Meet Cecilia (C.V.) Shaw | Novelist & Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cecilia (C.V.) Shaw and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cecilia (C.V.), how has your work-life balance changed over time?
My work life balance changed during the pandemic. It wasn’t until then that I realized how many hours I was putting into my practice. I love what I do in the wellness industry, but catering to others’ schedules to make myself available was keeping me in the clinic long and late hours.

Balancing the amount of time and schedule has allowed me to pursue my writing career, a great passion of mine. This brings me a lot of joy.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I started writing when I was very young—poetry mostly. I still write poetry as well as short stories and novels.

I like to attribute my inspiration of story-telling to my maternal grandparents who always had a story up their sleeve, and for my poetry writing, also to a distant uncle who many people probably know of , Jose Marti. He was a Cuban nationalist, poet, philosopher, essayist, journalist, translator, professor, and publisher, who is considered a Cuban national hero because of his role in the liberation of his country from Spain. I think it must run in the blood.

In my novels, I like to combine personal experience plus knowledge from my medical career and always leave the reader with a profound point that can shift or expand their mindset and perspective.

Writing as a career is challenging for many reasons. Trying to become traditionally published is no easy feat. There are thousands among thousands of authors trying to get the attention of a literary agent in hopes of having their work published by “The Big Five.” (Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, Hachette Book Group, Macmillan Publishers, and Simon & Schuster). Less than 1% – 2% of querying authors get picked up traditionally. As disheartening as it sounds, I’m still in the query trenches with my second novel – “The Painted Rose” — A retelling of “Alice in Wonderland” set in an British mental hospital in the 60’s. It’s got a girl interrupted vibe to it, but it is at the core about consciousness and identity.

My debut novel, “The Spell” is independently published.

I have learned that social media makes a greater impact on book recognition and sales. It is vital, and most agents and publishers will check your social media following before deciding if they should pursue the author.

What I’d like the world to know about my “story” is that my dream was to write and publish my own books and it always seemed far-fetched and a fairytale wish, but I let my passion and inspiration drive me and I took a chance. I have readers that love my book and state it made a difference to their mindset. That’s the greatest feeling in the most non-ego way. It fuels me to keep writing… for me and for them.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would take my friend to Miami Beach to enjoy the beautiful ocean daily, but would stop at The Salty Donut in Wynwood on our way, pick up so delishees and take some pics with the walls.

I’d take them as a guest for some pilates at Polestar Pilates in Dadeland, crossing the street for some dinner at Earl’s Kitchen + Bar and a little shopping at Dadeland Mall.

The Tea Room in Cauley Square is a must on a Sunday (or any day). Sundays offer high tea. The options are expansive and the food is very, very good. The Tea Room in Cauley Square is underrated. The Wedding Blend is fantastic and it is a fabulous experience. We’d discover the metaphysical healing shops on Cauley square as we take pictures with the peacocks, especially the white one. They roam freely. Cauley Square, a tiny street feels like it got left behind from when a fantastical world disappeared.

I’d spend an afternoon at Fairchild Tropical Botanical Gardens and dinner at Versailles, then continue down 8th street sharing Cuban history of Calle Ocho and how it’s changed and is trendy now. We’d end up in Brickell City Center.

After yoga on this particular day, we would hit Deli Lane in South Miami. That afternoon, definitely would have to take my friend to see a show at the Adrienne Arsht Center followed by dinner at Mandolin Aegan Bistro in Design District.

Books & Books in Coral Gables is a must. Check out a presenting author, grab some books, dinner and drinks, listen to music and oh,… that purple potato cake. “To die for.”

We’d spend a whole day at Shops at Merrick Park. Lunch, shopping, movies and dinner.

And lastly, I’d cave. Jump on the Brightline for a magical day at, well… “Magic Kingdom” and be back before midnight.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to the South Florida Writers Association.

They have brought so much support and exposure to me and so many authors and have had the honor to be asked to sit in their board of directors.

Website: www.cvshawbooks.com www.quantumenergymed.com

Instagram: cvshawbooks drcecishaw

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cecilia-shaw-5a37572b5/

Twitter: @CVShaw1

Facebook: ceci shaw

Youtube: @c.v.shawbooks6678