In honor of the recent National Day on Writing, I was honored to be chosen as a panel speaker at The College of Saint Rose's evening event on October 20th. Not only was I honored to have been selected, but I was also privileged to sit among fellow alumni and staff authors who, not only famed in their genres, each taught me more than a thing or two about publishing, networking, and being an author in general. They were exemplary speakers when it came to their work.
It was the first time I had to speak to folks over the age of 10 about my book, in a more than one-to-one ratio, so I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I didn't feel very nervous as I stood up to speak at the podium, but when my head barely cleared the front of it, I awkwardly joked, "Maybe standing at the podium was a bad choice!" in my best Ron Burgundy tone, but no one laughed.
Throughout my 5 minutes of fame, however, I did see some encouraging head knods from students and members of the audience (besides my mom even!) and that made me feel relieved. I said everything I wanted to about what inspired me to write the book and why I think people should stay focused and passionate about writing if they enjoy it, but I did leave out some of the process points I wanted to highlight, when I failed to mention that I am a professional copywriter for an advertising agency, and the notion of this popped up randomly in the middle of my 'inspiration' tale.
But like I said, I was so proud to be there, and to be, even though I'm a rookie, an example to students who know they want to write and know it's what they are meant to do in this lifetime, just like me. And it gave me a little experience and some motivation to really start getting behind this thing (my book) and getting it to people who could/would love the message it emphasizes.
It's hard for me sometimes to really accept, and recognize that I am actually a writer. And moreover, that I am a published author. For some reason these things have just been dreams for so long, I just got used to them being just that: dreams. But when I have to pinch myself at my desk when I get a fun assignment, or when I had butterflies before my turn to speak at the college I graduated from, it puts a realism and joy to it that is almost indescribable. I may not be rich, or famous, and that's perfectly, perfectly fine. I am a writer, and really, that's all I've ever wanted to be.
So look for me, and my book, to be popping up around Upstate and Eastern New York in the near future (for now). I've decided to personally globe-trot M. vs. The M. around and see if there are any small, local shops that would like to carry it and help me share my mom's tale of hope and strength. And once I've bugged everyone up and down the East side, I'll head toward the wild, wild West and just see what can happen.
It's how it all started in the first place, basically, so what have I got to lose? Stay tuned for more updates! And stay warm! :) peace signs and pumpkin rinds! ;)
A children's book about one woman's battle with breast cancer, as recalled through her young daughter's eyes.
October Already?!
I can't believe it's already October. What a busy and gone September it turned out to be! With that in mind, I am going to do everything in my power to not let October slip through my fingertips.
As I see all of the wonderful, charitable events going on during this, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I am reminded of how many other women are out there, living their own tale of battling 'The Monster.' And I think back to the strength and elegance with which my mother faced that same monster, and how lucky I am that her story had a happy ending. She truly is a symbol of hope in a world of uncertainty when it comes to this disease. I am also reminded of how many people might find hope or joy in the pages of my book.
And so I am writing today to announce that my book will be on sale during the entire month of October (and no, I didn't just see a commercial for Subway and think of this) (or did i???!). haha ;) ;)
Either way, I will be selling all copies this month at the reduced price of $15. This includes tax. And for those who may be ordering from a far off land, I will handle the shipping as well. For those close, I will do my best to personally deliver your copy (within a reasonable radius from my home outside of Albany).
If you would like a book at the special price, DO NOT order from the link in this page. It is automatically set up to charge you the full price + shipping. Simply use the 'Contact' link underneath it, and send me an email request.
If you'd like me to sign your copy, just let me know the name and a little bit about who it is for. I know it may not seem like much, in terms of a discount, but I would still like to be able to donate as much as I can, and possibly break even on the publishing cost, so this way, the charities in which I will contribute won't suffer too much when it comes time for me to write their check.
As usual: Never give up, and always stay strong! and Happy Breast Cancer Awareness Month! (if that even makes sense?!)
peace, love and warm wool gloves! :)
bryande
As I see all of the wonderful, charitable events going on during this, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I am reminded of how many other women are out there, living their own tale of battling 'The Monster.' And I think back to the strength and elegance with which my mother faced that same monster, and how lucky I am that her story had a happy ending. She truly is a symbol of hope in a world of uncertainty when it comes to this disease. I am also reminded of how many people might find hope or joy in the pages of my book.
And so I am writing today to announce that my book will be on sale during the entire month of October (and no, I didn't just see a commercial for Subway and think of this) (or did i???!). haha ;) ;)
Either way, I will be selling all copies this month at the reduced price of $15. This includes tax. And for those who may be ordering from a far off land, I will handle the shipping as well. For those close, I will do my best to personally deliver your copy (within a reasonable radius from my home outside of Albany).
If you would like a book at the special price, DO NOT order from the link in this page. It is automatically set up to charge you the full price + shipping. Simply use the 'Contact' link underneath it, and send me an email request.
