Embarking on a literary journey that began in the familiar Notes app, Morgan Richard Olivier has magnificently woven a tapestry of raw emotions in her latest literary masterpiece, "The Strength That Stays." In this profound work, Olivier delves into the complexities of self-acceptance, inviting readers to explore the labyrinth of human emotions. Through her stories, she navigates the turbulent waters of mental health, shedding light on these pressing issues with empathy and understanding. When she isn’t writing she is on the board of the Iberia Homelessness Shelter. To learn more about Morgan Richard Olivier, read on.

Where are you based?
I am from New Iberia, Louisiana.

What inspired you to begin writing and publishing your works?
The need and desire to share and understand my own experiences and emotions, yet not feeling I could adequately express to others without feeling further misunderstood. In my adult life, writing has been a saving grace for me because it provided me a safe space to release my innermost thoughts and feelings while also providing other people the opportunity to feel seen, heard, and understood.

You have a unique writing style. How would you describe it?
I would describe my writing style as empathetic, raw in execution, and thought provoking. My writing is an extension of my soul.

I write in a way to not only acts as a genuine release for myself but also gives the reader an unspoken reminder that they are not alone in their thoughts and feelings as I discuss struggles, pains, and emotions that we all endure yet seldom want to or know how to articulate.

We heard you recently released your book “The Strength That Stays.” Can you give our readers a taste of what they should expect? What makes it different from your previous works?
Readers can expect the same poetry and prose format and style of my previous collections, but with a different end goal. “The Strength That Stays” is best viewed as a continuation or part two---so to speak---of my book The Tears That Taught Me.

The Tears That Taught Me delves deep into the tears, trials, and triumphs one experiences when seeking development, direction, and detachment while “The Strength That Stays” takes the reader a step further by reaffirming the importance and impact of those lessons all while guiding them to gain a greater respect for discernment and discretion through it all.

Many of us learn and grow through pain, but it is imperative that we move forward with the wisdom that stands and not the wounds that brought them.

When you start a new book, what is your writing process like? Do you have a specific routine or ritual that helps you get into the creative zone?
Before my writings become pages of my books, they almost always start out as reflection in the Notes App on my phone. I am constantly writing and write entries throughout the day every single day. Of course, not all my writings make it into the same literary work, but they are all saved and often later used when and where they fit.

The process of writing and publishing a book is no easy task. Did you encounter any difficulties during the writing process? How did you address them?
I wouldn’t say it was a difficulty during writing “The Strength That Stays,” but I reached a point that I realized the original tone and messaging was not aligning with its intended purpose.

Though I believe it was still a great work, I knew that it wasn’t right. After reading the first final edit of that manuscript I didn’t have peace, and that’s how I knew something was off.

I took time to pray about it and separate myself from the manuscript for a while so I could gather my thoughts and focus on what I wanted the reader to close the book and feel. I realized the initial manuscript — though validating and would have likely been well received by many readers—embodied too much flesh and ego of the human experience and not enough spiritual confirmation and empowerment to push through it.

I ended up changing the book title, removing close to 30 pages, and wrote close to 20 new pages that aligned with the book’s purpose. It added more expense to the process and pushed my intended release date back, but I knew in my heart it was the right thing to do.

I believe that unforeseen delay also worked as a timely reminder that if I walk in purpose, I have to create works that are in order — even if that means they do not fall seamlessly into my envisioned timeline.

What was the inspiration behind your book?
Realizing that empathizing with and validating people through their emotions, experiences, life lessons, and pains is powerful but giving them the perspectives, encouragement, and empowerment to pivot from it all is what truly helps a person discover a greater level of peace and purpose in their journey.

In your opinion, what are the most crucial messages and takeaways you hope readers will grasp?
I truly hope that the reader understands that all things work together, revelation though often difficult to endure is always intended for your development, and that your testimony and earned insight are more valuable than your struggle or trying times that brought them.

A lot of your work is based around self-love and acceptance. Why is this so important to you?
Because those are areas that I struggled to understand and embrace for the longest time. I feel that for a person to truly understand and stay the course of their self-love, healing, and growth journey it is imperative that we share the hills and valleys that will come with it.

Before you reach that peaceful part of the healing journey there will be pain and pressure. You will be forced to identify and address the impact that your patterns, choices, and mindset have on your life. You will grow and outgrow, and it will be uncomfortable.

But if you can truly work within yourself, begin to truly love, forgive, and encourage yourself, and accept who you are and whose you are — you will be a force to be reckoned with — and an impactful and powerful one at that.

What are some of the common misconceptions or stereotypes you would like to address about self-acceptance?
I would like for it to be known that to those who struggle with insecurity, negative self-talk, and condemnation the idea of loving, accepting, and even forgiving oneself can seem unfathomable.

Therefore, I will share a few truths that I discovered about self-acceptance:
1. There is peace and power in accepting yourself while rejecting the idea that not everyone will accept you or should.

2. Self-acceptance also calls for you to address what you identify. Saying phrases like “That’s just how I am” does not excuse unacceptable patterns or behaviors. Openly acknowledging your issues will not help you nor anyone else connected to you if you don’t make an effort to address and alleviate yourself from your own issues.

3. Your journey is your story. A person not accepting your reality does not change it from being the truth. It merely changes their perspective of it.

