Lotten Säfström, born May 16th 1966 in Borlänge, Sweden, is an author, lecturer and publisher. She is based at her own company, Salto De Vita. Her life's work is to be part of the widespread movement of people around the world who are trying to learn what causes addiction and, most importantly, how to create a life-style that makes staying free of mind-altering substances more attractive than relapsing. In her own words: “It is very important for professionals to research the physical and psychological hows and whys of this deadly affliction. For the victims in the wake of substance-abuse, though, a crucial thing is learning how people who have this disorder can begin to live a life where relapse does not become an option. Victims of addiction are also the children, relatives, friends and those devastated by crimes committed by abusers of alcohol and other drugs. We already know how to diagnose this deadly, and in so many ways, harmful disorder in the very early stages of its progression. Now, an even stronger focus needs to be put on continuing to implement this knowledge, in order to develop further the strategies that will decimate the awfully high numbers of those who suffer because of addiction.” Lotten is also an advocate for bringing education about healthy emotional development into school in order to give future generations a ground-breaking head start in personal health and adult responsibility. The authors' books “I Only Wanted to Dance” and “Now the Dance has Begun” are written with the intention of relaying support, solace and hopefully inspiration to those living, caring for or working in the proximity of people with an addictive disorder. Her literary works may also be of interest to people who have found the desire to give up that lifestyle and will, possibly interest those who are still suffering from active addictive patterns. These books are written for adults but, with adult supervision, teenagers can benefit from reading them too.

Praise for “Now the Dance has Begun”: “Now the Dance has Begun” is the sequel to the author Lotten Säfström's debut autobiography “I Only Wanted to Dance”. In “Now the Dance has Begun” the author recounts what has happened in her life since she stopped using alcohol. She describes the challenges she faces in everyday life. Liberally and without lecturing, she tells us about her new way of life, sharing samples and personal reflections on what it is like to have a permanent place to live, and to be a “reborn” parent. She also talks of how she is beginning to learn how to manage rudimentary daily chores at the age of 39. The book is highly recommend to all categories of readers, whether they have a link with people experiencing addiction or not. This is a useful, heartfelt and humorous book about how it is to be human. Maria Bielke von Sydow, Author and Publisher. At the age of 39, the Swedish writer, Lotten Säfström, stepped out into reality after a life scarred by her dependency to alcohol and other drugs. She has documented the hardships caused by addiction and her journey back to life in two exceptionally well-written books, which have already become minor classics in her home-country. “I Only Wanted to Dance” is as exciting as “On the road” by Kerouac. This first, mad leg of her life's journey is authentic and, incredibly, she survives it all. The sequel, “Now the Dance has Begun” is full of insight and experience, not only to those who are affected in the aftermath of drug-abuse or those recovering from the disease of addiction, but to anybody who has encountered difficulties in life. Two exciting novels on a universal subject! Elisabeth Brännström, Author, Columnist and Literary Critic.