Nothing is quite as wonderful as celebrating a milestone or a dream come true with someone you’ve known nearly your whole life! Rebecca and I met on a playground when we were both school-aged, and that’s pretty wild. Though the years have taken us on separate adventures, we’ve stayed in touch over the years.
And I’m just so excited to share Rebecca Wilber and her book Bridget Brain with you! If you don’t know much about premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), this book is the way to do it!
About Bridget Brain:
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About Rebecca Wilber:
Rebecca Wilber lives in South Carolina with her husband David, two tiny humans (Aleiah and Ezra), and two furry felines (Moses and Aaron). Though she struggles with her mental health, she continues to fight to be the best wife and mom she can be. When she is not chasing her kids or battling her brain, Rebecca enjoys spending time with friends, reading self-help books, watching medical dramas, riding her exercise bike, crafting, and brainstorming for future books.
Quick (1-Word) Answers:
1. Favorite Dessert: I’m not big on dessert (or following rules, evidently, since this is more than one word), but when I do want something sweet, I melt dairy-free chocolate and peanut butter together to dip pretzels in.
2. Pet Peeve: Mouth noises. Loud chewing, swallowing, breathing, etc. And my cats cleaning themselves right next to me.
CordiallyBarbara: OH MY GOSH ME TOOOOOO.
3. Current Read: The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel Van Der Kolk
CordiallyBarbara: I’ve been really wanting to read The Body Keeps the Score! I’ve heard some really good things about it, and it’s on my reading list for this year.
4. Song on Repeat (include artist): I enjoy “Up!” by Shania Twain and “The Breakup Song” by Francesca Battistelli equally.
In-Depth Questions
5. What inspired Bridget Brain?
Oddly enough, I wrote Bridget Brain in the midst of a depressive episode during my luteal phase. When I discovered that I was suffering from PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder), I joined a support group on Facebook. Something I see frequently in the group is women asking how they might help their friends and family better understand what we deal with.
There’s plenty of information about PMDD online, and there are some books out there on the topic. And that’s great. But those books aren’t anything you would likely have your spouse or children read.
I find that few people really want to take the time to research or read full-length books about something that doesn’t directly relate to them. Sure, our loved ones are affected by our PMDD too, but a lot of the explanations and work to help others understand ultimately falls on our shoulders. I wanted to create something that would be a simple and effective resource to share with others to help them understand us better.
CordiallyBarbara: I love that you saw a need and you thought to create something that would be easily digestible by friends, family, and kids. Such an awesome move!
6. Did the character of Bridget Brain teach you anything while you were creating the story?
Bridget actually taught me to love myself better and show grace to myself. Writing the book helped me to accept my struggles for what they are—mental health struggles, not personality flaws. Having a brain that works against me instead of with me for half the month (give or take) does not make me a bad mom or a terrible person.
CordiallyBarbara: Wow. That’s a powerful realization.
7. On a day of inclement weather, what would Bridget be doing?
I think it depends on the time of day. In the morning, she’d most definitely still be curled up in bed. In the afternoon hours, I imagine Bridget would be sitting in her favorite recliner and reading a self-help book. She’d have a weighted blanket on her lap and a cup of herbal tea on the table beside her. In the later evening hours, she would probably be eating popcorn while binging a medical drama.
CordiallyBarbara: I love that you can glimpse her at all of these different times of day, and she seems terribly relatable!
8. Is there a line from Bridget Brain that you just love?
I don’t necessarily have a line that grabs at me more than the others. But I do have two favorite illustrations.
CordiallyBarbara: These are adorable illustrations, and I love that eating one so much.
9. Did you travel to research Bridget Brain?
Not unless you consider introspection a form of travel. In that case, I traveled the recesses of my mind. 😉
CordiallyBarbara: HAH. I love this.
10. I like to write book reviews where I compare the book to food. What would you compare Bridget Brain to?
Hmm. The first thing that comes to mind is a cake pop, though I’m not entirely sure why. Maybe because cake pops are time-consuming to make but convenient in size and fun to look at. They’re the perfect treat for when you want something soft and sweet but don’t want to eat a whole slice of cake.
CordiallyBarbara: That comparison is perfect to me, especially since you were sharing that you wanted to make PMDD accessible to others in a quick way. Thanks for making this cake pop for us, Rebecca!
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