worrying

It's almost time for the Slice of Life Story Challenge, and I, once again, do not feel ready to write like that.

The level of change in full effect in my life right now is astonishing. I catch myself stressing out about stressing out and have to calm down. Most everything changing appears to be threaded with positive change, so I'm not very often worried in bad ways. I just don't know where I'm going to end up after this typhoon does its work. I wonder what will my life look like. I wonder where will I be. I wonder where it all will lead me.

I guess everyone has no real clue where everything leads, but man alive, I am seriously wanting for stability.

So where does all this fretting take us? It should show you how stressed out I am about having to write every single day for thirty-one days—in a row. Good grief. Hopefully it doesn't turn into a daily log of how stressed out I am. haha. But I guess I should stop worrying about writing. It's pointless! 

high on joy

I did a thing I've dreamt about since high school. I wrote a book filled with poetry. This book isn't all poetry, but it has poetry scattered throughout, and I simply cannot get over how I actually did this thing I've wished for over half my life.

When I got the email that the book was officially listed on Amazon, immediately, my mind flashed to the English classroom I was walking out of and into the hallway where I remember standing as I wished this wish. I remember the white walls and the desks and how I had just spent a class period writing poetry. Not sure if I was supposed to be or was in a poetic fit and ignoring my classwork or what, but there it is. I remembered how I felt so sure I would attain my wish. I would be a poet one day. And it all felt so perfect.

High on joy is where I am right now with my book. I hope it sells nicely—even well—but just seeing how people who have been waiting all these years for "my book" to be published are buying it to see what I've done causes me to fill with joy. I'm absolutely changed by the experience. So much trust that I would write something worthwhile to read. So much loyalty. So much joy for me that they want to add to mine by sharing in it. It's a divine circle (opposite of a vicious one), and I am caught up in it thanks to many of you.

These past many years have been such a fire, and I don't imagine it will cease, but I now have this accomplishment to remind myself how I can reach my dreams. It is possible for a regular person like me. And I am completely overjoyed.

If you haven't already heard the news about my book, you can read the notice I sent out on Saturday, February 10, 2018: This Phoenix Speaks.

This Phoenix Speaks

Seven years in the making, my first published book, This Phoenix Speaks, is now a reality.

The tireless and tiring work invested to make the feat happen is absolutely incalculable. The pure love invested to make one of my dreams come true is even more so. But I did it. I showed myself I could accomplish something I had held in my mind as a dream, a far off dream, for too long.

To everyone who has read my work here and offered encouragement and feedback and support for my continued writing, you are part of my success. Without the readership on this blog (where I hold my draft writing) and your loyalty and comments, I do not know if I would have had the courage to keep writing and write what I have—let alone do this book.

Next month will be a full seven years since I began this journey in earnest, and it just feels pretty lucky. I think we might even need to do a giveaway to celebrate! I'll work on the details and get back with you!


Now about how to make this book do its job, it's quite straightforward actually. People need to purchase it and read it and share it and review it.

Some ideas in case you want some involve social media. I'm quite keen on seeing the hashtag #ThisPhoenixSpeaks alongside #bookstagram or even #booksofinstagram. I think I'd pretty much freak out with joy if someone other than myself tagged me on that kind of thing. On Twitter, mention me (@th_purpl_lady) in any blog reviews, and I'll share your links and even feature them on Facebook if you give a pleasant review. The Facebook page (facebook.com/thepurplelady) welcomes your reviews, interactions, and such as well. When I think about it, reviews on Goodreads sound like a very good idea. So many ways to show your support. It's exciting!

That's a great deal of work too. Books are major work. Reminds me of raising children and the saying "it takes a village." It'll take immeasurable love and support to keep this dream alive—and it's all something I cannot do for myself. That's where all of you come in. If you'd buy my book and spread the word, you will be part of the next stage of my success as a writer and the poet I aspire to be. Just choose any mode of support you'd like, and it will be simply perfect.

I don't have high connections or a lot of money. But I have all of you. That will be enough for me.

Purchase This Phoenix Speaks on Amazon