Regina Weston, has written a book, titled “Why Couldn’t You Love Me Too”, this book deals with topics such as Domestic Violence, Rape, Teen Pregnancy, Drug Abuse, Abortion, and Peer Presure and much more. Her objective was to facilated change in the lives of those that have dealt with these issues, as well as to educate those who are not aware of these issues.

1. What was your inspiration to become a writer/author?

My inspirational for becoming a writer/author came when I was in my sophomore year in college. I’m not a big talker. All throughout my school years I was seen as the quiet, anti-social girl. That sigma followed me to college. So when I had to write a term paper on my life experience, then present it to the class, a student came up to me afterwards and said that it was such a waste that I had so much to say but yet I keep it bottle up. He encouraged me to begin to share my thoughts with the world. Shorty after, I began to write poetry, then gospel songs, now it’s books. I feel that he spoke into my life and I ran with it.

2.  Is “Why Couldn’t You Love Me Too” a personal story?

Yes and no, In the second to last chapter I give a brief synopsis on some of the things that I have gone through just so that women would know that I’m not talking just to be talking. The book deals with topics such as domestic violence, rape, child molestation. It is a self-help book. A book I feel that it is timely for all that is going on around the globe. And it is a book that will facilitate change for those women that have dealt with the issues addressed in the book.

3. What was the push behind creating it?

I was tired of women dying at the hands of their mates. I have girlfriends that are being abused. I’ve witness their abuse helplessly. My goal is to empower women to be the best they can be in all areas of their life. And not to settle for less then what they deserve.

5. We know how important it is to surround yourself with people who will help push your dreams forward, did you ever come across someone who thought you couldn’t achieve what you have complete now? If so, how did you handle it?

It is very important to surround yourself with positive people. In life you have haters. I put out “Why Couldn’t You Love Me” part 1, in 2005. I did it as a chat book. I sold hundreds of copies. I did have negative feedback but it came from family. I was really hurt. And I couldn’t tell you the countless nights that I cried about, if anything they should have been my number one fans. But during this process I have learned to guard my heart. And when someone says something negative, I just brush my shoulders off and move on because writing a book is a big accomplishment. And at the end of the day, whether the comment is negative or positive everyone has a right to their point of view. Thus, I respect it and move on, agreeing to disagree.

6. For those following your path of becoming a writer or published author, what tips can you share to help push them in a better direction?

It’s hard to get a publishing company to back your work. I encourage self- publishing. By an author self- publishing their own work, they have total control, copyrights, and they get to keep their money instead of a percentage of it. My advice is to save up their money so that they can put out their best work properly. And deal with people that are professional. Having a good editor is the key.

7. For those suffering from domestic violence, abuse or peer pressure, what 3 do’s and 3 don’t do you feel are most important to start doing now?

I employ all women to educate themselves on signs of an abuser. And when they see a person that exemplifies those traits, don’t make excuses for negative behavior. And for those individuals that are dealing with domestic violence, I encourage them to leave that situation. Seek help from professional domestic violence advocates who can educate them on safe ways out of a domestic abuse situation. Secondly, I encourage them to learn to love their selves, in doing so this will help them to realize in time that they are worthy to be love, releasing that real love doesn’t hurt.

8. What’s next on your journey?

Right now, I’m working on my next book which will deal solely with child abuse. Every time I look at news reports, a child has been killed, is missing, or has been raped or molested. I just want to be the voice of the child. This book will educate people on child abuse. My hope is that parents, and caregivers, will start being just that since statistic shows that our children are being abuse by the very people that is supposed to be taking care of them.

Thank you Regina for being pushy and moving forward to teach others the beauty of loving yourself!