Author, flight attendant and travel enthusiast Lia Ocampo sits down with David Brady to discuss her latest book “I Love Flying”
DB: Congratulations on your latest book. How do you feel about it now that it is on the shelves and people are enjoying it?
LO: There is a feeling of joy when an author’s book lands on the shelves of a bookstore. I am delighted that I Love Flying is currently on the shelves of Where Traveler Books + More stores. Watch out for more stores at the airport where you can find I Love Flying.
DB: Tell us a bit about what you do in addition to making books?
LO: I am flying full-time as a flight attendant. I love flying and the fun and perks it offers. I recently had my 8th anniversary as a flight attendant. Time passes fast, especially when you are having fun– and I am. I love doing volunteer work, and I am trying to incorporate my time volunteering into my personal travels.
DB: Why did you make this unique book?
LO: The impact of the pandemic and my passion for flying and travel inspired me to make I Love Flying. I wanted to uplift the spirit of traveling and flying and shed some hope during those challenging times of the pandemic.
During the earlier stage of the pandemic, I took a voluntary leave and used that time to create this book. Before the pandemic, I started writing another book, but I set it aside and created this journal that I believe is more valuable. I turned adversity into an opportunity to create something good.
I wanted to have a book dedicated to the airline industry during the unprecedented time of the pandemic. Hence, I dedicate I Love Flying to flight attendants, flight crew, ground crew, the industry’s frontline workers, and everyone who loves to fly. Primarily, this book is for the men and women across the globe who lost their lives to COVID-19. I honor them.
DB: What is the most difficult part of making this book?
LO: The most challenging part was the initial stage. I’ve had many ideas to incorporate and wasn’t sure if it’s a great idea. I had doubts and was simultaneously excited as I progressed and saw developments. I was hoping for the best outcome in expressing my passion for flying. I wasn’t disappointed; I was happy. Thank you to my artist, David Brady, for working with me patiently and guiding me through creating this beautiful journal.
DB: Your love of flying is evident, what would you tell someone who has a fear of flying or long-distance travel?
LO: If you are afraid of flying or long-distance travel, there are ways to help you overcome that challenge or at least lessen your fear.
Take time to prepare yourself mentally. There are tips to lessen your discomfort on the plane. Staying focused, eliminating distractions, meditating exercises before your flight, and removing anxiety-inducing factors, such as caffeine, energy drink, or other stimulants, are ways to help you relax. Most importantly, relying on well-trained pilots will help you remove the fear of flying. Decide to overcome your fear and deal with it.
DB: Do you have a favorite book?
LO: I have many favorite books, primarily motivational. One of them is Og Mandino’s “University of Success.” I also love Oprah’s “I Don’t Believe In Failure,” Wayne Dyer’s “Wishes Fulfilled,“ and “The Secret” by Rhonda Byrne.
DB: Your book is a journal for people to write, draw, escape…Do you use a journal? How has it benefitted you?
LO:I’ve been using a journal since I was in college. Journaling enhances your sense of well-being. It is a way to manage stress, anxiety, and depression. It helps you find healing and recovery and cultivates gratitude. I did, for me.
Journaling leaves you a written record of experiences that matter. If you're like me, you may forget some details of your travels but writing them down is a way to preserve them. You can always reflect on your journal and share it with your family and friends.
If you love flying and traveling, I Love Flying is for you. I encourage you to write your own story and create your memoir. Writing your thoughts and memories about your flying experiences and travel adventures is a way to reflect. I Love Flying can be a time capsule of your wonderful memories and experiences, nice people you've encountered, and beautiful places you've visited.
I Love Flying is your diary for your travel plans. There are pages to write your bucket list, favorite countries, cities, national parks, wonders of the world, hotels, and airports, and note your flight records. You don't need to create your pre-trip checklist and packing list. Instead, this journal provides you with things to do and bring so you don't forget anything. It also includes a map to decide your next destination and check off the countries you have visited.
Despite all the global issues we face right now, life must go on. The world is beautiful and full of adventures. So, take the I Love Flying along on your next travel and be inspired, just like me.
DB: Where can people purchase one of your books?
It is available online at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Blurb, Books-A-Million, and other Indie bookstores. Or you can contact me directly so I can send you a special copy of the I Love Flying. It is also available at John F. Kennedy International airport in New York, where I am based as a flight attendant.
DB: What is the first thing you do when you arrive at a new destination?
LO: On my personal travel, I don’t waste time. When I arrive during the daytime, I refresh myself from the trip, eat a nice local meal, put on my adventure hat, and start exploring.
DB: What authors or books have inspired you? How?
LO: Some of my favorite authors are Og Mandino, Wayne Dyer, and Oprah. The wisdom I’ve learned from them and their books has been my guide and ultimately inspired me to write my first book, “What We Know for Sure: Inspirational Stories of Filipino Special Immigrants in America.”
DB: Any advice for the first-time authors out there?
LO: The key is to write what you are passionate about. You’ll have to put your heart into it. If you work on something important to you, you don’t easily give up. You’ll put in your best effort, which will be gratifying.
Know that self-publishing your first book is always a learning process. I did learn a lot and still learning. Giving yourself a timeline to finish your book is necessary. In my experience, I set a goal to finish my first book in a few months. In five months, I had the finished product. Setting a timeline would put your mind to keep going and stay motivated until you see the outcome.
Anybody who loves to read has a passion for writing and has a story to tell can write a book. I believe that an experienced writer or author started as a novice writer. There are many ways, resources, and people to help you express that story or idea in writing or improve your work.
Begin with a thought, then find that motivation to keep doing it, work hard, focus, and believe that you can do it. But there’s one more thing you need– the vision you already have– your first book in your hand. This strategy has worked for me and will work for you, too. I know this for sure.
"There is beauty in flying, and there is wisdom in traveling. I hope you build inspiration to create more beautiful stories and memories through I Love Flying: An Inspirational Journal for your Flying and Travel Adventures.
DB: Thank you so much Lia for taking my questions and sharing your experiences with us! We look forward to seeing the next publication from Author Lia.
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