Milestone Monday: One Year After Book Launch

On July 31, 2016 I launched my first book, Breaking the Chains of Silence, and hosted a community outreach event to support other survivors in the same community that I was hurt in.  It was imperative that I break my silence by speaking my truth.  

I didn't really feel like an author, until I held a finished book in my hand.  The feeling I had when I opened up a box filled with copies of my book, is unlike any feeling I've ever had.  All that work spent writing, editing, formatting, rereading, etc.  paid off in that moment.

Today is a Milestone Monday not only to commemorate one year since my book was launched, but also everything that has happened since then.  I've lost several people from my family and close lifelong acquaintances.  Certain milestones don't signify as much, without them here.

The past year is also one that I have learned a lot from.  I had to make a serious health decision and live with the complications of that choice.  It has shifted some of my perspective, and I have fought hard to be filled with gratitude for the good I have in my life: from people, to being able to breathe, to a night sky filled with stars.  

I see things to be grateful for because I'm looking for them.  

I have had a lot taken from me, so I intentionally choose to cherish and be thankful for what is right in front of me.  Big and small.  Every day ordinary, as well as extraordinary.

In that vein, I am thankful -and excited!- to say that I sent the manuscript for my next book off to the editor TODAY!  It felt tremendously momentous to celebrate my one year book anniversary by stepping forward into the editing phase on my new book.

The new book focuses on utilizing an all in approach in order to reach your goal by chipping away at it a little bit every single day.  Working on my #100dayproject of painting an acrylic painting every single day, has certainly influenced sections in the book as I put everything into practice.  It feels surreal that I'm approaching that milestone in a few short weeks.  You can find out more on my Instagram account, here.

Thanks so much for reading!  It means the world to me, if you gain anything from the words I write.  I hope you continue to follow my journey, and have a blessed journey of your own. 

One Year After Hitting the Publish Button

Today has arrived faster than I anticipated.  The year has been a tumultuous one, but this day makes me smile.  It took a lot of courage to hit the publish button on Kindle Direct Publishing.  The above picture is a quick picture I took on my phone after I submitted.  

I wanted to remember that moment. Cherish it, even.

A weird fact is that on my book's sales page on Amazon, it lists the publication date as July 23, but I published on July 24, 2016 at 10:57am on a Sunday.  It took one little click to send my book into review before it was live on the Amazon site.

There were a ton of tears shed while I wrote this book, but it felt cleansing to release it and own my truth by breaking my silence. I learned a lot during the process of producing this book from writing, working with two editors, a proofreader, a cover designer, an ebook formatter, and a paperback formatter.  It would have been a different journey without my accountability partner and the other authors I met along the way.

So much has happened in the past year that wouldn't have been possible if I hadn't broken my silence with my book.  I wouldn't have met Pam, other survivors, House of Representative Mark Rozzi, author Jon Krakauer, Lucy, and so many more.

I feel blessed.  My heart is full of gratitude.  Huge thanks to anyone who has supported me on my journey.  I wouldn't be here without my family, friends, readers, fellow survivors, R.A., Pam, mastermind authors, mentors, and anyone who gave me some encouragement and/ or a kind word when I needed it the most.

I lost so much this year and faced some steep hurdles, but it makes me even more thankful for the love of my family and friends.  Hope you have a blessed day!

Is there something you can do to encourage someone today?  Even if it is someone you meet in passing and hold the door for them. 

Launching Exploring Atlantic Canada Ebook.

A few days ago, I uploaded my new ebook Exploring Atlantic Canada to the Amazon store.  It is an interesting feeling when you see your book listed for the first time.  

The process and journey through writing, editing, revising, more editing, proofreading, formatting, and launch can be similar to a rollercoaster ride.  There are highs, lows, hill climbing, loopy loops, and more.  It can be emotional, exciting, full of fear and doubt, solitary, and so much more.

Exploring Atlantic Canada is my second book I have written and published.  As the launch approached, I kept feeling as if I was "forgetting to hook up the doll" like Wyatt said in the movie Weird Science.  I loved that movie when I was a younger!  It was sad to find out that Bill Paxton passed away this weekend.  He played Chet in Weird Science, the beefed up older brother that said it was snowing in his room.  Some other films including Bill Paxton include Titanic, Apollo 13, Edge of Tomorrow, and many more including the as yet unreleased The Circle.

I can't wait to see how the book launch progresses.  I am beginning the book formatting process now to get the paperback version ready for publishing.  Meanwhile, if you are interested in checking out the ebook on Amazon you can do so here.

This whole publication journey would not be possible if it wasn't for readers.  Thanks for your support and reviews!  Leaving a review helps other readers find their next book.  I'm excited to share this screenshot from Amazon today!  My travel memoir is a hot new release and on the way to #1 in Atlantic Canada Provinces category.