1. What inspired you to write this book? I’d
been reading Tarot cards for many years when I unexpectedly began receiving beautiful
loving messages from the universe that profoundly changed my life for the better.
At some point, this same guidance asked if I thought the insights were only for me.
I immediately recognized that others could also benefit. A book seemed like the most
natural way to share what I learned.
2. What exactly is it about — and who is
it written for? The
book contains thirty loving messages from this invisible source of wisdom that
I cannot
explain, nor deny, on topics such as judgement, suffering, and grief. I also included
my personal stories that reveal how I used the information to increase the quality
of my life. Each chapter ends with thought-provoking questions to jumpstart the
readers' own musings on the topics. I wrote the book with new agers in
mind, those
already tuned into non-traditional spirituality and metaphysics. What has surprised
me since the book’s publication is that it is being read and & quote, loved
by those I would
describe as more mainstream, people who have never been interested in the esoteric.
I’m thrilled that this book is reaching a diverse audience because it has a
universal
message about love, self-acceptance, and how to remain hopeful despite our challenges.
3. What do you hope readers will get out of reading your
book?
I
know from personal experience how important it is to love myself and accept
myself,
which isn’t easy because I have so many personal demons that hold me back.
I’ve
learned that, although these triggers might never go away, I’ve been able to
lessen
their
effect on me. I’ve been able to change, and in so doing, I am a much happier
and
healthier
person. My book shows that a positive shift in perspective is possible.
Therefore,
I hope the book continues to find readers who, like me, are searching for
new
and inspired ways to live a more fulfilled life.
4. How did you decide on your book’s title and cover design? I am
not great at coming up with titles. I usually need help so I ran the initial
title by Amy
Zerner. Amy is an incredibly prolific artist, well-versed in Tarot, and who,
along with
her husband Monte Farber, has written many books in the mind-body-spirit genre.
She told me that a title has to convey what the reader can expect when they open
a book. My initial title did not do that. Finding the correct name took a few discussions
with friends first, then my publisher, until she and I figured it out. Credit for
the beautiful cover, which I was thrilled with, goes to artist and book
designer Tabitha
Lahr, who won an award in 2025 from Bedside Reading for best cover design in
the non-fiction category.
5. What advice or words of wisdom do you have for fellow
writers – other than run!? Ha!
I can relate to that last sentiment, as it’s taken me years of writing practice
to get where
I am, and there is still so much I need to learn. My first drafts never feel finished.
The only way I know to become a better writer is through revisions. I also show
everything I write to others for feedback. When I played music, if I made a mistake,
I knew this. Writing is different. I might think I’ve relayed a clear thought, but
this isn’t always the case. I count on my beta readers to set me straight. I
once met a
writer who said he never asked others to critique his work. I can’t even
imagine that.
6. What trends in the book world do you see -- and where do
you think the book publishing industry is heading? While
I don’t know where the publishing industry is headed, from what I’ve read and from
my personal experience, I do have a few opinions about what’s currently taking place.
Today, whether you’re a reader, an author, or publisher, we are all being influenced
by self-publishing, hybrid publishing, small presses, social media, AI, and the
diverse ways people acquire their reading material. If you’re an author who
wants a
contract with one of the top five English-language publishers, you’re up
against required
profit margins that are larger than ever before. This means they might be less
likely
to take a risk on an unknown author. Even if you have the money to hire a publicist,
authors must learn how to publicize and market their books, as we are the ones
responsible for spreading the word to potential readers. My takeaway concerning the
publishing industry hasn’t changed over the years; it’s that we writers are the
ones who
have to continually adjust our expectations.
7. Were there specific experiences in your personal life
or career that came in handy
when writing this book? My
initial intention was to simply offer the profound and beautiful messages from
the universe.
The idea to include my personal experiences came later as a way to demonstrate
what I learned from the messages. For instance, in the chapter on loss, I wrote
about how an initial botched surgery when I was nine left me permanently disabled.
