Barbara McNally has lived quite an exciting journey from suburban housewife to some very sensual ways of rediscovering her identity and living life to the fullest. This journey is candidly discussed in her memoir Unbridled. We found out a little more about Barbara and her book in this interview.
Hi Barbara, welcome to Beauty and Lace
When did you know you wanted to be an author?
I’ve always enjoyed writing, and especially enjoy writing about what I’m learning. After going through my journey to self-discovery, I knew that I had a message to share with women all around the world, and I thought that a memoir would be a great way to share this message with others.
Unbridled is your memoir, at what point did you decide your journey needed to be shared?
Many stories end with the woman finding her prince charming and living happily ever after, but mine is a modern story of personal freedom and empowered independence. I wanted to inspire other women to embrace the single life and not rely on a man for happiness.
Can you tell us a little about your journey to publication?
It’s been an exciting journey, and I’ve had such an amazing support system along the way. It’s wonderful to hear how my story resonates with others. Sharing my vulnerability, fears and experiences has resulted in soulful and honest conversations with others.
You decided to blog alongside the book, what can we expect to find on the blog?
I blog about living an independent, full life, and about my experiences and lessons learned along the way. I also talk about living out the four dimensions of womanhood: lover, mother, fighter and sage. I welcome interaction and inspiration to help us all on this journey to live life to the fullest.
Can you tell us about the Mother Lover Fighter Sage Foundation?
All proceeds from my book go back to the Foundation, which supports women’s education and personal growth opportunities. Through my organization, I offer scholarships and classes to encourage women to achieve their full potential. You can learn more on my website, unbridledfreedom.com.
Can you share with us a little about the catalyst that set you on the path to liberation?
Just like the title of my first chapter- A Liar and A Cheater- suggests, I was ‘fired’ from my job as housewife for having an affair. The loss of my identity was the catalyst that sparked my journey of liberation. I could have stayed in a stifled marriage and lived an unhealthy, one dimensional life, forever the retentive sinner; instead I chose freedom. Unbridled shares my journey from confined predictability to empowered authenticity.
What is the most important lesson you think you have learned?
There are two important lessons I’ve learned during my journey. First, be yourself- everyone else is taken! Second, don’t die with the music still inside you. Express yourself, and live life to the fullest.
How did you get started as a Burlesque dancer?
My grandmother was a vaudeville dancer and an empowered, sensual woman with an incredible zest for life. I admired her independent and adventurous spirit, and this inspired me to try burlesque dancing. Burlesque allows me to celebrate my sexuality and has forced me to step outside my comfort zone in a new and exhilarating way.
Are you planning to write more books?
I’m open to all possibilities, but right now I’m focused on helping other women through my Foundation and blogging.
What does being a woman mean to you?
This is our time to be sexy feminist! We now have the freedom in America to explore all of our dimensions and live the life of a mother, lover, fighter and sage. Many women are leading the way and I want to be an inspiration to embrace this uncharted territory.
Thanks for talking with us Barbara.
I devour books, vampires and supernatural creatures are my genre of choice but over the past couple of years, I have broadened my horizons considerably. In a nutshell – I love to write! I love interacting with a diverse range of artists to bring you interviews. Perhaps we were perfect before – I LOVE WORDS!