope/intend for the reader to learn or experience through reading your story?

I want the kids to learn, and to know that if something is going on with you, to tell somebody, and if that person doesn’t believe you, tell somebody else. I want everybody to learn that it’s important to forgive and move on; and I also want the women and men that have faced any unfair run-ins with the law: you are not alone. There are so many of us out in this world that do not have a voice when it comes to the DEA & FBI. It is them against us and we have to stay strong. Don’t give up; life can still be good. This too shall pass.

Please share with us the significance of your book title; Running in The Clouds. 

The title Running in the Clouds came from a specific part of my childhood. I was running in fear from my mom; I was running so fast it felt like I was running in the clouds I remember that day so clearly. When I first started writing my book I talked about different parts of my life and this part stood out to Treavion Devonport. She questioned me to help me bring my book out of myself. 

What is a piece of advice you would give to the person looking to turn their pain and experiences into testimony and purpose? 

My advice would be no matter what you have overcome in the past, it’s always great to tell your story, your good news. We the people need to always hear a testimony; a breakthrough, because a lot of the time you’re helping to heal others that haven’t gotten that far yet.                        

How would you describe the feeling when receiving feedback and seeing the impact your story has on its readers? Is there any plan for a second book whether the same or different topic? 

The feedback I’m getting is breath taking the first thing everybody says is you’re strong, and I didn’t know any of this about you. Yes, there is plans on another book; a part two, because I have more to talk about on the same topic. To be continued. 

Running In the Clouds is available on Kindle Read & Amazon.

Stay connected with Sabrina M. Lewis by following her on Instagram today!