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I Wrote a Book! Here’s How…

The other day I was thinking about my talents. What are my talents? I can eat a whole box of cookies in three days! In all seriousness though, I recently realized one of my talents is writing. I started writing… I wrote a book. Now that book is being published, coming soon from Mascot Books. I thought I would take a break from my typical posts, and share a little bit about the book-writing process. When I think about it, it still seems surreal. I have been working on this book for a few years now. My book is truly like my 4th baby. It’s my labor of love. Many people have asked me how I’ve had time to write this book. Well first, idle minds—I just can’t do it. Once I had two children, I realized it made more sense for me to become a stay-at-home mom. Having two children in childcare is not cheap. I struggled with the idea of leaving my job as a school counselor—a job which I loved—but I knew it was the best thing for my family. Ever since I was young, I knew I would have a job one day where I could help people. Once I left my job as a school counselor, my eagerness to help others never left. As a new mom, I felt the pressures coming from all around me about how I should be parenting. I felt the anxiety, the fear, the mommy guilt which comes with being a parent, and I thought, I want to help other moms who are feeling the way I am. I wanted to share my stories and experiences so other parents will know they aren’t alone. So, I put my creative energy and my idle mind into writing. Second, as I wrote my book, I took it one step at a time… one day at a time. I tried not to let myself feel pressured. I did not want it to become a chore. I wanted to enjoy the process as I saw my book come together. I worked on it when I was able, typically during my kids’ nap times, and realized it would come together in its right time. Was it chaotic trying to manage it all? Absolutely… but does chaos make anyone else more effective instead of less? Throughout my life it was like the busier I was and the more activities I participated in, the more effective I became. This continued into adulthood. It’s like the idea that an object in motion stays in motion. Being busy made me become more effective at managing my time. I talk a lot in my book about my lowest low and how that low has shaped me as a mom and person. I truly believe the lows I have experienced as a parent have helped me gain the perspective needed to write this book. They gave me a drive to try to help other moms who have likely felt the same way. They gave me the resilience to push through even when I have moments of difficulty or weakness. They taught me how to make the most out of the times we have even if they are hard times. All in all, my lows gave me the motivation I needed to work on, to finish, and to publish this book.

How Do You Write and Publish a Book?

It has been a neat and exciting process so far. One might assume it’s best to start at the beginning and write. Well, I didn’t write it top to bottom. I didn’t do the brainstorming clouds. What I did do is keep journals of my thoughts as they came to me. Raising two children at the time, it wasn’t possible to stop and get to a computer whenever a thought came to me, as I may be right in the middle of something. As a parent, I feel we are pretty much always right in the middle of something. So, I made notes in my journals. I made notes in my phone, or texted myself ideas. I separated all of my ideas by topics. Eventually, these topics became my chapters. Once I had added all my ideas and the ideas stopped coming, I went through and edited my book and made it flow as a whole. And there you have it, my book was born. The next step was networking and reaching out to publishers. I prepared a query letter, which is basically a one-page letter you submit to literary agents or publishers to get them excited about your book and then started reaching out. When my publisher shared they were interested in my book, to say I was excited would be the understatement of the year! Hearing for the first time someone else liked my work, that it wasn’t just me, was the best feeling. I felt like all my hard work may actually be worth it. Next came meeting with the publisher and the signing of the contract. Mascot Books exceeded my expectations and I was super excited to get the ball rolling. I met my amazing team and project manager and was set up with a fantastic editor. It is pretty neat how a book can be edited on word with tracking on so that you can see and approve each and every edit they make. God bless my editor. Even though I had re-read and re-read my manuscript, I couldn’t believe the number of edits made. Now I am deep in the editing process. One day, as I was going through my book edits in Panera, I was crying. Re-reading the book makes me so emotional. I actually love it, that the words mean so much to me, but the people around me started to look concerned. I had to get myself in check. It has been an emotional, but beautiful process. The next steps will be designing the book cover, laying the book out as it will be printed, and then having a book in hand! Eek! I will be sure to keep you guys informed as we go. Follow along at They Say Parenting on Facebook and @theysayparenting on Instagram. For anyone out there considering writing a book, I encourage you to go for it! Were there challenging moments? Yes. Did I have fears along the way? Definitely. My husband told me during one of these moments, “Think too much and you will create a problem that wasn’t there in the first place.” I had to keep reminding myself of this as I kept focusing on my goal and my purpose. I am so glad I did, because I’m almost at the finish line and I can’t wait to see what’s to come! I used to think my dream of writing a book was too big. But, it wasn’t. So dream big and put your whole heart into those dreams. You’d be surprised how far you’ll go. See more about the purpose behind my book and blog on the About Me Page. You may also enjoy: Sometimes Strength Requires a Break

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42 responses to “I Wrote a Book! Here’s How…”

  1. yadie says:

    Awesome sauce! this is so inspiring because i too would like to write a book, but i always say im in over my head, with how “busy” I am. thank you for the inspiration and i cant wait to read your book.

