This year was the first year I sat down with my girlfriends over brunch and made a vision board. We had to do it in February because we are all over booked. I was at the tail end of a 300 hour yoga teaching certificate that I desperately needed to finish before taking on another project. Our group is a unique mix of ages and occupations. We range from 30-60 year old women with completely different backgrounds and occupations. We compliment each other in the best ways and have always gently pushed each other to be better. I met them all because I was teaching yoga at the apartment complex they once lived at. During COVID, like most of us, I spent a great deal of personal reflection time trying to figure out what I needed in my life. I had been staying home with my kids for over a decade and spent very little time on myself. I asked the universe for friends. People I could count on, who would support me and know me unconditionally. I couldn’t have asked for a better gift than these women at the table.
My number one vision for 2024 was to finally write the first of many children’s books I had swirling around in my brain. I had zero experience, zero resources but 100% fire in my belly so I made it my #1 goal.
I took a class through Hay House Publishing on how to write and publish a book. The class doesn’t just focus on traditional publishing, but covers self-publishing as well. I had no idea if I could get a publishing deal, so I kept my head open to all possibilities. Going through the class, I realized that I had to learn a completely new industry. It isn’t just about putting words together. In fact, the writing part seems to be the easiest part so far. I wrote a few short stories that were awful before I landed on an idea that actually had legs.
I decided from the beginning that I would invest what I needed in this book so it would be good. I have so much to learn, and I understand the value of expert advice, opinions and expertise. I paid for a developmental edit, and a line edit for the book. I didn’t know what to expect from either but they were extremely valuable and worth every penny. I need someone to bounce words and ideas off of, and these editors knew how to mold my idea into something good. I have decided to start with self-publishing for a few reasons. First, I’m sort of terrified of writing a book proposal. It is laughable that I can write a book, but not the proposal for the book. More importantly, I just wanted control over this first publication. I wanted to control the illustrations, the branding, the message and I needed to learn this process for myself. I will try to pursue traditional publishing on a future book, but I know how I learn best, and I want to get immersed in this process before I feel confident enough to bring on an agent or publisher.
Today I have a meeting with designers to start working on the layout, cover designs and marketing materials. Next week I have pictures for my website and the back of the book. The manuscript says “final” in the name. It is a big step. The book is middle grade, non-fiction, which I have learned is one of the toughest genre’s to sell. I didn’t pick it to make this job harder, it picked me. It is what I know, right now, and what I want to get out into the hands of other children beyond my classroom. I hope that with that intention, the universe can reciprocate my hard work. I am not afraid to market this book myself. I’m not afraid to go to craft shows and yoga studios to promote it. I will work hard, for the right reasons. The book is called “Breathe With Me,” by Mindful Miss D. It is 20 breathing techniques and journal prompts for children to help them learn how to help themselves and handle their emotions. I use these techniques with my students now in the classroom but I don’t want to stop with just my classroom. I hope when it comes out in December that you will buy a copy for a special child and help me spread some love to other kids, and maybe it will resonate with them.