I’m Coming Out! An Author Has Been Born

  Newborn Author has Arrived

I’m coming out! A newborn author has arrived.  Almost 50 yrs. old, I’m still afraid of what others will think of me. After all, once it’s in writing, you can’t take it back.  I guess that feeling is pretty normal for most authors.  My memoir Manifesting Me is coming out on June 5th of this year, so I need to get over it.

It’s been an emotional roller-coaster.  One day I’m thrilled that all of this is really happening and I am proud of myself.  Then the next day, my mind races with the “what ifs?” What if people don’t like it? What if someone is offended?  There’s no turning back now. I have no idea what to expect, but I’m hopeful. What if it is successful? It’s all about the journey, not the destination. Right?

What Prompted Me to Write?

My hair clients were the ones that prompted me to write. I have always told stories of my upbringing while doing hair, simply to make conversation.  They looked in disbelief, following with a comment, “You should write a book.”  I was puzzled to some degree, because my stories weren’t that unusual, to me. Go figure.  Yet, my clients thought some of my stories were unbelievable.  I knew some were not “normal” such as growing up in a cult; or pulling guns on other children, while still in the fourth grade. But I didn’t think anyone would be interested in my life. Plus, I never dreamed of being a writer. I can hardly keep my thoughts and conversations organized. Nevertheless, it planted the seed and I got curious.  Things began to change in my mind.

Maybe I could be a writer with the help of professionals. I needed to find the people that could help me do this the right way. I’ve always been resourceful. Thus, I began to write my storyIf it was meant to be, than I’d have some guidance of some sort.

Attracting the Right People

 I’ve always been able to attract the right people to help me in life.  Even though I started writing in 2009, I finished my manuscript in 2015. I was working with one particular company, which expressed  interest  in my story. However, they were not helpful once they received payment.  They were the first stepping stone. Next!

My friend works in a bookstore putting on events suggesting I attend this one particular event, knowing my conundrum with my manuscript.  I was fortunate to meet with Linda Joy Meyers, Founder and President of National Association of Memoir Writers; Brooke Warner, publisher of She Writes Press and President of Warner Coaching Inc.; plus, some She Write Press authors. Everyone had encouraging words, despite my lack of knowledge in the writing business. “You have to start somewhere.”

After cancelling with the previous company and receiving my money back, I went forward with She Write Press in the beginning of 2017.  I received coaching and tools needed to complete my memoir. I will continually hone my craft. Like Diana Ross’s hit song says, “I’m coming out. I want the world to know…” Do you want to come out?