The underlying theme of my life has been trying to make sense of a childhood near-death experience.
Sally Dukes – 19 March 2026
The Back Flap
In the search for her truth, Sally Dukes takes the reader on a difficult yet compelling pursuit, the unfolding of life into death and back again. Plagued by near death, drummer girl’s experience at the edge propelled her to seek understanding, to look for words when there were none, and to find solace through life’s many turns.
Drummer girl gives language to an archetypal unfolding; it makes practical the passing from this life. By taking the fear out of death and shedding light on the nuances experienced in daily life, drummer girl awakens the soul and spirit of those who fear the dark. Heartwarming and honest, this book can give those facing death at any stage of life comfort in knowing what lies beyond the veil.
Death does not come cloaked in darkness.
Death is light. Death is love.
Death is the wholeness of the return.
About the book
What is the book about?
Drummer Girl is a memoir and the story of my pilgrimage. I have the distinct memory of traveling through a dark tunnel toward a clear light during surgery as a child. This experience of near death has since driven me to seek understanding, to look for words when there were none, and to find solace through life’s many turns. Drummer Girl takes the reader on an inner journey through the outer world.
When did you start writing the book?
I feel as though I have been writing this book for most of my life; however, the true writing in book format began in 2020. Since then, several life events seemed to make their way between me and the manuscript. In January of 2025, with the support of my husband, I made the decision to make my writing a priority. By June, I had a manuscript, a publisher, and a publicist.
How long did it take you to write it?
I have always wanted to write this book. I would start and stop and file my paragraphs away. Last year, I decided it was time. I dug my previous writing out of “cold storage” and began to envision the pieces coalescing as a memoir. Once I was determined to complete the project, it took me six months of filling in details, research, and editing. I worked consistently every morning from breakfast until noon.
Where did you get the idea from?
This is a memoir. The underlying theme of my life has been trying to make sense of a childhood near-death experience. When I began to put the writing pieces together, I realized that as I wrote, no matter where I looked, I was consistently searching for understanding. This is a memoir about finding my truth.
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
The most difficult part of writing the memoir, was reliving many of the painful periods in my life. Often, rereading my written word brought me to tears. The Reservoir about my time in the forest monastery in Burma was most challenging. I had never truly embodied the depth of my disappointment. I had never before expressed my felt failure. This chapter was a low point in my spiritual unfolding, but looking back, a necessary one.
What came easily?
I love to write, so writing came easily. Putting words to experience was more difficult. If I stayed with the essence of the experience, be it pleasure or pain, I could find the right words and bring a fullness to share. This is a perfect example of why I can only write in silence.
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
This is a memoir. It is based on my life experience. All characters are real.
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?
I love stories about “pilgrimage.” Pilgrims do not have a planned itinerary, rather they follow an inner urge, a driving force, a spark, an earnest desire. They are led by an unquenchable need. I have always been an admirer of those characters who search, be it in fiction or nonfiction. I revel in their curiosity, courage, and strength. I respect their steadfast endurance to undertake a calling, meet unforeseen obstacles, and overcome insurmountable circumstances, while never allowing the burning flame that drives them to extinguish.
When Breath Becomes Air Paul Kalanithi
Kalanithi was a courageous pilgrim who documented first-hand his own uncharted territory: death.
The Way of the White Clouds Lama Anagarika Govinda
This is a deeply spiritual memoir, and as you read, you walk as a pilgrim beside one of the great lamas of our time; his footfalls become your own.
The Alchemist Paulo Coelho
The Alchemist is a perfectly couched lesson about trusting yourself enough to seek your life’s purpose despite the many obstacles encountered along the way.
The Little Prince Antoine de Saint-Exupéry (written and illustrated)
The Little Prince is a timeless tale and a classic metaphorical story about the pilgrimage to find one’s true self.
Do you have a target reader?
I did not write Drummer Girl for any intended audience. I wrote it for myself. However, once the endorsements began to come in, I realized that the book touches something in everyone. There is a universal messaging. Life and death are one.
About Writing
Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?
The only way that I can successfully write, is to head down to my studio as the day begins. After an early breakfast, I pack up, go outside and down the stairs. I take in the sun, the wind, the colors of the Aegean, and then close the door to my studio, unpack and write. I never return to the main house until lunch. This time is sacred. This is my writing time.
Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?
For Drummer Girl, I broke my writing into chapter headings. Because I had already written segments during different times in my life, I labeled those once I needed to actually place them in a book format.
Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?
I write hard and edit later once the words and thoughts are solidly on the page. I continue to mull words over and find myself re-editing until I am satisfied, even in my dream state.
Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?
I am easily distracted and prefer to write in silence.
About Publishing
Did you submit your work to Agents?
I did not submit my manuscript to Agents. My book is a short 108 pages, and I am a first-time, unknown author. I did not want to waste my time or theirs.
What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?
Last winter, I read a book that touched me deeply. The publisher was Koehler Books. I researched Koehler Books and discovered that they support first-time authors through their hybrid publishing model. One day, when I felt my book was complete, I submitted the manuscript. I have never given my choice a second thought.
Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?
Danille Koehler at Koehler Books designed the book cover for Drummer Girl. She was very respectful of my input and did a brilliant job of designing several options. Two covers went to a cover poll. The voters actually picked my favorite.
Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?
I am working closely with Jackie Karneth at Books Forward. As senior publicist, she has the skillset, experience, and contacts necessary to market my book to the appropriate audience.
Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?
My advice for any author is that if you have a burning desire to write, just write. The editing comes after the thoughts are preserved on paper. I know so many authors who work with agents without success. If your primary goal is to publish your book, go Indie.
About You
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Fair Haven, New Jersey. As an adult, I lived in Nantucket, Hawaii, and the Bay Area.
Where do you live now?
I live on Syros Island in Greece.
End of Interview:
Get your copy of Drummer Girl from Amazon US or Amazon UK.
