watchingthedaisies

My Writing Journey – from New Age Teacher to Indie Author

Bookbrush parcels

I celebrated seven years as an indie author on 14 November. However, my writing journey began more than 30 years ago…

New Age Teacher

The first natural medicines workshop I attended was an introduction to reflexology and massage in 1986. I knew from that day on that I wanted to become a natural medicines therapist.

After a lot of travelling to courses nationwide, intense study, and a year at a college in Surrey, I had gained diplomas in reflexology, aromatherapy, massage, nutritional medicine, colour and crystal healing. Since then I have gained diplomas in electro-crystal healing, radionics and part 1 of Emotional Freedom Technique also known as E.F.T.

In 1988, I set up a healing practice in Edinburgh which was incredibly busy from the outset. I also unearthed a love for teaching and enjoyed inspiring others through talks and workshops to women’s groups, pharmacists, prison officers, a women’s prison…

In 1993, I approached Stirling University’s Open Studies Department for possible employment, and a new course “Simple Steps to Self Healing” was born. It gradually developed from a 10 week to a 20 week class, with a waiting list.

I continued to teach this course and many others at the university, until I left Scotland in 1999.

The Scottish School of Holistic Healing

The response to “Simple Steps to Self Healing” highlighted a gap for a 2 year professional training for therapists.  In 1995, I aspired to filling a little part of this gap with my next baby  “The Scottish School of Holistic Healing.”

My writing career began to form, as I wrote endless handouts for my students on chakras, the human aura, the healing power of colour…

Leaving Scotland behind in 1999, I felt ready to write a book.

The Heart of Sacred Space

My first book “The Heart of Sacred Space” took several years to write, while I adjusted to life in Donegal, and the setting up of a new therapy and teaching practice.

I envisaged a book based on the healing that takes place within ourselves when we make changes to our environment. I included lots of examples of personal and client transformation.

Once completed, I approached a number of literary agents, aspiring to be a published author. The advice I eventually received was “It is not long enough.”

My aspirations crumbled, and I let go of my publishing dream in 2006. If only I had known of the indie route to publishing!

Rosses Writers

On 27 April 2010, I tentatively entered our local library and joined a lovely group of ladies who loved to write. We christened our group “Rosses Writers” and continued to meet almost every week for the next 6 years.

Along the way, we shared our personal journeys, wrote prose and poetry, laughed a lot and published two collections of our work, with the healthy proceeds going to a number of local charities.

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In 2012, I put pen to paper once again and very slowly my memoir “Watching the Daisies – Life Lessons on the Importance of Slow” took shape. My friends in the writing group were invaluable in offering advice and constructive criticism.

A Self Published Author

Finally, on 14 November 2016, I became an indie author.

I had written 77,000 words, taken advice from journalist and author Sue Leonard on my writing style and structure, had edits from Olive O’Brien of Creative Writing Ink, and publishing law expertise from Brenda Tobin.

Seven years later, I have sold over 6,500 books, with 96 reviews on Amazon US, and 101 on Amazon UK

Further Published Work

Since October 2016, I have had posts published on Two Drops of Ink, Sixty and Me, The Mighty, and WomELLE magazine.

One of my travel stories is included in Robert Fear’s book Travel Stories and Highlights 2019:

travel stories

Thank you

I would like to add a HUGE “thank you” to everyone who has supported me on this incredible journey.

I could not have walked it alone.

Brigid P. Gallagher is a retired natural medicines therapist, passionate organic gardener and author of “Watching the Daisies- Life lessons on the Importance of Slow,” a holistic memoir dedicated to the art of mindfulness and healing from debilitating illness.

56 comments

  4. You are such an inspiration for would be authors Bridget you write from your heart and that’s what makes reading anything you have written a pleasure. It’s great to read about your writing/ life journey and it make me hungry to read more. So please continue, at your own pace with maybe more of these little snippets of information. ❤️

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  6. Congratulations, Brigid! 😀 I loved learning how you came to write your book! Your interest in natural therapy was just at its start almost, I imagine! Wow! How impressive to approach the university and set up a course from scratch. If you can do that, writing must easy! Your writing group sound wonderful,laughter and advice bundled up under Writing is just the way it should be! Lots of new projects to be revealed … I look forward to learning more! 😀

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    • Thank you Annika. I was not sure what to write but I am glad I shared a bit more on my journey. I was one of the first natural medicines therapists in Scotland. It is great to see the spread of therapists worldwide. Rosses Writers was such fun. Sadly, one of our members died and the group slowly diminished…

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  20. It was so wonderful to learn about your journey, Brigid, each step embraced along the way. My new age path wasn’t nearly so broad and deep and yet even I can attest to the wonders of self-healing and how it’s changed my life. Congrats on your indie anniversary and on-going success. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and passion.

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  22. What a beautiful and inspiring journey! Keep living your dream and doing what you love ❤ I hope to be an author someday too, and your story gives me hope. Thank you for sharing!

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  24. Brigid,
    Just found your site.I was born in Ballintra and have been living in Brazil since 1972.Enjoyed reading your life story.I walked with indigenous peoples in the Amazon and here in Mato Grosso do Sul.I am now involved in local and state health councils.The gov here is trying to privatize health despite having one of the best programmes in the world.The struggle goes on.Slainte.

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