Publishing my book has been an incredible experience, and it’s only just begun.

The easy part was the writing. My first book is a biography, a journey all in its own, detailing my health issues, battling with mental health, motherhood and finding God. I had no time line in mind, it was simply a way for me to collect my own thoughts with an ultimate goal of helping someone else through my own experiences. Once I finally decided to finish it, I had the advantage of fewer distractions and the powerful motivation of feeling called by God to do so.

The truly fascinating aspect was the vulnerability I felt by handing my 40 years of experiences, weaknesses and faith over to a group of strangers to pick apart. Of course, my intentions were for many people to read it, people I would never meet, the anonymity shielded me. But I had no clue how my story would be received, if it would be accepted or be remotely interesting to anyone besides my close friends and family. The first publishing company I chose did accept my story. After they had it for over a month, the first edit came back. This too was incredibly nerve-racking, being my first true work, I was open to the idea that serious edits would be needed. I anticipated they would suggest I re-write certain portions, move subjects to flow better or remove sections all together. I was pleasantly surprised the main bulk of my ramblings was left untouched. My goofy tone was still present in my writing. The main changes were grammar and simple fixes that I mostly agreed with.

Another aspect that I found incredibly challenging of this process was writing my own summary and biography. Sure, I can write an entire book but to write on few paragraphs about myself left me staring blankly at my laptop. I needed to re-read bios of some of my favorite writers, ask my family how they would describe me. It felt so silly to have writer’s block on a topic I thought I knew so well.

I kept coming back to who would want to read a book about me? I would. So what about me and my story would sound interesting to me? Introspection is a curious thing.

The second edit is in. I am reviewing it and making what I hope will be my final changes. Wow, what a voyage!