I met Janet Boyer on Twitter after our paths crossed and crossed and crossed online. Janet writes books on esoteric topics and I am a long-time fan of esoteric topics, especially tarot. But more than anything I appreciate Janet’s sunny, friendly demeanor. And I am interested in learning more about her topic, which is how to understand the meaning of reversed tarot cards, since I use them in my own life practically every day. Please help me welcome Janet!
About Janet Boyer
Janet Boyer is an Amazon Hall of Fame/Vine Reviewer, as well as the author of Back in Time Tarot, Tarot in Reverse and the Snowland Tarot (Schiffer 2013). She is also a blogger, Social Media Maven and professional Tarot reader. Janet makes her home in Pennsylvania with her soulmate, Ron, and their son, Noah, whom she home schools. Her main website is JanetBoyer.com.
About Tarot In Reverse
Written in a fun, accessible style, Tarot in Reverse is the only “quick guide” reference to reading upside-down cards. Full-color, glossy pages feature both the upright and reversed images of all 78 Tarot cards from the Universal Waite Tarot.
The definitive book on Tarot reversals- No complex psychological methodology; just hundreds of reversed keywords and phrases, with contemporary anecdotes for each card
- 1,650 card-specific affirmations for dealing with life’s reversals
The Very Short Interview
When did you know for sure that you were a writer and that writing would be a major energy focus in your life?
About a decade ago, when I began writing articles and reviews for the second largest women’s site on the web (at the time). Before that, I was a public speaker (ordained Pentecostal minister, to be exact)–who disbelieved a woman that came up to me and said “One day, you will write. That will be your prime mode of communication”. Turns out she was 100% right.
Who has always been behind your writing career and who helped pull you up the ladder of success?
My husband. Always. Biggest encourager, steadfast supporter and first reader. Also, our son.
What is the most frequent comment you hear about your book (or books) from readers? Tell us a little story about the response to your work.
That my work helped them see through different eyes–sometimes, to the point of helping them to heal from neurological paralysis, break free from stifling religious tradition or gathering the strength to believe in themselves.
And Now, Your Turn
Now it’s your turn. You remember how this works right?
I ask you a question. You answer in the comments for your chance to win a book each day.
Please just respond once, even if you make a typo. 
Answer in the comments in 50-200 words (no less and no more to qualify to win one of today’s books). Please read the complete rules at least once!
Thanks for participating in the Writer Mama Every-Day-In-May Book Giveaway! I hope to see you here every day this month. Bring your friends!
I use Tarot cards, as well as other techniques, to help me make big or difficult decisions in my writing career. How do you make challenging or difficult decisions in your writing career? Do you have a process you go through or use any tools or speak with anyone in particular when faced with an important choice? Maybe you are a journaler? Share your career-steering techniques.
Ready, set, comment!
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My writing technique varies but I also use Tarot and Runes to help me decide the direction of my writing. When I have a difficult choice, a draw is the best for me. I also use Pinterest to help me brainstorm.
To make a decision in my life I have to start by talking either to myself or aloud. To hear the words is important to me because that is where the sense of decision begins. To pour from the inside, out. Then I journal. There are times when I have written 10-15 pages to get the purpose of what I want to do out. I spend so much time alone that my journals have become my new best friends. It is here that reason begins to take place and I can decide if what the challange is, is worth it. Afterwards, I pause and allow the decision to simmer, find its way to my life. After a day or so, I draft out whatever it may be and post it on my dry erase board. It is here that it all becomes real because it is staring at me wherever I am in the apartment. I must pass by it therefore I must keep it forefront until it is concluded. Before you know it, it all comes together and for the most part, I am happy with my decision and can move forward.
My Tarot cards live in a wooden box with a lattice top so their energy can flow out into my office. I used to keep a journal of my readings. Last entry was from 1982. My cards are waiting patiently for me to play with them again.
When faced with a difficult decision, I make two columns (Pro & Con) on a big sheet of paper, tape it to the wall, and stare at it until the answer is obvious.
