Sistah’s Place continues to give back to the literary world each week with a weekly spotlight for new authors. This week’s Author spotlight feature is with Lori Yerxa. Her story is inspired a true story titled Pushing Through. Grab your favorite beverage and sit back and get to know a little about Lori Yerxa in our Q&A session.
Tells us about the author
LY: Lori’s love for writing began in grade school when she received an A for her story about a glass house on a shooting star. She continued writing in various formats until many years later when she felt called to write her debut novel, Pushing Through.
Believing that everyone is recovering from something, as a transformational leader on Hawaii’s Big Island, Lori helps people shift mindsets and recognize their inherent worth. Lori serves in church, works as a substitute teacher, and enjoys walks along the coast with her husband and two fur babies.
Why I wrote the book?
LY: In the spring of 2009, I prayed to have an assignment so big that there was no way I could do it myself. After several confirmations, I came to believe the answer was to write this story. I gathered information and began putting words on paper. After trying to get out of this assignment for three years, I finally heard/sensed God say, “I want this story written from your voice.” I kept writing and never looked back. Yep, it took me ten years to finish.
What inspired the book title?
LY: In my research, I discovered that Rex, whom this story is about, would encourage people by saying – you can do it, keep pushing through. I categorize this book, inspired by a true story, as creative nonfiction.
What is the story about ?
LY: Pushing Through is about a man, who as a boy suffered horrific tragedies, including a limb-amputating accident, that hurled him to the fringes of society, where he lived addicted and homeless. After finally finding recovery, Rex rediscovers riding a bicycle. Thus the process of digging deep to uncover imbedded mindsets begins his transformation into having what it takes to be an elite athlete and become a Paralympic champion.
What is the message to readers?
LY: No matter the depths of despair and hopelessness, there is light under all that darkness. With the right people around you and the willingness to put in the hard work of figuring out what is really holding you down, anyone can push through to unimaginable peace and fulfillment.
Why Pushing Through stands out?
LY: This story has a prominent theme of disability. Although it’s getting better, people with physical disabilities are underrepresented in our society. For example, in sports, we hear a lot about the Olympics, but not the Paralympics. Rex had a role in shining a light on that imbalance by inspiring influential people, through his hard work, to bring disabled cycling forward.
You can follow Lori on social media and purchase her book from Amazon. Did you enjoy her interview?
Follow Lori on social media.
https://twitter.com/loriyerxa11
Where you can purchased her book? Click the link below.