Let Go

My memoir LET GO is going through the final stage of the editorial process of proof-reading and formatting before it’ll soon be available online both in electronic and hard-copy versions. Needless to say, I am both excited and nervous.

When I was soliciting feedback on the two designs of the cover, some suggested that I should include comments from readers on the back of the cover. Great idea but nobody has read the book in its entirety, not even my husband Joe who has been my most enthusiastic fan and critic.

Last night I was tossing and turning in bed feeling scared and anxious about exposing myself to the whole world, not sure how people would respond and whether some of what I had written could hurt others’ feelings or cause unnecessary pain. So I read the questionable parts again for the 100th time, making sure they were as objective and truthful as could be to what my memory could recall.

This morning I made a conscious decision to let go of the fear and anxiety. It is what it is. It’s my version of the story and how I view my life and the outside world through my own mindsight. It’s time to let go of LET GO that I’ve held so dear to my heart.

I am self-publishing because big and medium publishers are unlikely to take on someone like me, a rookie and not known. Many small publishers are struggling to stay afloat. Self-publishing is the easiest and fastest way to bring my book to the market. When the editor from Lulu provided me with her candid feedback that at times made me want to jump and scream ‘ouch’, I had the choice of ignoring her. But I ended up taking most of her advice because it made sense. I’ll try to get my book into the brick-and-mortar stores like Barnes and Noble, but from what I’ve heard it won’t be an easy task either, still worth the effort nevertheless.

I write because I love it and because it’s my way of connecting to the rest of the world, and that’s what really matter at the end of the day