Photo: Wendy Baker, author of My Name Was Mushroom, shares her inspiring journey from a teenage runaway to a successful entrepreneur.
A Story of Resilience and Transformation
Wendy Baker’s memoir reveals her journey from a teenage runaway in a hippie cult to a successful entrepreneur and author.
Wendy Baker, a luminary in the world of memoir writing, captivates readers with her poignant and raw storytelling. Her award-winning memoir, My Name Was Mushroom: My Life as a Teenage Runaway in The Source Family Commune, is a testament to her resilience and courage. Wendy’s narrative takes us on an extraordinary journey through her teenage years, where she sought love and purpose within the enigmatic embrace of The Source Family, a Los Angeles-based commune. Her vivid recounting of life in the 70s, her eventual escape, and her transformation into a successful entrepreneur and devoted family woman, paints a picture of a life lived with passion and purpose.
Wendy’s dedication to helping others, especially teenage mothers, is as inspiring as her literary achievements. Her work not only serves as a legacy for her family but also as a beacon of hope for those who have faced similar challenges. As she continues to share her story, Wendy Baker remains a powerful voice for healing and empowerment, encouraging others to find strength in their own narratives.
Wendy Baker’s storytelling is both captivating and inspiring, offering hope and empowerment through her remarkable life experiences.
What inspired you to write “My Name Was Mushroom,” and how did you develop the unique voice of the protagonist?
At first what inspired me to write my story was to leave legacy for my children and grandchildren. As I was writing it became clear to me that it was healing me. Writing my story was emotional and traumatizing. I wanted to share this true story so I can help others who had a similar childhood and hopefully overcome the hardships. Even if I can help one person, that’s enough for me. I know there’s a lot of adults who joined a commune occult who can identify the challenges.
Are there any upcoming projects or books you’re working on that you’re excited to share with your readers?
I faced many challenges while writing my story. I was so young when all this took place. The timeline was difficult for me. I interviewed many Source members to narrow it down. I found out later that they were off and had difficulty remember when things took place. I did the best I could writing the order of events. After each writing session I became overwhelmed with emotion. It took me right back to that time. It was exhausting.to even write it down. It made it so real and made me realize how horrific this time was for me.
How do you hope readers will connect with the themes and characters in your book?
I hope readers will connect with my journey and understand my predicament. I really had no choice but to escape my family life. I was drawn to a more stable and spiritual life.I left behind drugs, sex and rock n roll. It forced me to grow up and become strong. The practices in The Source Family made me disciplined and focus. There was so much love at first in the Source Family. Then things turned out of control. I had to go along and commit to the leaders of the Source Family.It was a matter of survival!! After all I was a teenage runaway. I was running illegally from the court system.
Can you share some insights into your writing process? Do you have any specific routines or rituals?
I took notes for years about episodes that happened.I would tell my story to my husband throughout the years. Sometimes I would tell my friends little clips of what I experienced. They were all so blown away and encouraged me to write a book. Once my mother passed away I felt I could reveal the whole story. I ended up needing help to format my story. So I hired a co writer to keep me on track. He also fact checked the time of events. I wrote two to three times a week. My rituals to keep photos of my Source Family time around me. To trigger the emotions at the time.
Can you tell us about a particularly memorable moment or experience in your writing journey?
There were so many memorable times. One that stands out is giving birth to my daughter Stardust. I was sixteen years old at the time. I put complete faith in Jim Baker aka “Father “. Looking back at it now, it astounds me the strength I had. I had given birth at home with out any drugs or doctors and survived. What was I thinking? Anything could of happened. I’m so grateful I survived and so did my baby Stardust. I think I was in shock that I became a young teenage mother.
What advice would you give to aspiring authors who are just starting out?
I would advise anyone who wants to write their story to just start writing notes and timelines. I worked hard consistently until it was finished. Don’t stop writing!!
Are there any upcoming projects or books you’re working on that you’re excited to share with your readers?
My husband Bart and I are gathering all the research now to write about Jim Baker’s story. Jim Baker was my husband’s real father. He was an incredible person and teacher. He left us to early and left us all so many teachings of life and spirituality. So much that so many Source members still practice his teachings today. I haven used some of his teachings in my everyday life. I’ve left out the things that didn’t resonate with me.
I have a Director and two writers that are turning my story into a movie. They are in the process of writing the screenplay. There’s a possibility there will be a movie in the future. We’ll see!!!!
“I hope readers will connect with my journey and understand my predicament.” – Wendy Baker
