Leveraging Your Life’s Mosaic?
In my travels to Greece and Italy last year, I saw many historic artifacts that have survived for hundreds of centuries. Beautiful mosaic works of art are among those relics that abound throughout the regions. Each mosaic pattern illustrates a specific story as the distinctive pieces align to create a complete canvas.
Similarly, our individual lives are a masterpiece as our cumulative attributes build upon each of our unique strengths and experiences to equip and empower us for our future.
Earlier this Spring, this theme shone brightly in my life. Since April, I have harnessed my own mosaic characteristics to write, edit, and self-publish my book, ARMORED.
As I reflect upon these past months, I see how I am leveraging my own life’s mosaic in the following ways:
Preparation to Become a Book Author
I can recall from my earliest memories capturing stories in written form. I have even dreamt of writing a book for more than 20 years. However, I never felt fully equipped to do so.
In hindsight, the blog posts that I have written and released since founding Authentizity in 2017 not only documented my perspective on a variety of professional topics, but they have strengthened my writing capabilities and finetuned my voice.
Through my blog, I describe the nuances of my memories and then add details to create a flavor. That way, my writing guides a reader through the story to provide a feeling of what was happening to me at the time.
I write like I speak.
What you see is what you get. Similarly, I am as direct, transparent and authentic in my book’s storytelling. I’m also self-deprecating, self-reflective and self-aware as I reveal life events in humorous observations with lessons learned sprinkled along the way.
I write for me.
When others ask who my target audience is, I tell them that it’s me. I write about my experiences to put them out into the ether in hopes of connecting with others that can relate or use the information shared to reflect upon their own lives. My writing is a cathartic and therapeutic release of my perspective that I hope will help others in their own journeys.
Preparation to Become a Self-Publisher
Little did I know, but once I began writing my book, it flowed out of me easily. In fact, I wrote all 35,000 words in less than a month.
However, the self-publishing part of the process has been the biggest test/obstacle for me. I know my strengths, but just as equally accept my weaknesses.
I’m not a good “in the weeds” person. In fact, I have often referred to my skills as that of a snorkeler of information. Going too deep typically makes me frustrated and even overwhelmed in the minutiae.
Because this is my book, I had to challenge myself to learn several areas of self-publishing so I could make knowledgeable decisions. Although, I also knew when to call in reinforcements. Thankfully, my network includes resources who have helped me. They have become what I fondly call my “Dream Book Team.”
I could not have accomplished the self-publishing process without my CYA (cover your a–) book design team of Markind, led by Rana Severs and supported by Alyssa Curry. (https://www.markindsolutions.com/) Additionally, I am so proud of the unique ARMORED artwork covers and accompanying website by House Atlantic Media’s Reagan Simon. (https://houseatlanticmedia.com/)
Preparation for Promoting a Book
And while the self-publishing process has stretched and pressed me, I’ve been looking forward to the public relations and marketing aspect all along. In fact, I’ve had to hold myself back from promoting the book too early so as to ensure that we could successfully fulfill the orders in a timely manner.
I have a binder filled with ideas to publicize the book’s release. However, just as I give my blog credit for my writing skills development, it has garnered a loyal readership which I will honor with exclusive news in the coming weeks.
My Mosaic
In summary, the mosaic of who I am includes these, among many of my strengths, experiences, and resources. In these past four months, I have been the most creative that I have ever been throughout my 27+ year career.
I am so excited to be at this point in the process and cannot wait to release ARMORED to the public. COVID has delayed print times, so the release date is impending. However, it is coming soon, so stay tuned…
As always, thank you for your continued interest. Please let me know if I may ever be a resource to you and your endeavors by contacting me at dlandry@authentizity.com.
NOTE: You may recognize that this as a topic which I touched on before in last year’s blog post: This Is Me. (https://authentizity.com/this-is-me/)
