Chit Chatting with author Kirsten Sage Steadman

Written by: Jill Sheets

Kirsten Sage Steadman

Recently, I had the honor of interviewing author Kirsten Sage Steadman, She is the
author of the amazing book “Snowflake Obsidian: Memoir of a Cutter.” Continue to read
on and learn more about Kirsten, her book and why she decide to write it.

R: Would you mind tell our readers a little bit about yourself?

K: I’m twenty eight years old. I have been married seven years and we own two dogs, a
lab mix and a retired racing greyhound. They are my babies.

R: Tell us about your book “Snowflake Obsidian: Memoir of a Cutter” and why you
decided to write the book?

K: It’s funny because I never really decided to write a book like this, but once I found
myself doing it I realized I may really have something that could help other people.
That’s when I committed to finishing it and making it available to readers. At the time I
was studying to be a social worker, and spending my extra time volunteering, all I wanted
to do at that time in my life was help others. This became a part of that.

R: How hard was it mental to write this book?

K: It actually wasn’t very hard at all. I think mostly because there were no open wounds
(metaphorically speaking) everything had been resolved so it was actually kind of fun to
look back on everything from a different perspective. The really scary part was thinking
about other people reading it someday! Being that vulnerable really stressed me out.
Especially since many of my friends and family didn’t know this about me until after the
book was published. Yeah, I’m a little secretive.

R: What would you like readers to take away from reading “Snowflake Obsidian:
Memoir of a Cutter?”

K: Whatever they get out of it! In the beginning I wanted people to feel hope, to know
they weren’t alone, that we all have our private struggles. I wanted people to feel
inspired, educated, entertained. But really, if you get something out of it, great! And I’ve
been surprised by the things people are getting out of it because it’s stuff I wouldn’t have expected! But if all I do is entertain you for a spell I will be more than happy.

R: If they were to make a movie out of your book, who could you picture playing you?
What about the other people in the book?

K: Does time travel exist? Fifteen years ago it would have been Drew Barrymore playing
me and Jared Leto playing River. In fact, people use to tell River all the time that he
looked like Jared Leto from the movie Requiem for a Dream (if you feel like crying
yourself to sleep I highly recommend that movie), especially during this time period.
Now people just call him Justin Bieber (true story). But I’d settle for the wildly sexy Zac
Efron for River. And for me? Since time travel doesn’t exist…yet…I think Emma Stone
could pull off the funny, sexy, dark, naïve, awkward thing.

R: Do you have any plans on writing any more books?

K: Yes, I already have. I always had an addiction to writing. I just never thought it would
ever develop into a career of ANY kind. I’ve thus written 4 more stories, three young
adult, and one historical fiction. They’re all in the process of rewrite at the moment. The
historical fiction was co-authored with a friend. It’s very different from my style and I’ll
probably never write in that genre again. But his ancestors have a fascinating story and I
wanted to help him put that to paper. We’re expecting that out next year.

Snowflake Obsidian-Memoir Of A Cutter

R: Where can people get your book?

K: Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, indiebound.org, iuniverse.com

R: What are some of the signs someone should look out for if their family member or
friend is cutting themselves?

K: Because cutting is usually a symptom of another disorder it’s hard to nail it down to
one list of symptoms, but here is a list of red flags that if they’re exhibiting 5 or 6 of these
there is a good chance they may be using cutting as a way to cope.

Difficulty regulating mood, including frequent mood swings.
Dealing with depression or anxiety or both.
Withdrawn, isolated.

Quiet when normally talkative.
Secretive.
Wears long sleeves when it’s not cold or other things to cover up more than is
necessary.
Hyper religious, this is not as common, but it can be a way for them to “atone” for
mistakes.
Frequently complains of feeling “out of control.”
Had a recent life transition: death, moved, loss of relationship, divorce, moved out
of house, taken on more responsibility etc.
Often feels responsible for how other people feel or makes others responsible for
how they feel.
History of mental, verbal, sexual, psychological, or physical abuse.
Has said that they feel “unloved” or “not good enough.”
Feelings of abandonment,
Unstable relationships.

R: What has been the best advice you have ever gotten and by who?

K: My sister once told me, “Where you’re at in life is exactly where you’re supposed to
be.” She told me this while I was cutting and it applied then and applies still. Sometimes
the process of going through something is as important as the result.

R: Cutting is a very serious issue, what advice would you give someone who was cutting
themselves?

K: You’re not alone and it’s okay to tell someone, preferably a counselor. Therapy has
such a negative connotation. Not all of us have life figured out even when we pretend we
do. It’s okay to ask someone for help.

R: Other than this one, what is the strangest question you have ever gotten and what was
the answer to the question?

K: I was asked if I had any “rituals” I did after I finished a book. I’m thinking dancing
around a fire half-naked beating a drum??? Because I’ve considered it, but I don’t really
have any rituals, I told them I eat cookies. But, really, I’m looking for any excuse to
celebrate with eating cookies. “I finished a chapter. I drove home safe. It’s Saturday.”

R: What are five things people may not know about you?

K:

1. You know how some people have a fear of old things? I have a fear of new things.
I walk into a new house with new furniture and I feel kinda gross. I recently visited a
bookstore full of vintage books and was the happiest I’ve ever been. I have a vintage
book collection. My most recent purchase was one of my favorite novels The Count of
Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas printed in 1956.

2. I’m a certified yoga instructor and teach on the side, but I’m not very flexible and
never have been.

3. About two years ago I started a small t-shirt company called Blue Road. It’s just
another one of my creative outlets.

4. I still paint from time to time, but only if I’m asked to do a mural or something. Most
of my designs now go on my shirts.

5. I do spontaneous random acts of art on my wall. I like to doodle, or paint small
pictures, or write inspirational sayings or poems. On the wall opposite my bed I’ve
written mine and my husband’s song on the wall with a bunch of random doodles.

R: What are some of your future goals?

K: I’m pretty sure someday I’m going to have kids, and write some more stuff. Oh and
adopt a pig.

R: Are you or your book on any social networking sites? If so, which ones and what are
their addresses? Do you have an official website?

K:

Snowflake Obsidian book site:

http://www.snowflakeobsidianbook.com/

My official website:
www.thehippiewriter.com

It’s in the process of being constructed now so it will just redirect to the Snowflake
Obsidian main page.

FACEBOOK regular page

http://www.facebook.com/kirsten.steadman

Facebook fan page:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Hippie/185405178200133?sk=wall

Twitter:

http://twitter.com/#!/TheHippieWriter

You tube: Featuring my Snowflake shorts and trailer!

http://www.youtube.com/user/thehippiewriter

R: Is there anything else you would like to say to the readers?

K: Ooo. I’m going to go with something really cliché like, follow your heart, because it’s
still good advice.

R: Kirsten, thank you for the interview. It was an honor and you have a great day.

K: Thank you!

Tags: "Snowflake Obsidian: Memoir of a Cutter”, author, book, cutter, help, Kirsten Sage Steadman, social work, story, student, true, write