Happy 6 Months to My Book!!

Surreal. That’s the word that sums up how it feels on the 6-month birthday of my book’s publication. On exactly this date 1 year ago, I submitted my manuscript to Michelle Prince at Performance Publishing Group. Unbelievable. Now, my book, released on August 10, 2021, has been in publication for 6 months! 

The Price of Victory is High . . So Are The Rewards

I have a framed quote from Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant hanging in my house that reads, “If you believe in yourself and have dedication and pride and never quit, you’ll be a winner. The price of victory is high, but so are the rewards.” I made a lot of sacrifices. There were things I had to let go so that writing the book and getting it to publication could be realized. There are only so many hours in a day, it’s impossible to have a full time time job and do everything you want to do and write a book, so yes, there were sacrifices. There were times I wanted to quit - it’s scary to know your words are in publication forever. Who am I to write this book? What if I get something wrong? I persevered and have been rewarded for that. This book may not have made it to the NY Times Best Seller’s list, but the rewards have been incredible. 

Realizing a Dream

I realized a dream that I’ve had since a child when I would sit in my room and read book after book, and when in middle school, my friend Kim and I would see who could read the most Harlequin Romance books. I dreamed of one day writing my own book. Never did I truly believe I could reach that goal. It seemed like such a difficult undertaking, something unattainable. However, I learned it is attainable. 

After several starts over the last 15 or so years at writing a book, I finally resolved in 2019 to attend a writing seminar, BookBound, and learn what to do. Though the book I planned to write at that time (and the one I’ve tried over the last 15 years to “not” write) still hasn’t been finished, when I got the idea for the book, Equal Protection Under God, I knew what to do and how to get my thoughts out of my head and onto paper thanks to the lessons I learned at that seminar and by a lot of internet research. 

Seeing Women Liberated

The biggest reward, though, has been the women whose lives have been touched by my book. Women who learned new things, even if they had grown up in the church and studied the Bible their entire lives. My book has led women to look at Scripture in a new way, to re-read passages they thought they knew and understood, and to give them hope. Women who have been spiritually, physically, and sexually abused have found out that the Scriptures used as weapons against them are not weapons at all. Women have found that Jesus really loves them, champions them, and liberates them from the chains that so many in society have placed on us. 

My words did that. God prompted me and drove me to write this book, and I give all glory to Him. I was a conduit of His message. The very early mornings, late nights, lack of sleep, time away from my husband, the weekends spent sitting in front of my computer typing, the re-reading of my manuscript over and over again, all of these sacrifices – the “price of victory” - were absolutely worth it to know that lives were touched and changed by my book. 

Time to Tell YOUR Story

I am now passionate about helping other women share their stories. There are so many women who have life experiences they can share that will help others and help themselves. Writing a book can be therapeutic as you work through some emotions, looking back to see how you persevered through some traumatic situations, and not only survived those situations, but now thrive. Your story may be what someone else needs to read to help them through a similar situation. Sure, there may be other stories that touch on your topic such as grief, addiction, growing up in poverty, surviving sexual assault, going through a divorce, or any other number of topics, but only YOU have YOUR story to tell. Your story and the way you tell it and communicate it, may be what reaches someone who can’t connect with others. Don’t deny others the blessing of your story.

I want you to realize your dreams and goals of being a published author. You can do it!! Where will you be in 1 year from now? February 10, 2020, I submitted my manuscript to the partner publisher to get to an editor. Today, my book is 6 months old. What is the BEST thing that can happen if you start writing your story today?

Happy Birthday, Book!

Happy 6-month birthday to Equal Protection Under God. It’s available for purchase at online retailers such as Amazon, Books A Million, and Barnes & Noble. Get your copy today! 

What has been your favorite take away from Equal Protection Under God? Leave your comments.

Are you ready to begin your writing journey? Contact me about how to get started!