Today I’ll be hosting Vivianne Knebel author of Lessons Learned About Life and Love: Living with Intention and with Wisdom from Great Minds in my blog. It is my pleasure to welcome Ms. Knebel to this episode of the author interview.

  • When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

My traumatic life experiences prompted me to write my first book From Rubble To Champagne. It is about the many challenges I had to overcome growing up in the aftermath of Hitler‘s Nazi Germany.

  • How long have you been writing?

I am 79 years old and started writing fairly late at age 70. Writing always appealed to me, however, due to hardship, I dropped out of school in order to join the workforce. With only eight years of formal education and as a non-native English speaker, I had doubts about becoming a writer.

  • What inspired you to write Lessons Learned About Life and Love: Living with Intention and with Wisdom from Great Minds?

I hope that others will benefit from my message. I am a woman on a mission to help those that feel defeated and suppressed. In this book, I distilled my life lessons and how they have been impacted by the teachings of my distinguished mentors, philosophers and great minds. I take the reader on another journey as I meet new challenges, dealing with them with hope and positivity. I share how I stay upbeat and positive, while still finding joy and meaning when confronting adversity. It is a guide to living, loving, and thriving in old age. One need not look far to understand the secrets to live well.

You can now purchase Kindle and Hardcover versions of Lessons Learned About Life and Love: Living with Intention and with Wisdom from Great Minds from Amazon.com
  • What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?

I would say vulnerability. In order not to cheat the reader, one has to be open and reveal all. Vulnerability is about connection and builds bridges. By having the courage to face fear, I allow myself to be deeply seen.

  • What is the most surprising thing you discovered while writing your book?

I found out that writing has a healing effect. When I write, there is a complete absence of discontent and helplessness and I feel empowered.

  • Who is your favorite author and why?

My favorite author would be Dr. Wayne W. Dyer. I consider him my mentor. His books are full of important teachings that push people to live, work hard, better themselves, and find beauty in adverse situations.

  • What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?

Wisdom of the Ages by Dr. Wayne W. Dyer. Man’s Search For Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl. The Choice by Dr. Edith Eva Eger.

  • If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?

Grateful, positive, and empathetic. I would like my life to be a statement of love and compassion.

  • Writing can be an emotionally draining and stressful pursuit. Any tips for aspiring writers?

I do not find that writing is stressful or draining. I would advise aspiring writers to not force anything and allow ideas to find you.

  • Are you working on anything at the present you would like to share with your readers about?

I am presently working on getting my documentary out to the public. In addition, I work on my podcast “Lessons Learned About Life And Love” in which I interview fascinating guests and experts on human emotion. My podcast is a reminder that all of our lives encompass trying moments and difficult times. I want to show people that obstacles can be overcome and that there is light and hope.

Vivianne Knebel

Two years ago, I published my memoir, From Rubble to Champagne: The Story of Vivianne Knebel. I was born in Berlin, Nazi Germany, in 1943. I endured intense physical, emotional, and political oppression in the most visceral ways starting from the day I was born. Many would say that I experienced more trauma before the age of fourteen than many will in a lifetime. My life has been one of both hardship and comfort, demoralization and fulfillment, searching and finding, and uncertainty and hope. It is amazing what the human spirit can accomplish through will and determination. All the obstacles I have faced and conquered are now valuable lessons. Having always been a seeker and a searcher, I am passionate about studying the works of great poets and philosophers. They have helped me make sense of the world, and their wisdom allows me to cope in flexible ways with the challenges that life throws my way. I have overcome many hurdles and achieved the peace of a truly loved and appreciated life. Many philosophers, poets, and scientists equate this state to beauty.

Visit Vivianne on vivianneknebel.com and follow her on Instagram @vivianneknebelauthor