Dear Readers:
Meet Andrew, a remarkable author with a compelling story to share. At 61 years old, he has worn many hats in his lifetime – from professional athlete to sports instructor, social worker, and addiction therapist with over 14 years of experience. However, what truly sets him apart is his journey of overcoming a 20-year battle with alcoholism and his triumphant 20-year sobriety.
Andrew's path to becoming an author was inspired by a deep sense of empathy and a desire to shed light on the often stigmatized issue of alcohol addiction. He understands firsthand the shame and helplessness that can come with this disease and the toll it takes on both individuals and their loved ones. Having witnessed his own family's struggle during his two-decade battle with alcoholism, he felt compelled to offer guidance and support to others in similar situations.
His latest book, "Together Towards Tomorrow: The Family's Voyage Through Alcohol Addiction: Empowering Loved Ones with Compassion and Understanding," is a testament to his commitment. It delves into the heart-wrenching experiences of families and loved ones of addicts, drawing from his extensive professional background in addiction therapy and social work.
Andrew is currently exploring new projects that continue to address addiction recovery and personal growth, promising more support and insights for those facing similar challenges. Writing has taught him the power of resilience, vulnerability, and the profound impact of personal stories in fostering understanding and empathy. His journey as an author is one of self-discovery and growth, and his words have the potential to change lives and bring hope to those touched by addiction.
Best regards,
Dr. Mel
Andrew Matt Lennart
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Can you share a bit about your background and how it has
influenced your writing?
I am 61 years old, a former professional athlete, sports
instructor, social worker, and addiction therapist with over 14 years of
experience. My life also includes a 20-year struggle with alcoholism, but now I
have been sober for over 20 years. Because I know how many people struggle with
this disease and understand how difficult it is to recover and I also know how
many families and friendships irreversibly break apart and how much the
helpless loved ones of alcoholics suffer these are the main reasons for
becoming an author.
What inspired you to become an author?
The inspiration to become an author was primarily fueled by
the somewhat 'shame' associated with this disease. The difficulty of admitting
that one is helpless and often the very late search for help. From my own
experiences, I know how helpless my family and friends were, who simply didn't
know what to do, how to live with an alcoholic, and how to protect themselves.
What is your latest book about, and what inspired its
story?
My last book is “Together Towards Tomorrow: The Family's Voyage Through Alcohol Addiction: Empowering Loved Ones with Compassion and Understanding.” The main inspiration for writing this book was the helplessness of my family, which suffered and witnessed my downfall for 20 years. Additionally, it stemmed from all the meetings and conversations with families and loved ones of addicts during my nearly 15 years of working with those struggling with addiction.
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Can you walk us through your research process for this book?
- ü Personal Experience: Explored my personal experience with alcoholism in my family.
- ü Professional Background: My qualifications in addiction, counseling, therapy, and social work.
- ü Interviews and Testimonials: Sought out interviews or testimonials
- ü Published Works: Reviewed the books, articles, or research papers.
- ü Online Research: Internet research in various specialist sources.
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Were there any real-life events or personal experiences
that influenced the narrative?
Yes, my journey of overcoming a two-decade alcohol addiction
and embracing 20 years of sobriety significantly influenced the narrative. The
book draws from my personal recovery experience and the real-life stories of
individuals grappling with alcohol addiction.
Could you describe your typical writing routine?
My writing routine involves a dedicated and disciplined
approach. I often find inspiration in the early morning, so I begin my day by
reflecting on personal experiences and blending them with research. I aim for
consistency, ensuring a balance between focused writing sessions and breaks for
reflection.
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How do you approach character development and
world-building in your writing?
In the context of a guide on alcohol addiction, character
development focuses on the real-life individuals and their stories.
World-building involves creating a narrative space that reflects the
challenges, triumphs, and transformations associated with the journey to
sobriety.
Do you experience writer’s block, and if so, how do you
overcome it?
Yes, writer's block is not uncommon. To overcome it, I often
step away from the writing, engage in physical activities, or seek inspiration
from other creative outlets. Returning to the work with a fresh perspective
helps break through mental blocks.
What have been the biggest challenges you’ve faced in
your writing career?
One of the significant challenges was translating personal experiences into a narrative that resonates universally. Balancing vulnerability with practical advice posed its own set of challenges, requiring careful consideration of tone and approach.
What do you consider your greatest achievement as an author?
My greatest achievement as an author is the ability to offer practical guidance and support to individuals and families dealing with alcohol addiction. The positive impact on readers' lives is the most rewarding aspect of my writing journey,
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How has reader feedback influenced your writing, if at
all?
Reader feedback is invaluable. It has guided me in refining
the content to ensure it meets the needs of the audience. Learning from
readers' perspectives has enhanced the book's effectiveness as a resource for
those touched by alcohol addiction.
What do you hope readers take away from your book?
I hope readers gain not only a deep understanding of the
challenges of alcohol addiction but also practical tools and insights to
navigate the journey to sobriety. The goal is to transform challenges into
opportunities for healing and growth.
Which authors or books have had a significant impact on
you and your writing?
Authors such as Stephanie Brown PhD, Virginia M. Lewis
Phd and book like The Alcoholic Family in Recovery: A Developmental Model have
influenced my writing. Their ability to blend personal narratives with expert
advice inspired the approach taken in "Tougher towards tomorrow."
What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
Embrace authenticity in your writing. Draw from your unique
experiences and perspectives. Also, be open to learning from others and
continually refining your craft.
What are some common misconceptions about being an
author?
One common misconception is that writing is a solitary
endeavor. While the act of writing often requires solitude, collaboration,
feedback, and learning from others are integral parts of the authorial journey.
Are you currently working on any new projects? Can you
give us a sneak peek?
Yes, I am exploring new projects that build on the themes of
addiction recovery and personal growth. While I can't reveal too much, I am
excited about the potential to offer further support and insights to those
facing similar challenges.
What has writing taught you about yourself?
Writing has taught me the power of resilience, vulnerability, and the profound impact that personal stories can have on fostering understanding and empathy. It's an ongoing journey of self-discovery and growth.
Tell your readers about your book.
“Tougher Towards Tomorrow” is an essential guide for anyone
touched by the challenge of alcohol addiction. Andrew Matt Lennart’s
compassionate approach provides not just understanding but practical strategies
for coping, supporting, and growing through a loved one’s journey to sobriety.
With its blend of real-life stories, expert advice, and accessible writing,
this book is a must-read for families, friends, and professionals alike.
Discover the tools and insights needed to transform the challenges of addiction
into opportunities for healing and growth.
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