it's the final countdown!
we're one week away from the official release of Stop Waiting for Perfect
#WednesdayWisdom
“idk who needs to hear this, but get back on your creative bs, get back in your creative bag, tap into that divine creative power. stand up, act big, make the boldest steps you know how to make because your destiny is waiting on you to stop playing small. it’s urgent, beloved.” ~
Morning Musings
The next time you hear from me, I’ll be a published author! It sounds so wild to say, let alone type. And there’s a large part of this whole experience that feels surreal.
Just the other day, Violet was “practicing” her signature in a copy of Stop Waiting for Perfect. I snapped a quick photo because cute. But it was also a holy sh*t moment—a culmination of two goals I worked really hard toward for the last several years in one picture.
For those of you familiar with our journey, Jeff and I endured multiple failed rounds of IVF before getting that positive pregnancy test. And I encountered numerous rejections (and two literary agents) before getting the “yes” that led to the book deal.
I share this because it’s quite easy to look at that picture and believe that everything came easily. It did not. Nevertheless, I persisted—by the grace of God, with support from loved ones and encouragement from all of you. Plus therapy, lots of therapy.
It’s also easy to take all of this for granted as I feel like life is moving faster than I can keep up with right now—fleeting from one task and to-do list to another with barely a chance to catch my breath. As I write this, it’s 10 o’clock on Tuesday night and everyone else is asleep, but my heart is so full.
To paraphrase Rihanna, “baby, this is what I came for” and I’m so grateful you all have been along for the journey. Truly. I know I sound like a broken record, but this book literally wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for your support (honestly, social media followers and newsletter subscribers matter a LOT for newbie authors like me).
Next week is going to be a whirlwind. Barring any breaking news (knocks on wood), I’ll be on CBS Mornings on Monday, Aug. 14 to chat about the book. Yes, that CBS Mornings with Gayle King and Jeff’s doppelganger Nate Burleson, plus Tony Dokoupil. I’m only slightly panicking.
Then I’m heading to Cafe con Libros in Brooklyn to do a reading and sign your books (eek!). I’ll be in conversation with my girl Aisha Beau, who is absolutely fantabulous. I’m super excited to kick off the tour here because I visited during a reading retreat with my book club friends Sierra and Heather pre-pandemic and it was utterly delightful. What’s not to love about an intersectional feminist bookstore and coffee shop?!
ALSO, the preorder link for the audiobook version of Stop Waiting for Perfect is officially here! You can order on Audible or Libro.fm, where (as of 10:30 p.m. CT on Tuesday) it’s currently listed as a preorder bestseller!!).
TL;DR: I’m a basket case of emotions with less than one week until pub and it’s very good timing on my part that I have therapy later today (Wednesday).
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
Wednesday, Sept. 6: Red Emma’s in Baltimore, MD
Sept. 15: Barbara’s Bookstore in Lombard, IL
Season Finale of The LT in the City Podcast
I know, I know…I can barely believe it either, but here we are—the season finale of The LT in the City Podcast. I’m so grateful for each guest and everyone who tuned in. We’ll be back in 2024 with all new episodes (and I’ve got a listener survey coming soon to get your input on what you’d like to hear next). In the meantime, enjoy this month’s episode and the last in our #SoftGirlSummer series featuring Eva Maria Lewis, executive director of Free Root Operation.
Links I Love
The Gamification of Reading Is Changing How We Approach Books (Shondaland)
Are You There, Menopause? It’s Me, Monique. (The Root)
‘Nobody Can Take Your Power’: Megan Thee Stallion in Her Own Words (ELLE)
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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!
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Omg please post that CBS clip so we can see!