Interview with Author, Cherie Burbach

This morning I want to introduce you all to author, Cherie Burbach. Cherie has wrote a book on ways you can help someone with diabetes. I believe this book is a great way to start learning about the disease.  Please check out 21 Simple Things You Can Do To Help Someone With Diabetes.

Would you tell us a little about 21 Simple Things You Can Do To Help Someone With Diabetes?

Sure! 21 Simple Things You Can Do to Help Someone With Diabetes is equal parts guide and etiquette book and will help people learn what they should (and shouldn’t) say, what they ought to learn to truly be supportive, and even how they can help in the fight for a cure.

Was there a lot of research in writing 21 Simple Things You Can Do To Help Someone With Diabetes?
Since it’s not a medical book, the only research I needed to do was talk to others with diabetes. I also have had Type 1 diabetes for twenty years so I relied a lot on what I’ve experienced over the years.

Who do you think should read your book? Diabetics only, family members of diabetics or someone else?
My intention with the book was to get friends and family members to have a better understanding about the personal side of diabetes. So often we hear about diet and exercise, but diabetes is more than that. The book is short and a quick read (by design) so it’s perfect for diabetics to share with their non-diabetic friends and family.

When were you diagnosed with diabetes? Tell us how you found out.
I was in my early 20s and training for a biathlon. I had all the classic symptoms (thirst, hunger, fatigue) and thought maybe I was just trying to do too much. I went to see the doctor and he instantly tested me for diabetes. At that time I thought only kids got Type 1 diabetes, so I was shocked to find out I had it. I also thought it was a disease people got if they weren’t healthy, and I was in the best shape of my life. So it was a surprise.

What are some myths about diabetes you’d like to share with us?
I’ll start with one I used to think myself before I had the disease: that only unfit or overweight people got it. Like I said, I was in the best shape of my life when I was diagnosed, so I found out first-hand about the reality of that myth.

Another common myth is that diabetics have to eat a super strict or odd diet. Diabetics just need to eat healthy. They watch portions, especially when they are on insulin. They can have treats occasionally. They eat like everyone should, with a healthy, balanced diet.

Do others ever fear you? (By this I mean once my father became a diabetic I was terrified of making him something that would kill him, even with his menu because he had to have exacts)
I’m so glad you asked this! Yes, they either fear me or totally ignore my needs. What I mean is, some people (and God bless them) try so hard to cook especially “for me.” They go out of their way to find sugar free recipes and think they need to do something so different in order to have me for dinner.

On the other hand, I have other friends that are so oblivious to my diabetes that they never even have sugar-free soda around when they invite me over. They offer me only sugared sodas or booze to drink. Sometimes I end up drinking tap water or just run to the convenience store myself when I visit them.

Now let’s dip into your life. What’s your daily schedule like and how do you add writing to the mix?
I’m usually up and at my desk by 7:30 every morning. First thing I do is update my writers blog with job leads and articles. Then I answer email, jump on Facebook and Twitter, and plan out the rest of my day. From then it depends on what I have going on. Client deadlines come first, so I prioritize by that. I work on client projects most of the morning. By late afternoon, I like to update my other blogs and then write articles or books.

I usually take a break in the afternoon to do a little playtime with my dog, run errands, take a nap (smile!) or whatever. I also take a break at about five to make dinner, eat with my family, clean up, and usually do some type of writing or social networking at night a couple times a week.

What inspires you to write?
Anything and everything. There has never been a day where I didn’t find inspiration from something I was doing. Most of the things I write for pay (nonfiction books and articles) originate from my curiosity and belief that people want to know about it. My poetry comes mainly from my feelings, and the fiction work comes from stories I just felt like making up.

How many books do you currently have out? (What are they?) Do you have any in the works?
I have an online dating book called Internet Dating is Not Like Ordering a Pizza, and a book of poetry called Father’s Eyes. I also have four ebooks: Date Ideas for Every Season, The Difference Now (poetry), A New Dish (poetry) and At the Coffee Shop (dating.)

What would you like to say to someone wanting to write a book?
Keep writing and polishing and learning about the publishing business. Writing is the fun, creative part. Publishing is the business end. Never let the ups and downs of business interfere with the dreams of writing, but be realistic. Learn all you can so you can approach it with an educated viewpoint.

What would you like to say at this time?
Thanks so much for having me!

Thank you for joining us today Cherie, may your book soar through the diabetic community. You can pick up a copy of 21 Simple Things You Can Do To Help Someone With Diabetes at Amazon.com for $8.99.