My new book and coming home to life writing

I’m on a call with my client M. We are talking about things they could do to enhance the manuscript we are working on. “I’d like you to consider, but only if this feels right, and you’re okay with it, to start thinking about, in some way, maybe, putting it out in the universe that you are working on a book.”

They look at me, agog (which isn’t uncommon with M.) “Let me get this straight…you want me to mention that I’m working on a book?”

“Uh, um, yeh,” I stammered on some more, “put it out there, but only if you’re ready to, just drop the seed a bit. Declaring it to the unseen universe sometimes invites content.” There I was, going soft, indirect, careful and wordy, when all M needed was for me to say, “Hey, I need you to own that you are working on a book publicly.” To which they would have said, “Check!” If I couldn’t do it with M, I shouldn’t have been surprised to realize that I haven’t publicly declared that I have a new book in the works.

In support of my long-suffering overwritten, overspoken, overedited, and overthought inner writer, I’m here to announce: I have a new book in the works. And it feels more vulnerable and honest than even my memoir Loving Large and its sequel (which I’m managing to hide also.)

Elements is a craftbook - part inspiration, instruction, journal and workbook and it points people to the layered approach to life writing that has evolved from my own process and the teaching and coaching I do. Elements is my model for deepening writing, for anyone with a memory (of any length, strength or flavour.)

Elements makes a return to my heart’s work and my personal mission. It is the reason I keep writing, working on books and carrying the load for writers who are hiking the uphill of book creation—especially those with memoir or personal life stories included in their dream books.

It is a gift to writers, and myself. I’ve been at work on the thoughts around Elements for months, perhaps much longer. It is an offering, and a declaration. It marks my return to my heart’s work: life writing. I was put on the planet to foster voice, and encourage stories to be told by the person who fears they cannot do it alone. I am writing Elements to encourage reflection, one layer of writing at a time.

Stay tuned…but for now…catch a glimpse of the photo shoot where a team of talents got me close to earth, fire, air and water to record the alchemy of birthing Elements: Reframing Writing Inspiration One Reflection at a Time.

Stay tuned here on Substack where I’ll be dropping artwork, excerpts, content bonuses and pre-sale information. I’ll also be getting honest about coaching myself while writing and how damned tough it is.

Love what you write… P