It’s been almost a year since Life Choices came into the world, and almost two years since I was offered the book contract for it. I find myself looking back and reflecting, musing and remembering, and being amazed again at all that has transpired. The book is out there now and being carried along in the fast moving current of daily reproductive health and women’s rights struggles. Every once in a while and often in the most unexpected circumstances, someone lets me know how personally grateful they are that I wrote it. Most of the time I’m not privy to that information, but that’s perfectly okay. I trust that the book is finding its way in the world and that it will move like water to fill the spaces of need.
Two years ago I didn’t know much about what goes into bringing a book into the world. Now I do. It’s a complicated process and an incredible amount of work. And it doesn’t end when the book comes into print. Actually, that’s when a lot of the major work begins, especially the work of publicizing. Sometimes it seems like writing the book was the easy part! People are often surprised to hear this, but it’s true. I had so much to learn about it all and a big adjustment to make with regard to being the face of a book. A new author like myself isn’t terribly media savvy, nor is she oriented that way. After all, writers like to write. Publicize? Not so much.
Luckily I had help. My publisher, Connie Shaw at Sentient Publications, gently herded me through getting and accepting interview and review requests and coached me about (among other things) how to do a book tour. She found Sarah Kraft and her staff, who donated the design of a website just for the book. Beth Hayden set up and expertly tutored me about blogging. The women in Boulder Media Women offered sage advice and unconditional, enthusiastic support over coffee, at potlucks, and through the list serve. Hal Zina Bennett, writing mentor extraordinaire, was available at a moment’s notice. Mollie Katzen, friend and veteran published author, advised and cheered me on. My friend Sue Seecof shared her publicity know-how freely. Friends and family stepped forward to help in whatever ways they could.
Did you know that these days publishers, especially small publishers, are not able to pay for book tours to other cities? The publisher can arrange bookstore talks, and mine did thank goodness, but upwards of 90% of the costs are borne by the author. 
I willingly took this on because I wanted to experience a book tour, and the three week trip to the northwest in March was great. I loved it even though it was exhausting. Lots of interesting people and lively discussions. Staff in some of the stores acted like an author is an important person and treated me like royalty! It was sweet.
But, it was expensive. Crazy expensive. What’s up with that? Why does a writer have to be a martyr to her own work? It doesn’t make sense. It’s not that I’m naive about the state of non-support of the arts in this country, I’m not. Still, when you really think about it, it’s inane. Hopefully, the situation will improve somehow, though the corporate takeover of the publishing industry looks to be alive and well, so we’ll all have to do the best we can.
My particular story continues to unfold. The thought that ideas and principles that I value deeply are also of interest and help to others is extraordinarily affirming. It means so much to me that anyone would give up their hard earned cash to make the purchase. The book has revived my counseling practice and deepened my spiritual practice. I still seek and accept requests for talks and trainings as well as interviews. And, who knows? I might even return to writing and do a second book. I don’t know when exactly, but it could happen. Don’t ask what that book is about; I’m not ready to talk about it, but I’ve been bitten by the published author bug, and all things considered, I’ll probably give it another go.