The story behind the book

Behind every book is a story.

Here’s mine.⠀

I always wanted to write a book, but I didn’t know when or how it would happen.

I have degrees but none in literature. I’ve learned that you don’t need one to write a book, a blog, or anything. You just need a pen and paper, or notes on your phone.

I submitted my book to many publishers. I was offered deals but they involved changing my book. The rest told me they don’t do poetry because the margins aren’t in it, or it’s not “sellable”.

I doubted myself more than I believed in myself, particularly at the end. I thought it wouldn’t sell, because that’s the narrative I was also starting to believe.

But I pushed on.

I resolved myself to it being a book for my family. I decided to self-publish and invest my savings (sanity and lack of sleep) to make it happen. Anything that came from it would be a bonus.

I worked hard. I changed my manuscript a million times. I designed my own cover. And I got help from a printing company with the finishing touches. There are also a million finishing touches, and more.

I got a small run of books printed in NZ and thought there was no harm in putting it on Amazon. I told myself that there was no pressure to sell them because I had my whole life to, after all.

I sold out in NZ within a few weeks. I’ve had subsequent print runs. I’ve sold more books than I could’ve imagined on Amazon.

The book that wasn’t “publishable” or “sellable”, has been featured on a number of poetry best selling lists on Amazon more weeks than it hasn’t since it was released.

I receive messages daily from customers about it, and the reviews are heart warming.

I’m not here to gloat, or to show off.

Although we are of course entitled to, and we should, celebrate our own successes.

I’m just here to tell you that when no one else believes in you, believe in yourself.

When no one understands your vision or the depths of your dreams, dig deep and trust yourself.

Because at the end of the day, you are the only person who can make it happen, or start it happening.

You’re in control of your dreams.