4. You can’t change the past, but you learn from it and reframe it.

What advice do you have for anyone struggling with self-love and/or mental health?
A gentle reminder: You are the only person that knows every version, thought, and action of your life. You are the only person that is not capable of leaving you. And in knowing that information, you must be the person who loves you unconditionally, advocates for your wellness, and understands you most.

You are not alone. You are not crazy. What you are feeling and have experienced is real. How you view yourself matters and the love and care that you extend to yourself is important.

Not everyone is going to love you, accept you, protect you, and know what is right for you but it is imperative that you reach a point that you can provide those qualities to yourself.

Be honest with yourself about how you feel, how something has impacted you, or if you are struggling to function. Give yourself permission to work through it and release it.

Contrary to what the world may try to make you believe, we are all dealing with more than meets the eye. Our emotions are valid, our voice matters, and our wellbeing is worth protecting and working toward.

Asking for help, pursuing therapy, and seeking God is what changed my mind and in turn changed my life. Those same choices can do the same for you, if you allow them to.

What advice do you have for emerging writers on building an author platform and connecting with readers?
Start! Whether you are starting a page that posts bits and pieces of your upcoming work or poetry, or you have a book that you published and want to bring awareness to — utilize the various social media platforms. These platforms are free and there for you to connect with people across the world.

Remember that someone needs and is waiting for your words.

Most importantly, be yourself and understand that social media is less about gaining followers and more about cultivating and supporting a true community. The day you become fixated on keeping people on your pages or writing for the masses is the day you lose the essence and authenticity of your writing and self. Share with good motive and good will come back to you.

We heard you have been on the board of the Iberia Homelessness Shelter since 2018. Can you please tell us a bit about your work with them?
In 2018, my initial intention was to volunteer at the shelter—bring items, clean if needed, or donate. I was quickly told that those services were taken care of, and I would best fit on the board. So, I started my journey with the shelter by utilizing my writing skills. I created flyers, started our social media account, wrote donation letters, and used my marketing skills to build awareness around the shelter.

I soon become their Public Relations member who represented the shelter on radio and TV and later spearheaded our annual fundraiser event that raises to cover operational costs.

My marketing and writing background helps our efforts, but honestly having the shelter push and encourage to use what I have to make a difference through the years really helped me later mentally, spiritually, and emotionally when it came time to publish my books for advocate for mental/spiritual awareness because I gained confidence and experience speaking for them and with them.

Can you tell us about your journey and what inspired you to get involved in helping those experiencing homelessness?

I joined the board of Iberia Homeless Shelter after I experienced a very difficult and heavy yet faith building and inner work driven time in my life. I say that because up until that point, I feel I had compassion and love for people, but I limited exposure to the real world and problems that people have or could have. I did not yet have the empathy or understanding that we are all just one choice, one trauma, or one season away from a completely different life.

It’s so easy for the world to look at a vulnerable, suffering, spiraling, or less fortunate person and assume this whole narrative about their life or issues without ever asking them, trying to understand, or trying to help. But when you become that person that experiences those emotions in some capacity, it really changes how you treat others and show up for them. You see and fully embrace as people that need help, support, and grace just like you.

Being homeless does not negate the fact that nothing can stop a person being a human worthy of compassion, respect, and care. Often taking the focus off yourself and putting it into another person is healing for both parties.

There were times that complete strangers gave me words of confirmation, love, and wisdom — some of these people happened to be homeless. I will always remember that and aim to be that stranger for someone else.

When it came to being led to the shelter, I found peace and a unique purpose in helping others, and I knew I was supposed to be there.

How can people get involved in making a difference?
Be the change you want to see in the world and do not expect or wait for someone else to do it. If you see there is a need for advocacy in your community, a lack of awareness for a certain cause, or an issue that needs addressing — put in effort to find a solution. Run for political office, start a nonprofit organization, join an existing board, or speak on it. No matter how grand or small it may seem, it matters.

Are there any upcoming projects you would like to share?
Yes, 2024 is set to be one for the books! Between working on my sixth book, meeting with readers at upcoming book signings, and many speaking engagements in the works —- I’m excited to have the opportunity to connect and share my mission more than I ever have. I’m humbled and ready to see all that this year has in store.

It's been a crazy past few years. How have you been staying positive?
Keeping God first is the key to staying positive, at peace, and productive that should not be kept hidden or spoken quietly. There is absolutely no way that I would be who I am and operating at the capacity that I am if I didn’t have Him in my life and leading it. Mentally, spiritually, emotionally, relationally, personally, financially, and professionally — God is the source. That is the answer, and I stand on it.

What is your motto in life? Any final words of wisdom?
It’s Romans 8:28 and it reads “All things work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose.”

I love that scripture and always have because it serves as stark reminder that every single piece of our life’s puzzle matters and has the potential to be used for a greater purpose when we are called according to His purpose.

It helps to remember the power of reframing experiences and emotions and helps me to see the bigger picture of all things — focusing on lessons and wisdom instead of the wounds or what we perceive as losses that brought them.

To learn more about Morgan Richard Olivier, please follow the links below.
Morgan Richard Olivier
Facebook
Instagram
TikTok
Email: info@morganrichardolivier.com

Morgan Richard Olivier - Writing From the Soul