    • admin says:

      Hi Yadie! Thank you so much! This truly means the world! I checked out your blog and loved it! I think you should absolutely go for your dream and write that book!

  2. Maureen says:

    Congratulations Lauren !! So proud of you 👏🏼👏🏼❤️❤️❤️

  3. Chamroeun says:

    Hey Lauren ! I stumbled upon this and would love to chat if you available?? Congrats on your book!

  4. Nate says:

    Hi Lauren! That is so awesome. It’s a very timely post because I am about half way done with my book and my goal is to be done with it by the end of this year!

    • admin says:

      Hi Nate! How awesome! Congratulations on your book as well! That is great you have made it half way. Almost there! This experience has been amazing and I can’t wait to see what’s to come! I am glad you enjoyed the article!

  5. Tara Pittman says:

    I love when people make their dream real. Congrats on writing a book.

  6. A book is truly the new business card. It helps prospective clients, students, whoever understand who you are, what your values are, and what you will bring to the relationship. Congratulations on completing your first book!

  7. Ashley says:

    I have always wanted to write a book. Ive actually started 3 but never finished. Your post has some great tips on keeping going Love that you say Dream big

    • admin says:

      Hi Ashley! That is awesome! I am so glad you found the post helpful. That is amazing that you started three! If you want to do it, you CAN do it!

  8. Annabel says:

    Congratulations on your book, Lauren! I enjoyed reading the process and I wish you all the best!

  9. Elicit Folio says:

    My sister is currently writing a book, so I shared your amazing article with her! She also told me it is a process, and one should not be pressured. Great post!

    • admin says:

      Thank you so much for sharing! Best wishes to your sister in writing her book! How exciting! I would agree. It is definitely a process which I felt I needed to take at my own pace.

  10. Dani says:

    You should be so proud of yourself! What an amazing role model you are for your kiddos.

    • admin says:

      Hi Dani! Thank you so much. I truly appreciate your kind words. There is no greater honor than being a role model for my children.

  11. Becca Wilson says:

    This is some really great advice on how to get a book together. I have some friends that could really use this!

  12. Echo says:

    I have been thinking about starting this journey, so thank you so much, for sharing yours. I truly appreciate it.

    • admin says:

      Hi Echo! You are so welcome! And, how wonderful! You should definitely go for it! It is a pretty amazing journey to take! You can do it!

  13. I’m a writer too, so I know that writing a book is an AMAZING accomplishment. Amazing job! That’s so exciting. Keep at it!

  14. Marysa says:

    That’s awesome that you were able to write a book! It must feel so good to have accomplished that. Congrats!

    • admin says:

      Hi Marysa! Thank you so much! It does feel wonderful. The process was long but exciting, and so well worth it! Now, I am looking forward to holding that book in my hands!

  15. Sara Welch says:

    Congratulations on writing your book and thank you for sharing the encouragement to those that may think the task too big for them to accomplish. I hope this nudges someone to just do it.

    • admin says:

      Hi Sara! I feel the same way! I sure hope it will nudge someone else to take the leap! Thank you for your kind comments!

  16. Many congratulations that is a great achievement. Good luck for the final copy.

  17. Kiwi says:

    Thanks for the tips on how to write a book. I eventually want to be an author so these are some good tips!

    • admin says:

      Hi Kiwi! That is so wonderful! I encourage you to go for it! Just start putting some ideas on paper. I am so glad you found these tips helpful in your journey!

  18. aisasami says:

    Congrats on publishing your first book. I want to write a kid’s book but I need my sister to draw first.

    • admin says:

      Hi Aisasami! Thank you so much! I truly appreciate it! That is awesome. Sending my encouragement your way! And how wonderful your sister can be your illustrator!

  19. Holly Hood says:

    Congrats on your book. This is a great post. I have always wanted to try my hand at a book but did not know where to start. You have totally inspired me. Thank you so much.

    • admin says:

      Hi Holly! This makes me so happy! You are welcome! Thank you for sharing! You should definitely go for it! Get those ideas out and see where it takes you!

  20. Congratulations! I am currently writing my third book, none of them have ever been read by other people but one day I hope I have enough courage to send it to publishers.

    • admin says:

      Hi Stephanie! Wow this is amazing! How wonderful that you have written three! It was definitely a big step to finally send mine off, but I am so happy that I did!

  21. Thank you for your post! I’ve been thinking about writing one!

    • admin says:

      Hi Claudia! How wonderful! I think you should go for it! Get some words on paper and watch it come together. You are so welcome. I am glad you enjoyed it!

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