it's officially shoot-my-shot season
aka two weeks until my book debut
#WednesdayWisdom
“With a new month comes new opportunities. Allow August to be your month to do what needs to be done.” ~ @thegmichelle
Morning Musings
My first book, Stop Waiting for Perfect, drops in T-minus less than two weeks and I’m so nervous/anxious/excited/overwhelmed I feel like I could vomit at any point. These final few weeks have reminded me of the anticipation I felt before our scheduled C-section nearly two years ago.
Having a “release date,” if you will, for the baby did help my anxiety; however, it felt like this looming deadline was hanging over me and I just wanted to hurry up and have it get here so I could finally meet this tiny human I’d been growing for the last nine months.
In the same way, I want Aug. 15 to hurry up and get here so y’all can meet the book I’ve been writing and revising for the last two years (more if you count the initial idea I had back in 2015 and the first book proposal I wrote in 2017). Aug. 15, 2023 has been a long time coming and, at this point, I just want it out of my brain, out in the universe and into your hands.
And yet, there’s still a lot of work to be done. I know I sound like a broken record, but preorders are SO very important for debut authors and I’ve been panicking a bit because I feel like my numbers aren’t where they should be (although my lovely publicist assures me we’re right on track).
So, I do what I always do when my anxiety attacks…I do the most. I’ve been DMing, emailing and reaching out to any and everybody who can help spread the word. I’ve been shooting my shot, because as my mom always used to tell me when I was younger, closed mouths don’t get fed. And yes, it feels needy and asking for help has never been my strong suit, but I’m trying y’all!
Therefore, I’m going to shoot my shot with you. Here’s how you can support the book launch (and help make the case for why I should get to write more books):
Preorder your copy of Stop Waiting for Perfect if you haven’t already
Order a copy for a friend or encourage them to order
Share the book on your social media accounts
Register for an upcoming book tour event (there are some virtual ones, too, in case you don’t live in or near Baltimore, Chicago and New York!)
Request the book at your local library (all you need is the ISBN: 9781637743072)
You can also book me to speak at your company (or pass my info on to the powers that be)
Invite me to speak at your book club
If you’re a journalist and/or podcast host and would like to interview me about the book, let me know!
Okay, I think that’s it. Thank you all so much for your support! Seriously, this book would not exist without you and I can’t wait to see and meet y’all on tour!
See You on (Book) Tour!
Monday, Aug. 14: Cafe con Libros in Brooklyn, NY with Aisha Beau
Wednesday, Aug. 16: Virtual book launch with Evette Dionne
Thursday, Aug. 17: Ama La Vida (virtual)
Thursday, Aug. 17: Women & Children First in Chicago, IL with Taylor Morrison
Friday, Aug. 18: Lululemon in Chicago, IL
Thursday, Aug. 24: Evanston Public Library in Evanston, IL with Pam R. Johnson Davis
Tuesday, Sept. 5: Harford County Library in Abingdon, MD (link to come!)
Wednesday, Sept. 6: Red Emma’s in Baltimore, MD
Sept. 15: Barbara’s Bookstore in Lombard, IL
Links I Love
How to feel happier at work when you have the urge to quit (The New York Times)
My taste is basic. So what? (Harper’s Bazaar)
Why moms are loving ‘Barbie’: It’s eerily similar to postpartum motherhood (TODAY)
My Latest Obsession
Jeff and I recently finished Survival of the Thickest, starring actress and comedian Michelle Buteau, and I’m upset there were only eight episodes. I loved that the series showcased characters in their late 30s and also featured a plus-sized Black woman as desirable (and not the sidekick!). Really hope Hollywood works out this strike because I NEED more seasons!
Now Hiring
Program Officer, Women’s Leadership Development for Chicago Foundation for Women
Co-founder Voice and Communications Manager for Malala Fund
Editorial Assistant at The Feminist Press
News Editor for WSJ. Magazine & Style
Audio Producer for City Cast Chicago
Project Manager for NBCUniversal
Media Relations Manager for The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Director, Strategic Communications at DonorsChoose
Thank You
A special thank-you to April, Cait, Amanda, Harleen, Megan, Najja, Jessica, Priti, Cat, Jenna, Mallory, Rachel, Angel, Sarah, Camesha, Vix, Anna, Stephanie, Dominique, Tiffany, Emily, Mabinty, Lindsey, Casey, Lynnae and Dani for becoming paid subscribers and helping to fuel this newsletter. I truly appreciate your support!
Tis the season! Can't wait for my preorder to arrive!
Re-stacked and tweeted. Hope this helps! You rock, L'oreal!