What is it like to author a book? How hard is it to promote a book? It has been quite a journey. Epiphanies of a writer, the top seven A-Ha Moments from writing the memoir , Raising Jess a Story of Hope, in no particular order.

1. The D -Words

The day I decided to write Raising Jess, I got up at 6:00 AM and wrote a chapter. Little did I know that I would do this almost every day for four years. Retirement from my career running a state-funded grant in Western New York lasted a fleeting time as I ventured into a new profession of writing .

Documenting our family’s story took Dedication to the goal of finishing the book and the Discipline to write as if I were going to a job each day. It didn’t hurt that Covid was raging during some of the years. What else was there to do but continue writing?

2. Can’t I Just Write the Book?

Who knew writing would be the easiest part of this journey? Who knew that Promoting and Marketing is harder than writing. Fellow authors, that’s who! There are numerous ways to market your book; some work, and many do not.

Following the buzz of the book’s debut and the flurry of “Look, I wrote a book!” marketing efforts, a wise individual emphasized to me the importance of providing information about the topics in the book.

She said, “You are an expert. What can you share?” Provide information as points of interest and learning – then you can mention, “Oh, by The Way, you will find more information in my heartwarming and humorous book, Raising Jess. (notice the not-so-subtle plug) Going online and posting, “buy my book,” is never enough. Although, I confess I do that too! A lot! This article is one of many that give suggestions, and if you have great marketing ideas, please share.

3.  Thank You, Readers

A confession: after reading the Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman, my eyes opened to the sad fact that I like acknowledgment. And I guess not just from my husband Mitch (confession over)

Reader reviews bring a feeling of joy and pride. I wrote Raising Jess to bring hope, understanding, humor, and a different family perspective to others. The comments from my readers are touching and inspiring. Whenever I feel like I am done with this whole writing gig, I receive a new review, email, or post that tells me otherwise.

And I set my alarm for 6:00 AM and think of new ways to share my message.

If you run a support group for families, special educators,  or medical professionals or work with families of children with disabilities and would like a copy for your group, please contact me at RaisingJessBook@gmail.com  

4. This i$ not Cheap

I once told my husband that when I spend more money than the cost to go to college for one year, I will stop. Well, I have spent more than it costs to go to a state school, but little did he know I meant Harvard! I receive daily emails from marketing people, telephone calls, and DMs about how they can share my book with a gazillion people. Yes, it will cost a gazillion dollars, but it is a small price to pay. Sarcasm intended! Is there a Shark Tank for Authors?

5. You are Never Too Old

  I have friends who published their first book in their seventies. Question to Siri, “Who is the oldest author to write their first book?”:

        1.   Laura Ingalls Wilder wrote her first book, Little House in the Big Woods, at age 65

        2.   Lorna Pate wrote a Dangerous Weakness at age 93 – Hey, Dad, if you are reading this, that’s your age – hey, ya never know?

       3.   Nirad Chaudhuri published Three Horsemen of the New Apocalypse at one hundred

      4.    Vickie Rubin Published Raising Jess: A Story of Hope at age 64.

6. How Do You Determine Success?

Cool Story: I was fortunate to speak with a fellow author who is a retired Admiral, – His book Relentless Positivity: A Common Veteran Battling Uncommon Odds is a personal story following a service-related spinal cord injury while he was on active duty.

I asked him, “How I should address you. Admiral? Sir?” His reply was, “Call me “Wheels,” referring to his wheelchair.  Admiral Kyle Cozad (Wheels) asked me, “What do I consider success?” A simple question that is hard to answer.

Admiral Cozad suggested that success does not necessarily mean the number of books sold. Success is actually publishing a book, hearing that it made a difference to others, asking to speak as a keynote or on a podcast about your book, and knowing that your book made a difference to many readers.  That was a big A-Ha moment for me. I try to remember the admiral’s wise words, and I share his insights with other authors.

7.Last A-Ha

Have You Read Raising Jess A Story of Hope? A-Ha!  – Here’s the link