Tuesday, November 2, 2021

Author Interview & Giveaway - Lady and the Tribe by Brenda Billings Ridgley

 


Lady and the Tribe

by Brenda Billings Ridgley

 

GENRE: Non-fiction, Self-help 

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BLURB: 

Wives, mothers, and career women—we have all fallen victim to the silent epidemic that is, literally . . . letting ourselves go. Not the makeup free, yoga pants, weight gain routine. Little by little, we have allowed our preferences, interests, and individuality to slip away until we no longer recognize ourselves outside of our role as wives, mothers, or professionals. Who we are has become what we do.

 

In the process, our friendships have become the casualty of a “busy life” and lack consistency and depth. We have a gaping hole inside us that longs to be filled. How do we reclaim who we really are and fill this empty space that seemed to appear from nowhere? The answer lies in our Tribe. Our best friends see us more clearly than we see ourselves and are representations and extensions of our individuality. They are our companions, cheerleaders, and counselors—always in our corner. They are the branches of our tree of life that lift and support us, so we can flourish. Our Tribe is the family with whom we choose to live our life . . . with no strings attached.

 

Lady and the Tribe is a blueprint for building deep connections. As you read, you’ll be swept away on a journey of friendship as the author shares her own personal stories and those of other women. In the process, you’ll discover how to find, nurture, and deepen friendships and create a Tribe culture that is unique to you.

 

We can become whole again through the power of connection.

 

When three or more gather, we are Tribe.

 

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Excerpt: 

The Tribe 

Traditionally, a Tribe is a social division in society consisting of families or communities linked by social, economic, religious, or blood ties. Some Tribes have a common culture and dialect, and typically they have a recognized leader. A customary Tribe is a face-to-face community, relatively bound by kinship relations, reciprocal exchange, and strong ties to place.  

The term Tribe should be utilized only with great respect and consideration of its origins. It is with the term’s heritage in mind that I aspire to create that culture with my closest friends. This social division, group, or pack are linked by common social patterns, interests, and sometimes, goals. As the group connects together over time, they establish the Tribe’s personality, lingo, patterns, and rituals. 

Your Tribal space feels like home when you arrive. It is safe, encouraging and makes you feel relevant because you are truly seen. Your Tribe cares about your opinions and what you have to say. They are proud of your talents and strengths and are not threatened by your success. Your Tribe will promote rather than ignore or diminish your wins. Although these close friends can be a great influence for you to be better and do better, there is no contest; you do not feel competitive with one another. The experience of finding your Tribe can be life changing. It becomes a mirror reaffirming who you are and where you belong.

 

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Interview with Brenda Billings Ridgley, author of Lady and the Tribe 

 

What is your writing environment? 

When I decided to write a book, I purchased a laptop so I could get away from my “business” home office and write in a completely different space.  I chose to write in my parlor where when I’m in the habit, I have used for meditating.  The room has many family heirlooms that I feel keep me grounded and connect to them.


What is your writing process?
 

Once I received the inspiration to write Lady and the Tribe, I put together a rough outline… really just a list of topics I wanted to cover.  From there, I just picked a topic off the list and started writing.  I felt as if the words were gifted to me, and I was just the messenger.  Not once did I feel “blocked”.  Writing the book was a joyous, creative process.


What authors have caught your interest lately and why?
 

I have recently read many books on friendship to include Shasta Nelson, Lori Harder, Alan Loy McGinnis and Dr. Paul Dobransky.  Currently I am reading The Goddess in Every Woman by Jean Shinoda Bolen


What was your inspiration for this particular novel?
 

A business coach asked me what legacy I would like to leave, and that simple question inspired me to share my recent journey back to wholeness.   The roles I held over the past 20 years… wife, mother, entrepreneur, had consumed my attentions away from the connections and personal interests that brought joy and meaning to my life.  I had a busy life with many superficial friends but beyond family, my deeper connections had been neglected.  Lady and the Tribe tells my story and the friendship stories of other women and shares how to fill our soul by investing in deep meaningful friendships. 


What is your favorite scene in your new release?
 

One of my favorite chapters is about the impact of social media on our relationships.  It shares data on the benefits and pitfalls of social media and how it may impact our wellness.  Beyond that I love the many friendship stories.  In the social media chapter I tell the friendship story of my first childhood best friend Petra and how I long to find her somewhere out there on the world wide web.


What are you working on now and when can we expect it to be available?
 

I have a couple of ideas running through my mind right now.  The first involves a journal/scrapbook to accompany Lady and the Tribe offering activities, checklists, and friendship bonding ideas.  I hope to have that released in 2022.  I also want to write about women in the workforce and returning to our natural collaborative nature instead of the competitive environment we have adapted to.


What do you like to do when you are not writing?
 

I spend time just “being” with my family, and I am sure to schedule in plenty of girlfriend time too!  I love to hike, travel and enjoy nature.  I love to entertain and enjoy good food, wine, and conversation.


What is one interesting fact about you that readers don’t know?
 

I am currently a contestant in the 2022 Mrs. Colorado America pageant.


Top 3 things on your bucket list?
 

  1. Help women across the globe build 1000 new Lady Tribes in 2022 creating a movement of connection.
  2. Travel abroad for extended stays so that I can “live” in interesting, beautiful places and truly experience the culture.
  3. Chase my adult children around the world to witness their performances, activities, contributions, and many special occasions.

 

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AUTHOR Bio and Links: 

BRENDA RIDGLEY is an author, speaker, and girlfriend guru who loves helping women connect, find success, and discover joy through friendship.  Her mission is to start a movement: women coming together to build thousands of new Lady Tribes around the globe.  Through her workshops, vlogs, blogs, and book clubs, Brenda helps women connect and communicate with respect, love, and trust. She holds an MA in human resources and has spent decades cultivating her own Tribe.  A Colorado girl at heart, Brenda lives in the Carbon Valley area with her husband, Parker, two kids, Parker Jr. and Gillian, and pooch, Perry.  She enjoys hiking and has conquered Longs Peak and several other 14’ers. 

 

To connect with Brenda, visit her website at:  http://www.BrendaRidgley.com

 

Invite Brenda to speak at your next event: mailto:brenda@brendaridgley.com.

 

Buy Link:  AMAZON

 

Subscribe:  

YouTube: @BrendaRidgley 

Podcast: @TheConnectionConnoisseur   - https://www.podserve.fm/series/website/the-connection-connoisseur,3341/ 

Blog:  https://www.brendaridgley.com/blog 


Follow: 

Instagram: @BrendaRidgley --  https://www.instagram.com/brendaridgley/

Facebook: @BrendaRidgleyConnections - https://www.facebook.com/brendaridgleyconnections

Twitter: @BrendaRidgley 

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GIVEAWAY: 


Brenda Billings Ridgley will be awarding a Cape Diablo wrap bracelet and a $25 Amazon Gift Card (US ONLY) to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

 

9 comments:

  1. Thank you for featuring Lady and the Tribe! I am available for questions!

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  2. Replies
    1. Thank you Sherry! It is about the woman, her journey through career, marriage, and children, and how it often leads us to “let ourselves go” to include our preferences, hobbies, interests and friendships. We are left with a full life yet feeling a bit empty.

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  3. Replies
    1. Brenda thank you! The book identifies the issue of dis-connection and helps readers create a game plan to rediscover themselves through nurturing friendships.

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  4. The book sounds very interesting. I'm looking forward to reading it.

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  5. Thank you Pippirose! Please connect with me once you do, I’d love to hear your thoughts! ❤️

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