Interview with Tania DeVizia

Author of Mirror of the Soul: A Flutist’s Reflections

Where are you from originally and where do you reside now?

I am originally from Wilkes-Barre, PA, but I live in Collegeville, PA now

If you currently reside somewhere besides where you were born, what’s the story that lead from there to here?

I was born and raised in Wilkes-Barre, PA. I moved to the Philadelphia area in 1988 to pursue my bachelor’s degree. Upon graduation, I enrolled at The University of the Arts in center-city Philadelphia and earned a master’s degree two years later. The excitement of the city and the opportunities it presented to an aspiring musician kept me there for nineteen years. Once I had established myself as a professor in my early thirties, I longed for a quieter lifestyle and thus moved to Elkins Park. It was close enough to my job in center-city but far enough away to allow me to engage in a more peaceful way of living. While there, I met my soul mate, and we got engaged after two years of dating. We moved to Collegeville, PA after we got married in 2017, and that is where I reside now.

What made you decide to write and publish your first book?

As a professor, one is required to engage in faculty development as a crucial part of one’s job. I wanted to write a book that could be used as supplemental reading to the Music Appreciation classes I was teaching, but I didn’t want it to be a text book. I wanted to analyze my favorite pieces of music, but I also wanted to incorporate my eclectic interests an tie it all together. After choosing my musical selections, I began to jot down some ways in which my interests could be linked. My project took on a life of its own, and it turned into an opportunity to share my faith by analyzing the five roles of Jesus and then demonstrating the manner in which music, fine art, popular art and the sciences mirror or reflect the highest ideals of the Creator. I completed Mirror of the Soul: A Flutist’s Reflections in December 2014. As my book was going into production in April 2015, I met my husband – my mirror on every possible level. To this day, I believe it was all Divinely orchestrated.

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

Although much of my book is rooted in theology, there are many components readers find interesting. I discuss the five roles of Jesus – Good Shepherd, Healer/Miracle Worker, Carpenter/Stone Mason, Fisher of Men and Son of God. I demonstrate how the works of great composers like Bach, Mozart and Beethoven mirror the ideals of the Creator. I analyze great works of art by Michelangelo and Dali as well as popular art by Jim Henson, Walt Disney and Stan Lee. My analysis includes discussions of healing the human body with sound and prayer and a details of the nature of time and eternity. Much of the material was a natural extension of my lectures at the Art Institute of Philadelphia.

Who do you feel is most likely to connect with the topics you write about?

My analysis of music is deep, so musicians would appreciate my perspective, but anyone who enjoys faith-based discussions would benefit from my words.

What unexpected or surprising thing did you learn during the process of writing and publishing?

As I was writing, I was completely immersed in the process, and I was led to the perfect material at the perfect time. After playing music, walking in nature or meditating, my words flowed effortlessly, and my book practically wrote itself.

If you could, what advice would you give to past self yourself before embarking on this journey?

Completing the book is just the beginning. I edited and self-published and have been responsible for marketing. I maintain blogs on my author’s website, so the journey never really ends. Growth continues on a daily basis.

How many people would you ideally like to reach with your books?

I would like to reach as many people as possible. This book is a culmination of my life’s work, and I think every human, at some point, wants to know that he/she is making a contribution to the betterment of society. I want to know that I have touched lives and hearts in the greatest possible capacity.

What has been the biggest challenge and frustration during the process to date?

The writing process lasted for a year of my life, and after all of the hours of researching and writing, it is disheartening to know that so few people have actually read my words. Professional marketing costs thousands of dollars.

What’s your biggest strengths when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

Writing was easy and my words flowed effortlessly, almost as if it was Divinely guided. I had the best publishers, but I couldn’t afford to pay them to market it properly.

What’s your biggest weakness when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

When I write, I have little time for anything else. It’s impossible to find a work/life balance. After all the effort required, it is tough to accept that so few people read the final product.

When do you think you will you write your next book?

I have a few ideas, but I haven’t written any words. Hopefully, I will begin in the next year.

Are you self published or did you use a hybrid publisher, or a traditional publisher?

My book was self-published with Balboa Press. I loved Balboa, as they were so easy to work with, and I often had to tap into my inner Italian Stallion when discussing my work with others.