Vivianne Knebel Interview || Lessons Learned About Life and Love

Vivianne Knebel bio:

Vivianne Knebel was born illegitimate in 1943 in the epicenter of Nazi power, Berlin, Germany. Her free-spirited and strong-willed mother, Maria fought to keep her alive among falling bombs and Soviet attacks. After the end of WWII, with much of Berlin razed to the ground, Vivianne came to know poverty and constant hunger.

As a teenager, she immigrated to Canada, but in her new homeland, times became so desperate that she had to beg for money to eat. After dropping out of school to find work, Vivianne became the victim of sexual harassment. Spiraling into depression, she attempted to take her life but was miraculously saved by a six-year-old child.

Falling in love with a fellow German immigrant, Wiland proved a pivotal turning point for Vivianne. He saw a wellspring of potential in her and believed that she could become more than she had ever imagined. They married and moved to the United States. In the land where so many immigrant dreams are built, Wiland encouraged Vivianne to pursue endeavors that would test her mettle, including piloting a plane, running a marathon, and taking on a key role in supporting his business enterprise. Vivianne’s journey of personal growth later gave her the courage to battle cancer and embrace a spiritual life.

Through hardship, demoralization, yearning, searching, loving, inspiration, and growth, Vivianne has discovered the ultimate secret to a life well lived: a grateful heart.

Contents

What inspired this book?

My story is a unique life and love story. I was born at a different time and circumstances at the height of Hitler’s Nazi Germany. I wanted this book to be a learning experience for people to find the good even in adverse situations and never lose hope that things will get better.

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I was always fascinated by people that were able to write. Due to hardship I had to quit school at age 14 and joined the workplace. Only until much later did I let go of my self-limiting beliefs that I could never be a writer. We have to dig deep to find our hidden talents and realize them.

How long does it take for you to write a book?

Over the years I have always been an observer. I am a student of life constantly taking notes. It takes me a good year to write a book.

Readers should read this book for?

My book is full of important teachings, to work hard, better yourself, and always find the good in adverse situations.

When did you write your first book and how old were you?

I wrote my first book four years ago I published my first book at age 76.

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

I like to entertain, cook, and garden.

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What was your most difficult scene to write?

I was very transparent in depicting my life story. It is important to open up to the reader, which makes you vulnerable. The most difficult part was writing about the time when I attempted to commit suicide at age 17.

What do you want people to take away from reading this book?

I want people to know that challenges can be overcome. They make us resilient and resilience breeds purpose. Life is not static, it will change even if we don’t want it to.

What are you currently working on? What other releases do you have planned?

Currently, I am working on the manuscript of my third book. It is about the aging process. How to age well instead of simply growing old. I am the best example of it. I plan to have it released before the end of this year.