Name: Alison Buehler, Ed.D.
Book Title: Rethinking Women’s Health: A Guide to Wellness
Your book’s Amazon purchase link: http://amzn.to/1Y75ozz
What is your book about? The premise is simple: become your own expert. The purpose of this book is to provide current, integrative resources for women dealing with female health puzzles and to simultaneously reshape the way our culture handles female health for the next generation. The book is divided into three sections based on female archetypes: The Maiden, The Mother, and The Wise Elder. Each section addresses female health challenges present in specific phases of a woman’s life within the cultural context that helps create them. In an authentic and relatable voice, every chapter provides difficult-to-find but effective health solutions and resources for female challenges, while presenting cultural changes that could improve how women approach their health overall.
What inspired you to write your book? My own struggles to find answers to female health problems inspired me to become my own expert. There are answers out there, but they are hard to find. I believe if I can find answers, 
most women can.
Can you describe your writing process? I began with a framework: The Maiden, The Mother, and The Wise Elder. I looked at common female health struggles within those phases of a woman’s life. Lots of research went into each section, and I only shared the findings I felt were most compelling. I wrote and researched like a crazy person, then I edited for quality. I usually start with a concept, find a framework, and fill in the details.
How did you come to do what you’re doing today? I wrote research articles in my field of Educational Administration, but this project was personal. At a conference, a speaker said, “If you know a good path somewhere, it is your obligation to share it.” I know a good path toward integrative health for women.
Can you describe a typical day in your life? I currently run a nonprofit called The Homestead Education Center, started by my husband and myself five years ago. Our organization provides writing, workshops, and retreats on health, wellness, and personal growth. We are a working homestead with chickens, bees, goats, and gardens. Typically, I eat and do my morning meditations. Then, I write for about an hour or two, but not everyday. After that I am off to take care of the animals and gardens. In the afternoons, I take care of emails and office work. At three-thirty my three children come home and I am all theirs. Anything that doesn’t get done, I push until after bedtime.
What do you most enjoy about what you do? I like the change. Sometimes I am working on a book, other times I am promoting one. Other times I am working on events for The Homestead. I really enjoy sharing good news and information with people when I speak to groups or webinars.
Are there any people and/or books that have inspired you along your journey? My whole life has been inspired by books. I really love fearless truth-tellers like Anne Lamott, Glennon Doyle Melton, and Sue Monk Kidd. Each of these women admit writing is vulnerable because you are putting yourself out there in a very public way. Taking that risk is worth it if you might help someone.
Can you share something that people may be surprised to learn about you? For every success I have there at least two failures. People see the successes, but I ran a failed business, earned a degree I don’t use, and have hosted plenty of events that didn’t go well. I just keep getting up and trying again. If you have enough ideas and passion, something will stick.
What’s next for you? Right now, I am working on a series of children’s books: Tall Tales for Small People. The first two come out next fall. These books are designed for children who are just a little too young for Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings, but crave fantasy, adventure, a little humor, and good characters.
Is there anything else you would like to add? Becoming your own expert on health, writing, or any other subject is the key to doing it well. There is so much information out there now. Take the time to do your own digging. Become your own specialist. I am happy to share information with other writers. You can email me at Alison@alisonbuehler.com.