Interview with Dr. Lisa F. Crites, Author of Beautifully Unbroken

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write this book?

I ultimately wrote the book for one reason, and that was the same reason I invented my patented product, The SHOWER SHIRT™ and that was to help and support those who are going through what I already have. As I say in the book, if this memoir can help even one person, it will be worth writing. If it helps one cancer patient feel less alone. One breast cancer survivor who is exhausted and discouraged. One inventor, doubting that a painful idea could become meaningful. One woman who has lost her mother. One person seeking entrepreneurship. One Christian struggling with doubt. One person, more spiritual than religious, but seeking something deeper. If it reaches even one heart, every vulnerable page was worth writing.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of your book, what would they be?

Rachel Platten - Fight Song (Official Video) Bing Videos

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
Always memoirs and autobiographies.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?
‘Let Them’ by Mel Robbins.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
My favorite memory to write was Chapter 11, titled “Penile Implants Necessary, Breast Cancer Debated?” 

It covers my trip to Washington, DC, to fight for Medicare reimbursement coverage for The SHOWER SHIRT™—my patented product to help breast cancer patients shower protectively after mastectomy surgery. Before presenting, I found out penile implants were reimbursed for men, though Medicare had denied reimbursing this water-resistant protective garment (to help decrease water-borne illnesses) in women after breast amputation. The decision was absurd!! So, in retrospect, it was important to not only point out the chauvinistic and disparaging decisions made in Washington that support men, but not women during that presentation, but also write about that experience in Chapter 11.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (Lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
Nothing quirky – but I love listening to Christian radio stations for inspiration while writing.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?
“We are a product of our upbringing and experiences”

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
My hope is that this book brings encouragement to breast cancer patients who are searching for hope and demonstrates to anyone who needs reassurance that faith and inspiration come from above — you simply must ask.  Prepare as if tomorrow is the first day of the rest of your life – for the opportunity to live with courage, authenticity, resilience, gratitude, and originality -CARGO.