Dara Chadwick

What is the key message of your book?

Though there are many outside forces exerting pressure on our girls, we mothers are powerful role models for our daughters and can help them grow up feeling good about their bodies — at any age.

What inspires you to write?

I’ve always been a writer, but this book was inspired by my desire to not pass along the negative body feelings I grew up with to my teenage daughter. I want her to grow up feeling content with being the healthiest version of herself.

What advice would you offer readers of your book?

I want readers to know that they don’t have to be perfect to raise daughters who feel good about their bodies. Make healthy choices most of the time, speak kindly about yourself and others, treat yourself now and then, and talk with your daughter about what beauty really is.

What are you passionate about?

I’m passionate about spreading the message that at any point, you can choose to see yourself, your circumstances and your options in a new way. The choice is always yours.

What interests you most about body image?

What interests me most about body image is how so much of it is up to us. Yes, there are cultural and media pressures, but truly, if you choose to see yourself as healthy and beautiful, stop comparing yourself to others and to unrealistic images, and focus on making the most of who you are, it’s possible to step outside of the pressure that so many of us women feel to be “perfect.”

If you could have a conversation with anyone (alive or not) who would it be and what would you talk about?

There are so many people throughout history that I’d love to chat with, but if I could choose anyone today, it would be my mother. I’d want to thank her for the love and support she always showed me and tell her how much I miss her friendship.

What motivates you?

More than anything else, I’m motivated by my curiosity. I never run out of ideas!

What is your advice to aspiring writers?

My advice to aspiring writers is to be persistent and to develop a thick skin. Both of these have helped me move forward with projects and goals in the face of adversity. More than anything, though, I’d say follow your passion. When you’re passionate about an idea or a project, readers can feel your enthusiasm.

What are you looking forward to?

My next adventure, always!