Olivia Swindler

Olivia Swindler was raised in Spokane, Washington, but currently resides in Grenoble, France, and is the Communication Coordinator for Young Life in Europe. She spends most of her spare time wandering through the mountains and eating her weight in bread.

Olivia believes that through fiction we can learn and grow from one another because there is something magical about picking up a book and allowing it to transport you someplace new. Cynthia Starts a Band is her debut novel, which she hopes will create and foster hard, real-life conversations, inspiring readers to have the courage to discover who they are when the world isn't looking.

I’m excited for you to connect with Olivia, check out her work, and follow along as she continues to share this powerful truth: at the end of every loss there is a moment of creativity, don’t miss it.

I'd love it if you'd introduce yourself, what you do, and what you're working on.

My name is Olivia Swindler. I am an American living in the French Alps. I work in communications for a non-profit, and I recently published my debut novel, Cynthia Starts a Band.

How did you get started?

I have always been a writer. Since I was a kid, I was always working on a story or had an idea for a new story. My parents called it daydreaming, but I know now that I was practicing for my dream job of being a writer.

What Inspired the work you’re doing?

I know that stories have so much value and that we can learn so much about ourselves and the world around us through fiction. After I got out of a manipulative relationship, I knew that I wanted to find a way to write about it through fictional characters. This was not only healing for me, but I hope that the story brings hope to those who have had a similar experience.

What is your biggest passion? Do you feel like you're living your passion and purpose?

My biggest passion is uplifting the voices of those around me. Whether this is done by sitting down and having coffee with someone and asking how their life is going, or through my job where I share inspiring stories from around Europe, few things in the world bring me more joy than helping someone feel heard.

(I am also very passionate about my dog, Luna!)

What is your joy blueprint? What lights you up, brings you joy, and makes you feel the most alive?

I have the privilege of living in the foothills of the French Alps. Few things bring me greater joy than looking out my window and looking at the mountains. I spend as much time as possible in them, whether hiking or skiing or just having a picnic. The mountains bring me more joy than most things in the world. If I ever have a bad day or week, it can quickly be remedied if I spend the afternoon lost in the woods.

If I am not in the mountains, I find joy sitting across the table from someone sharing a meal or a cup of coffee. I love to cook and have people in my home. There is something about having conversations around a table that brings so much joy into my life.

How do you live intentionally? Are there tools/resources/practices that you rely on to help you stay mindful and grounded?

I try to have screen-free Saturdays. No social media, limited contact with people helps me to be recharged for the rest of the week. If I take one day away each week, I have found that I can spend more quality time with people during the week. For me, a huge aspect of being intentional is how I use technology. If I am with someone, I make sure that my phone is away. This helps me to be fully present. I also love to spend time around an activity. It is so much easier to have an intentional and mindful conversation while walking in nature or cooking a meal.

I love to take time to be alone in nature. This helps me to stay grounded. In nature, I am reminded of my core values and that the world is bigger than myself.

What would your younger self think about what you're doing now?

She would think I am courageous. When I was a kid, I tended to be anxious, and as a result, I wouldn't do things out of my comfort zone. Since I was a kid, living in France and writing have been my dreams, but I don't think my younger self would have believed I would ever have the courage to do it.

Do you have a go-to mantra or affirmation?

Keep your eyes on your own paper.

What is your biggest dream?

I would love to have the chance to publish another book. In the meantime, I dream of helping share the stories of those around me. I dream of a world where we can share what happened to us without carrying shame. Having honest and vulnerable conversations with people can help foster this future.

To connect with Olivia and learn more check out her website oliviaswindler.com and on Instagram @oliviaswindler

Joy Corner is an interview-style blog series brought to you by Seek The Joy Podcast. Our mission continues to be a desire to share your stories, truths, joys and inspiration in your words. We invite you to join our corner, and share your joys, passions, and moments of inspiration as we continue to seek the joy, together. Join this series here

Olivia Swindler - Author, Cynthia Starts a Band