#WeRead: Liezel publishes Book About Bad Habits

Habits, habits, habits … some are good, some are bad, and people tend to struggle with letting go of the bad. Some believe one needs to adopt a good habit to let go of the bad, and the same view is shared by Kempton Park author Liezel Smit.

Liezel’s belief in replacing bad habits is so strong she translated her views into a book, Book About Bad Habits. Liezel explained her book is about 50 of the most common bad habits that jeopardise relationships; a practical guide with added humour, pictures, true stories and solutions on how to self-improve and get rid of those nasty habits.

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She started writing the book in 2017, but the journey to its completion and publishing was not all sunshine and roses. “I lost motivation a few months after starting as I had worked long hours for many years without leave. In 2018, the book was deleted by a virus on my flash drive and laptop. It was nowhere to be found,” said Liezel.

“During the extreme circumstances of lockdown, the book miraculously appeared on my laptop. I then needed the motivation to carry on writing. I saw the article in the Express about Praise Malinga who wrote and published four books successfully. “I emailed him and he replied. I was touched by his words when he said ‘I believe the diamond hidden in you will soon shine and be seen by all’. “I asked if he could motivate me to finish my book, even if he used a rod. He laughed and said he would pray to God to guide him in motivating me.”

After a back and forth of calls and emails, Praise committed Liezel to a two-month deadline of completing the book instead of the eight she had initially set for herself.

“I saw a big challenge with fantastic results. I started to write night and day for two months after hours of research and editing,” said Liezel. “My brother, Lemoin Chalmers, did the final editing and I sent the book to Praise. He read it and congratulated me. It was such a relief and blessing that another author approved of my writing. My brother also approved of my writing and their approvals were all I needed to publish. “What an exciting day, as I knew the book would help many people save their relationships with their spouses, friends or colleagues. “My brother and I finally self-published my book in January on Smashwords.”

The 49-year-old local author advised up-and-coming authors to start writing. “If it’s your dream to write a book, then start. Contact someone who will get wisdom through prayer on how to motivate you. It’s important to publish your book even when you think it’s not a good book because someone out there will appreciate it.

“I thank my son and daughter, Zoe and Marco Hamaty, for being the blessings from God for me to live, love, laugh and write. I am blessed to be a mom of a pigeon pair with integrity, energy and hope. Thank you to Praise, Lemoin and Eugene van der Walt, who looked after my children and me for a year while I was unemployed. How can I ever repay what you have given without judging? Thank you all for the support.”

The book is on Smashwords website with item number 1066307 or type Liezel Smit in the search bar.

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