The Shadow Work Workbook Celebrates 6 Months in Stores
My first book, The Shadow Work Workbook, celebrates over 6 month since publication!
As I’m writing this post, my first book The Shadow Work Workbook celebrates over 6 month since publication!
Writing a book is an extremely vulnerable position to put yourself in whether you’re in the business of sharing personal stories via memoir or guiding people through the self-help and nonfiction genres. While these formats aren’t created equal in this respect (memoirs are among the most vulnerable, no doubt) sharing your thoughts via permanent, written word means getting a lot of feedback on your tone, style and message. It’s probably the single most terrifying part about the writing and publishing experience, at least to me. I’ve heard, and read, of many other authors who share this feeling.
To be more than 6 months out from publication is a gift. One of the things that I’ve been a bit surprised, and delighted, by is hearing from a few people that they’ve gifted a copy of my book to someone they know. I don’t think there’s any bigger praise for an author, irrespective of genre.
I was at a personal event recently and got to catch up with some folks I consider extended family who I haven’t seen in years. One of the things I heard was how they were experiencing the book and sharing it with other people in their lives. To have that kind of affirmation is moving, and I know that I’ll continue to absorb this feedback and support as times goes on. Right now, I’m swimming in tears of gratitude.
If you’re also in the process of writing then you know how vulnerable the process can make you feel. The good news is that if you work alongside that fear, and write from your heart, your work will touch people. They won’t forget how you’ve made them feel, whether that’s 25 people or 25,000.
I’m starting to appreciate this idea much more these days.