I made a promise to myself that day, that I would write a book so another little girl would not feel so alone. I did not know then that a lot of healing had to happen first.
Babs Walters – 15 July 2025
The Back Flap
The average person can keep a secret for forty-seven hours. Babs Walters held the worst kind of secret for nearly 70 years–that she suffered sexual abuse at the hands of her father, beginning at age 11. Facing the Jaguar is Babs’ inspirational story of resilience and courage—a story that proves anything is possible when we claim our truth and shine a light in even the darkest of places. It’s never too late to tell your story. It’s never too late to heal.
About the book
What is the book about?
Facing the Jaguar – A Memoir of Courage and Confrontation is a true story about family secrets and generational trauma.
Throughout my youth, I was weighed down by carrying secrets that should not have been mine in the first place. On top of these secrets was the threat of death to remain silent and never tell. Ultimately this burden pushed me to confront and explore the unusual family history that led to my being burdened. The act of facing the jaguar enabled me to find my strength and reclaim my life.
When did you start writing the book?
I actually tried to write my memoir several times before. But I wasn’t ready. Most recently, it began in its current form about three years ago.
How long did it take you to write it?
The physical act of putting words to paper took one and a half years.
Where did you get the idea from?
I loved to read as a child and that included encyclopedias if nothing else was available. One day when I was eleven, I came across a definition of something that was happening to me. The words left me feeling so all alone. I made a promise to myself that day, that I would write a book so another little girl would not feel so alone. I did not know then that a lot of healing had to happen first.
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
Two parts were tough. The first was where another person played an important part in my story but had their own secrets. I struggled with how to portray real people as characters in my story without revealing everything and prejudicing the reader.
The second difficult part was eliminating major periods of my life in order to prevent writing a biography.
What came easily?
Writing takes time, discipline and do-overs. The part that made it easiest for me was having accountability partners. Just knowing that I was going to have to deliver a certain number of words to them each week, held my feet to the fire. Or fingers to the keyboard. Eventually, I accumulated enough words through this method.
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
All my characters are or were real people based on my experience and memory of them.
We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?
Three memoirists who write of resilient women and influenced me to tell my story are Tara Westover, Jeannette Walls and Stephanie Foo. When it comes to fiction, my favorite author is John Irving. I enjoy seeing the world through his eyes.
Do you have a target reader?
It’s women who consider themselves ageless and understand the cost of remaining silent.
About Writing
Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?
I spend some time thinking about an idea before I start to write. Once I think it through, I begin writing non-stop. I do not judge what I record until I run out of steam. Then I reread it and make changes.
Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?
A writing coach taught me to map instead of outline. This way I get a visual of how the pieces of the book will eventually come together. I start with chapter headings. In each box I list a description of the scene, characters that are present and the action that takes place. The pieces can be moved around later if needed.
Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?
I edit and reread as I go. This is not recommended by other writers. I always need to start writing where I left off to get into or continue the mood.
Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?
I actually love listening to music. Unfortunately, my body also wants to move at the same time. So, no. I don’t listen while writing.
About Publishing
Did you submit your work to Agents?
No. I did not feel I had the time to do that.
What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?
I took a memoir writing class. It involved working with two different coaches. One of them is a hybrid publisher. I loved her feedback, ideas and went with her press as a result.
Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?
As part of the hybrid process, they professionally designed my book cover.
Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?
I am working with a PR firm. And continue to work on my own list of marketing ideas and goals.
Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?
Producing a book requires two distinct skill sets. Writing the book vs. marketing the book. Be prepared to keep working. Your job is not done when the writing ends.
Evoto
About You
Where did you grow up?
We moved a lot but I primarily grew up in the Bronx, New York.
Where do you live now?
I currently reside in southeast Florida.
What would you like readers to know about you?
I have learned that healing is a journey. Not a destination. Don’t let age stop you from taking a step in the right direction.
What are you working on now?
In giving purpose and meaning to my earlier life, my goal is to get the word out about family secrets and the healing that is possible in telling. On the speakers circuit, through my workshops and on my Secret No More postcards, I am supporting other secret keepers in their process. I am one of the designated interviewers for Brave Voices on The Library of Congress. My next job is to shine the education and prevention light as far and wide as I can.
End of Interview:
For more from Babs Walters visit her website and follow her on Facebook and Instagram.
Get your copy of Facing the Jaguar from Amazon US.
