Cheerleaders, the world needs more of them. I don’t mean pom, pom’s and football games, I mean real-life, everyday cheerleaders.  This week’s Woman Who Inspire is just such a cheerleader, but she is also much more. 

Adrea Peters wears many hats. She is a novelist, a playwright, a businesswoman, and a mentor.  She is the author of the new quantum fiction series Becoming Truitt Skye, co-author of several pictureless books, and the instructive book, The Science of Story.  She has also been making some amazing Instagram videos for wannabe authors. I don’t want to write a book, but I can’t stop watching them. Her personality is infectious.  Adrea is always learning and pushing herself. 

But let’s get back to what I find so inspiring. Her job as a cheerleader.  Adrea is a cousin of mine. A second cousin or something once removed. We have met in person only a handful of times, but like so many other people we keep in touch via social media.  Adrea is always one of the first people to support whatever crazy venture I have going on.  Lordy, that in itself could be a fulltime job. She is also a cheerleader to those whom she mentors. Adrea is so positive and her outlook on life is truly inspiring. The world could definitely use more of Adrea’s love and energy these days. 

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HERE IS MY INTERVIEW WITH HER

What is the best piece of career advice you have ever received?

Quit! 

Isn’t that hilarious? It was from my dad many, many years ago. At the time, I had been working my arse off in healthcare computers for the prior three years which I had started the weekend after I graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder. The company I worked for had sold and I had 5,000 shares that were automatically vested (meaning turned in to cash!) on the day of the sale so I had the option to either quit and play with the money or roll it into a 401K. I think it was $100K before taxes… something massive like that. And he asked, “How old are you again?” My dad had trouble keeping us all straight:). I replied, “26.” He laughed and said, “QUIT! You obviously have no trouble making money. More will come. You have nothing to lose.” I remember filling with profound joy and excitement. And I did just that. I quit and for a couple of years, maybe 18 months, I traveled a ton (Mexico/South America/Hawaii), went to a bit of art school, and worked at Copper Mountain. All things that had a huge impact on who I have become. Seriously best advice ever. Those two years were not easy but they were magnificent, and still inspire me today. I learned that I am never stuck. There was always more awaiting when I travel forward, trusting I am absolutely fine.

What other women do you admire, and anything you want to share about them?

I am a huge fan of women who cook! Julia Child is my life long mentor. I have read her book, “My Life in France,” countless times and “Dearie,” a beautiful autobiography about her sits on my shelf of favorites so I can see it multiple times a day… picking it up when I want a little giggle or pick me up. She is like this magical grandmother to me, always inspiring me to never give up, never be too hard on myself, and always, above all else, laugh and have FUN! (And eat more butter!)

I love that Julia, and Martha, and Ina, and Nigella, and Francis Mayes (Under the Tuscan Sun) on and on, are themselves, sharing what they love, what they know,  who and how they are in the world all for the love of gathering others to eat! To me, nothing shows love and comradery like sharing a meal together. When I write, I think of my reader cozied up with a coffee and cookie, or glass of wine or a slice of pizza or a juicy BLT! I aspire to create that same sensation with my reader… that I have cooked them a feast, all for them, and we are enjoying it together and having a wonderful conversation. That is my dream. And these women inspire me daily.

What app can’t you live without?

Miriam-Webster dictionary! I just used it for comradery! I always misspell it:) Some like to spell it camaraderie. (as in the spell checker on this form!) Both are correct. #FTW

What is your favorite podcast and or book?

Favorite Podcast: CRIMETOWN! Hands down best storytelling out there. This team is insanely talented. I hate that I have to wait for new seasons but it is always worth it. 

Book: Oh wow! I could never choose just one! We could/should do a whole series on favorite books! I will give a few, okay? In categories… 

Children’s Picture Book: Iggy Peck Architect by David Roberts and Andrea Beaty and the Eloise books by Kay Thompson

Young Reader: The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane (I love all her books, Kate doCamillo)

Non-Fiction: Too many! I do love The Lost Painting by Jonathon Harr and The Golden Spruce by John Vaillant but there are so many others. 

Fiction: Again… toooo mannyy to limit myself! I love Memoirs of a Geisha, The Night Circus, Smilla’s Sense of Snow, anything by Ann Cleeves or Diane Johnson or AS Byatt or Kent Haruf or Ann Patchett or J.K. Rowling. I also love Michael Crichton books, Dan Brown books, and Michael Connelly and others for summer reading.

As you may have guessed, I have a vast love of books!

What piece of advice would you share with other women?

You are beautiful. You are a unique, one-of-a-kind creation of perfection. There is nothing wrong with you. All paths are the right path. Every mistake, stumble, fall is a chance to love yourself more. I love you.

What are you most grateful for?

Love. Full stop. To receive love, to give love, to be love… I cherish it with all that I am.

Is there anything else you want to share with my readers?

THANK YOU! I am so honored to be in the company of the extraordinary women of this community. What a gift. I would love to connect and hear from you all! Please reach out if you so desire! All my love, always.

You can find Adrea on her website, Instagram, Bookshop or you can email her.