We had the good fortune of connecting with A.G. Billig and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi A.G., what role has risk played in your life or career?
The lens we use to look at life influences how it unfolds. Therefore I choose to look at risk as an opportunity for growth. Each time we step outside of our comfort zone, into the unknown, we take a risk. Yet in doing so, we learn more about ourselves and become stronger. Each time we show up in the world as our authentic selves we risk being ridiculed or rejected. Yet it is by staying true to ourselves that we are free. Each time I took risks and stayed away from the beaten path, my life became effortless and everything came together in synchronicity. I was at the right place, at the right time, met the right people and was able to manifest my vision.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As an author, I write fiction and non-fiction books revolving around love. I believe that love is a superpower that lies dormant in our hearts, waiting to be awakened and expressed. When we choose to manifest his superpower, we learn to love ourselves, what we do, and our life. The brain and heart work in sync, and unlock our full potential. That’s when the magic happens and all aspects of our lives get elevated. I always knew that there is more to life than meets the eye, or what society teaches us, but my spiritual journey started in 2009 with a three-week initiatory stay in Abadiania, Brazil. It was there that I connected with my Soul mission to help people remember that love is their true nature, and I realized that writing is my way to accomplish it. My writing journey began at 8 in Romania, my country of birth. At 15, I finished writing my first novel but it wasn’t until 2012 that I got published as the result of taking a risk. Armed with a few short stories and my bio, I jumped on an airplane to London to attend The London Book Fair, make professional connections, and submit my work to literary agents. Few days later, I returned home with a contract with MP Publishing, a British small press. I was over the moon with joy especially that it happened effortlessly. Soon I realized that if I wanted to pursue a literary career, I had to start a new life. So I moved from Bucharest to Dublin, Ireland and later to Southern California, US. Being away from my mother and friends was, probably, the biggest challenge. Gratitude for every sunny day, open door and new friend as well as my passion for my craft helped me overcome it. It wasn’t just a professional journey but a personal one, too. I’ve learned it works better to invite something in my life and let it unfold rather than forcing it. I’ve also learned that love is always the answer. All these lessons are detailed in my books. “Four Doors and Other Stories” is a collection of twelve stories on the border between dreams and the magic of reality, painting a portrait of love in all its forms. “I Choose Love: A Journey from Fear to Love” is a powerful and transformational handbook for awakening the heart, experiencing love every day, and reaffirming your direction in life. My most recent work, “5 Easy Steps to Ending a Toxic Relationship,” is a roadmap to a drama-free life, filled with love.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love indie bookstores — and so does my friend LOL– so The Last Bookstore and Chevalier Books would be on the list. I would also recommend a picnic by the Echo Park Lake and visiting the Griffith Observatory. The Getty Villa would be another must as well as the Arts District. One of my favorite food places is Strada–Eateria & Bar DTLA. Everything is delicious, from avocado sandwiches to authentic Turkish coffee.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My first shoutout goes to my parents. They encouraged me to pursue my dreams from an early age and instilled in me the love for art, books, and travel. I believe that now, more than ever, books can make the world a kinder place therefore I’m supporting writers as an author coach. The second goes to my soul family, here, in The United States of America, people who inspire me everyday with their kindness, generosity, love, courage, and authenticity. The third shoutout goes to all the people I met in my life. They taught my valuable lessons and helped me become a better person.

Website: http://www.agbillig.com

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/agbilligauthor

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/agbillig

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AGBillig

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChsy0eiwTGbqeQvIBg7E_3w

Other: Helping authors make the world a kinder place one book at a time: http://www.selfpublishingmastery.com

Image Credits
Second picture: Corina Olaru

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