I reflect on this loss in the book. I write that I may never be able to
reconcile the
trauma it’s caused me, but that I also value the positive aspects that this
event has offered
my life. I have come to understand that suffering can function as a great teacher,
a concept I learned from the universe. I now know this isn’t a novel idea, but it’s
one that I embrace as it’s served me well.
8. How would you describe your writing style? Which writers
or books is your writing similar to? When
I write an essay or memoir, as was the case for my personal stories in “Guidance
from the Universe,” it takes several drafts before I am able to brush away all
the barriers and blocks that keep my true and honest feelings hidden. It’s not
easy being
vulnerable, but it’s essential. I couldn’t say which writers my writing is
similar to,
but David Trotter, the publisher of Awakened Magazine, likened it to Anne Lamott's.
I am still trying to take that in.
9. What challenges did you overcome in the writing of this
book? I
started this book when I was still working full-time, so although I woke early
to write,
it was slow going. I admire women who manage to complete a book while juggling
their work and the demands of daily life, such as cleaning, shopping, and
raising
children. When I retired from my day job, I had time to write, but then I also had
time to doubt my abilities as a writer. I could spend a whole morning procrastinating
while I wrestled with negative thoughts like questioning why anyone would
want to read what I was writing. Eventually, I’d muster the courage to open my computer
to keep going. Thankfully, my desire to finish outweighed all my irrational excuses.
10. If people can buy or read one book this week or month,
why should it be yours? When
I wrote this book, I had no idea it would touch as many people as it has from different
backgrounds. I am beyond grateful for all the five-star reader and trade reviews
and by the many awards that speak to this book’s reach and importance. One of
the gold awards came from Book Excellence, who also reviewed the book. Perhaps what
they wrote can better touch on the reader’s experience, which, as the author,
is more
difficult for me to express.
“Guidance
from the Universe is a compassionate and hopeful book for anyone searching
for clarity during difficult times…shows how even small shifts in perspective
can lead to meaningful personal growth. Readers looking for encouragement,
reflection, and gentle wisdom will likely find this memoir both comforting
and inspiring.”
About The Author: Jill Amy
Sager is the author of the multi-award-winning book Guidance from the Universe:
Hopeful Messages for Everyday Challenges. She is a public speaker and a celebrated
tarot reader with an international clientele. Born with a physical disability, Jill’s
journey from low self-esteem to self-love has inspired her to help others find healing.
She is a former professional percussionist and drum circle facilitator trained in
“Group Empowerment Drumming, and is the author of Beginning Hand
Drumming: A Guide to Recreation and Wellness. Her stories and articles have appeared
in Women Writers Women’s Books, Awakened Magazine, Authority Magazine,
and other notable publications. For more info, please see: https://jillamysager.com/
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For
the past three decades, Brian Feinblum has helped thousands of authors. He
formed his own book publicity firm in 2020. Prior to that, for 21 years as the
head of marketing for the nation’s largest book publicity firm, and as the
director of publicity at two independent presses, Brian has worked with many
first-time, self-published, authors of all genres, right along with
best-selling authors and celebrities such as: Dr. Ruth, Mark Victor Hansen,
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Maxwell, Jeff Foxworthy, Seth Godin, and Henry Winkler.
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He
hosted a panel on book publicity for Book Expo America several years ago, and
has spoken at ASJA, three times at BookCAMP, Independent Book Publishers
Association, Sarah Lawrence College, Nonfiction Writers Association, Cape Cod
Writers Association, Willamette (Portland) Writers Association, APEX, five
times at Morgan James Publishing Red Carpet, and Connecticut Authors and
Publishers Association. He served as a judge for the 2024 IBPA Book Awards.
His
letters-to-the-editor have been published in The Wall Street Journal,
USA Today, New York Post, NY Daily News, Newsday, The Journal News (Westchester)
and The Washington Post. His first published book was The
Florida Homeowner, Condo, & Co-Op Association Handbook. It
was featured in The Sun Sentinel and Miami Herald.
Born
and raised in Brooklyn, he now resides in Westchester with his wife, two kids,
and Ferris, a black lab rescue dog, and El Chapo, a pug rescue dog.
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