Or, I ask my three “advisors.” Think of three people who are as different from you as possible. They can be celebrities, people you know, or even characters from your novel. Create an index card for each with their photo/caricature on one side and personality traits, mannerisms, habits, achievements, attitudes, etc. on the other. When faced with a conundrum, ask each advisor, “What would you do?” Write down the first three things that come to mind. You’ll be surprised at the nine answers because if you do this correctly, these solutions would not naturally occur to you. Then all you have to do is decide which suggestions make sense for your real-world problem.
I have a divination deck that’s similar to Tarot but based on NeoPagan symbology, and I have used that several times. I also meditate quite often and make lists or freewrite. I think I would like to buy a genuine Tarot deck and start learning those symbols and meanings as well.
My decision making process involves a stack of paper (sometimes color paper if I am feeling sassy) and a pile of markers or highlighters. I draw pictures, write words, make borders, and draw arrows. I show the matrix of possible decisions and outcomes. I list pros and cons to eliminate possibilities. Then, within the chaos of pink arrows and blue stars, poof, the answer magically appears. Well, usually.
I’m obviously not commenting to win (LOL!) but this is a GREAT question, Christina…and one I struggle with. To put it in Tarot terms, my creative inspiration is like the 7 of Cups…SO many choices! And I feel torn, I do. I have 3 blogs, am writing a companion book to the Snowland Tarot deck, am writing eBooks for Kindle and also working on a novel. Only our deck has a deadline, so that prods me to a point. But what of the other projects. It’s so, so hard for me to prioritize sometimes. For example, I know my novel has an excellent premise and is going well–a small press offered me a contract, in fact–but without an agent or deadline? It’s hard to sit down and DO it (especially since I don’t “have” to). I’ve tried drawing Tarot cards for insight on this…but it’s no use. :oD It helps if I’m not all-or-nothing in my approach–writing a little bit on each project every day. But it’s tough sometimes!
I do journal which helps sort out my thoughts and releases all of the junk that floats around in my head. I am a big believer of prayer and often I pray for signs that I am heading in the right or wrong direction. I believe in symbolism and know that through things that most people ignore (eg, animals, signs, songs etc) messages are being conveyed to help guide us down the path we are meant to take. I have always been intrigued by the Tarot and have used them in a light hearted way. I also think that tasseography is really cool and have dabbled around with it. I think writers in general feel lost on many occassions so utilizing these different tools help us keep writing.
Whenever I need to make a really big decision about
anything at all, I take out a spiral notebook, grab a pen, and just write. I
don’t worry about punctuation or other grammar, and certainly not about anyone
else reading it. I write until I feel clarity on the issue. Often it takes
multiple passes. The funny thing is, I often don’t even bother to go back and
read what I wrote—it is the process of writing itself that helps me clarify my
thoughts. Of course I also consult the significant others in my life for their
opinions, but in the end, the decision is mine.
When I encounter a challenge in my writing, I try several things. I browse images for inspiration, use tarot cards, and meditate on it before sleeping to see what appears during a dream. When all else fails, I ask my muse, who happens to be my sassy 16-year-old daughter. A good brainstorming session with her always gets things rolling again!
Gosh, I don’t know anything about tarot but this is interesting and something I want to know more about. I do journal, and mind-mapping to work projects out, but I haven’t had much need for major decisions regarding my writing career. Yet! I also find it helpful, when stuck, to do mindless physical stuff, like cleaning house or gardening, and somehow that makes the right answers come.
There are times when pushing forward is pointless. I know I’ve hit a bump in the road. When this happens, if I’m stuck on a particular section or needing to make a decision I walk away, clear my mind and do something entirely different. Some times I work on a different project, take an evening to go dancing with my husband, go visit a friend or call one of my brothers or sisters. If I’m patient, the next day or a few days later I wake up and I know what I need to do, which way to turn, how to react, move forward. Stepping back seems to clear the cobwebs for me. Distance gives me back the perspective that I lost by trying too hard. And yes, I do talk to myself.
I use Tarot cards, definitely. I keep no less than two decks on my desk at any given time. Then there are the Oracles, Runes and Tarot apps on my iPhone. If I haven’t come up with something concrete by then, there’s the Book of Answers and the Magic 8 Ball (yes, I’m serious) at the ready. I work from an outline, and more often than not I already know the answer to the question I’m asking. It’s always nice when the Universe agrees, though!