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Saturday, April 28, 2012

Purposeful Vulnerability

It’s been a whirlwind of a week with the release of my novel, Cosette’s Tribe, and a surprise visit from my daughter and granddaughter from NC. And then on top of that, I was honored with a surprise launch party, sneakily hatched by my two beautiful daughters!

With all these amazing events I’ve felt the steady hug of support from friends and family and the relief of finally sending Cosette on her way. And now Cosette, equipped with an unflappable voice of her own, will find her readers amongst the noisy populace—ready hearts prepared for her tale.

Releasing a work of art is more complicated than I had imagined. I’d been so busy, for so long, with all the tedious publishing details that I wasn’t prepared for the emotional punch that came after the release of Cosette’s Tribe— That was the biggest surprise of all.

My novel was written from a place of healing and light, but in order to write it I had to visit a land of shadows, a place where cherry-cheeked little girls faceoff with villains disguised as good daddy neighbors, and although Cosette’s Tribe is a work of fiction, in many ways Cosette’s steps parallel my own childhood journey. So, when releasing this work I found myself feeling—a bit exposed and vulnerable.

But isn’t that how art is suppose to be—intimate and honest, touching the hidden places and waking them up; inspiring us to see more than the obvious. In sharing this work I’m sharing a part of who I am—what I’ve seen and learned, performing a sort of spiritual alchemy by taking the base things in my life and transforming them into something precious—redemption through art.

I’m smiling now because I know that it’s true, and that my vulnerability is bold and purposeful. I have done it and it is good.

I envision you sitting in your favorite chair, with my novel in hand, escaping for a moment from the clamor and demands of your life. It is my heart’s desire that the valuable time that you take away from your busy schedules in order to read Cosette’s Tribe will be entertaining, rich, and illuminating.

I want to thank all of you for making this launch such a success. Cosette’s Tribe is selling very well. Your love, support, and encouragement over the last year has been inspiring and remarkable.

An e-book is in the works and my website will be up and running in no time. Again, thank you. You guys are a treasure!

Anna Nalick, says it best in her song, Breathe:
“And I feel like I’m naked in front of the crowd
Cause these words are my diary, screaming out loud
And I know that you’ll use them, however you want to.”

I chose this song, Shine, because it just seemed appropriate;)

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Cosette's Tribe is Launched!



Today, I want to thank all of you for your encouragement and support over the last two years as I worked to make my first novel, Cosette’s Tribe, a reality. So, it is without further ado that I happily announce that Cosette’s Tribe is finally available to the public through amazon.com!

There will be more steps in the near future, such as listing on Barnes & Noble, the launching of my website: cosettestribe.com, and the release of an e-book. Cosette’s Tribe may also be requested at your library or ordered through your neighborhood bookstore.

Again, thank you for all your encouragement and support as I made this journey. You made such a difference in my life, and it is my heart's desire that you will find something special to take away for yourselves as you read Cosette’s Tribe.


A very grateful writer;)

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

The Tango Continues



I’ve just had an amazing week with my friend Holly. We bodysurfed until we were bruised, combed miles of blonde beaches, ate at rustic waterfront cafes, and spent hours chatting out on the lanai. I didn’t realize how much I needed this time of rejuvenation until after she had left. That’s when I felt the residue of peace lingering like a fine mist floating in the air, setting free my breath, and opening up my mind.

I feel recharged and excited, now being able to enjoy the multitude of steps waiting to be climbed. I see them before me like a stairway spiraling upward—pinpricking through the clouds. I laugh at the great climb ahead, knowing full well that I will get there—in time.



What to do? What to do? My desk and wall are cluttered with scribbled scraps, folders, and odd mementos purposefully collected to inspire me. I moved my desk into the master bedroom in order to make room for, Jesse & Jesse, my two dear friends who had been staying with us now for a while. They departed this morning, driving northward, intent on a new journey, thus creating a vacancy in my heart—and my spare bedroom; so, today I shall transfer my office back to the spacious quietness of the guest suite so that I can spread out and plan…

It’s a small transition, but transitions and changes tend to create a rhythm of their own, beating in time with the monotonous, building momentum. One can never tell which action is important until afterwards, for each holds within itself a fan of repercussions, creating an endless wave of activities slapping against the lives of many…perhaps all.

So, what to do?

I received my proofs for Cosette’s Tribe this week, which is proof that I actually wrote a book; so, now that I have this wonderful novel I can see that there is much more work to do in order to nurture and care for it properly. It’s not so different than having a baby. When you’re in the hospital surrounded by smiles, balloons and family, the duties of motherhood seem somewhat distant and romantic, but once you’re at home with your pint-sized soul mate, all wiggly and pink—and demanding—you find your tears flowing along with the colicky lullaby of your infant’s cries; this is when motherhood arrests you, and you find that your life has been changed forever. Such is the life of a writer turned author.



As I write this blog my book sits silently beside me, literary twins—a paperback, and hardcover. Inanimate objects that can only be brought to life by the imagination of a hungry reader, someone to invite Cosette in where she can freely whisper her guarded secrets and dizzying dreams, finding a sure friend and confidant to join her on her journey.

There is no turning back or changing my mind. I, like a parent, have created a life and now I am responsible for that life. The paper versions of my novel are complete and as close to perfect as we could get them. Now comes the challenge of formatting an e-book, which is proving to be enormously frustrating, what with the way the files like to misbehave. Right now we’re stuck, but I’m praying for the angels to send me a MOBI miracle.


I couldn't resist slipping my girl up on the shelf!


My newest task is to promote Cosette’s Tribe. It makes me a little nervous—this marketing thing. Actually I feel fearful and brave all at the same time. I guess I’ll just have to dive in and get it done the same way I wrote the book and published it…feeling a bit inadequate. Everything is new. Everything is waiting. Everything must be done and inadequacies must be defied. I’ve come to the conclusion that fear can be a great motivator and that anything worth doing is usually accomplished while afraid.

The tango continues...