This time next month I will have released my book out into the world!
I've reread this sentence a couple of times, not because it doesn't make sense, but because I'm struggling to grasp the reality of it all.
I now appreciate why it's called a 'book release'. Letting go, freeing, unleashing and discharging aptly describes the emotions attached to the whole process.
Thankfully I'm a pretty pragmatic person otherwise the over thinking would be in overdrive by now. It's far too late for that now anyway. Reminding myself regularly that I did actually write this book just for me and if others enjoy it then that's a bonus has become necessary.
If you follow me on Instagram @doinglifedifferentlyinthailand you'll know I've taken delivery of the first copy of my book. To hold it in my hands and leaf through the pages knowing they are my words is totally surreal. I find myself randomly opening my book and reading a few pages. I love these little memory joggers as they instantly transport me back to that time and place as I hoped it would.
I've been operating in this unfamiliar 'book space' for a while now - writing my book, learning e-comm skills, building a website, working with an editor and graphic designer, and many others who know so much more about this business than me and of course falling in pothole after pothole. The discomfort of learning something new is real. We humans like familiar and comfortable and writing and self-publishing a book is none of that.
I was sitting with a cup of tea in one hand and patting Rosie (Labrador) with the other today and pondered how I'm really feeling about all of this that I have created. The words that bubbled up were scared, awkward, nervous and out of my depth.
Each and everyday that my book release date creeps closer I'm hoping I will start to allow myself to feel a little bit chuffed and even proud. I know all too well, like so much in life this occasion will be fleeting. This one opportunity to release my book will never come again.
It's probably time I got out of my own way and started soaking up all this opportunity is trying so hard to offer me.
xx
They say we all have a book in us. This had never crossed my mind. Well that was until I arrived home from my five months living in Phuket in 2023.
These blog posts will be random in nature. An extension of my book. A spot for me to share more stories and some of the bits and pieces that never made it into my book.
My musings will be real, raw and hopefully interesting for you.
Mel x