If you'd like me to sign your copy, just let me know the name and a little bit about who it is for. I know it may not seem like much, in terms of a discount, but I would still like to be able to donate as much as I can, and possibly break even on the publishing cost, so this way, the charities in which I will contribute won't suffer too much when it comes time for me to write their check.
As usual: Never give up, and always stay strong! and Happy Breast Cancer Awareness Month! (if that even makes sense?!)
peace, love and warm wool gloves! :)
bryande
How it all went down...
I thought perhaps I should share the Reader's Digest version of just how this book came about. Though I am a writer by trade, I wasn't one at the time, and I certainly didn't sit down one day and say, "I'm going to write a children's book!"
I was waiting in line in Barnes & Noble around Mother's Day and saw an adorable kids book about a mother/child relationship. It used cute little animal illustrations to portray different activities that the child telling the story used to engage in with Mom.
I adored it and snatched it right up to add to my purchases, but then I turned it over and saw the price: $19.95, and changed my mind. It was super cute, but no larger than a greeting card and approximately 12 pages. I hated feeling cheap, but my mother's words rang through my ears as I asked myself if she'd want me to pay the price of the book.
"You could have made me something better!" She always said that when presented with a floral, poetic greeting card or picture. And so I decided to take her on her word, and I put that little book back on the shelf at Barnes & Noble.
I went home and immediately sat down at my computer and began to think about the things I used to do with my mom as a kid and what made her special to me.
When I started listing the qualities that I admired in my mother, one word, "BRAVE" stood out. It came up after recalling one of my favorite stuffed animals, 'Rabbit,' which was given to me (on loan) by my mother during her battle with Breast Cancer.
The small white rabbit had actually been a get well gift to her from her best friend. I fell in love with it at first sight on a visit to Mama in the hospital, and begged her to let me take care of it while she got better. She agreed, despite its sentimental value, purely from the look of joy on my face. I can only imagine that during a time of such uncertainty and fear for her life that seeing me beam over that rabbit was one of few highlights over the duration. Seeing her kids smile is still one her favorite things in the world.
When I thought of Rabbit, now sitting on the bed next to me, tattered from years of love, I thought of her bravery. And how amazingly poised, and strong she stayed throughout her whole battle with the disease.
From there the words simply poured from my finger tips. I had a 3 page poem in about 10 minutes, which I was very pleased with. I went out to Michael's craft store the next day, and bought a blank Bristol photo album with way more pages than I needed. I scribbled the words onto the pages in pencil, and roughly sketched some illustrations.
I proceeded to procrastinate over the next 2 days, and found myself tracing over my scribbles and outlining my sketches with a black Sharpy after my shower on the morning of Mother's day. As my sister arrived to pick me up for the family brunch we were attending, I was still putting the final touches on with a hand full of colored pencils.
When I presented it, my mom was blown away. I almost had counted on it, since she was always so fond of my writing and drawing. But what I hadn't counted on, was the reaction of so many other people. Her friends, her coworkers, other family members all thought it was the most amazing gift and message, and wanted a copy for themselves or to share with a loved one who had battled or was currently fighting a disease like cancer.
My mother called and asked me one day a few months later if I might want to publish the book. I simply said, "I made it for you Mama. It's yours to do whatever you want with. If you want to publish it, I am totally on board."
And there it is! We self published under my business BaM Publishing and Copywriting. My mother wanted not ONE SINGLE thing changed from the original I had handed her at brunch (which she keeps hermetically sealed in a box in her bedroom closet and only takes out twice a year). ;)
I know that my mom is one of a kind in so many ways, and I am so happy that this book can not only showcase one of her many strengths, but that it can also instill hope and courage in anyone else who has, or is battling a life threatening disease.
peace signs and porcupines for now! :)
*and believe me, this IS the Reader's Digest version! ha.
I was waiting in line in Barnes & Noble around Mother's Day and saw an adorable kids book about a mother/child relationship. It used cute little animal illustrations to portray different activities that the child telling the story used to engage in with Mom.
I adored it and snatched it right up to add to my purchases, but then I turned it over and saw the price: $19.95, and changed my mind. It was super cute, but no larger than a greeting card and approximately 12 pages. I hated feeling cheap, but my mother's words rang through my ears as I asked myself if she'd want me to pay the price of the book.
"You could have made me something better!" She always said that when presented with a floral, poetic greeting card or picture. And so I decided to take her on her word, and I put that little book back on the shelf at Barnes & Noble.
I went home and immediately sat down at my computer and began to think about the things I used to do with my mom as a kid and what made her special to me.
When I started listing the qualities that I admired in my mother, one word, "BRAVE" stood out. It came up after recalling one of my favorite stuffed animals, 'Rabbit,' which was given to me (on loan) by my mother during her battle with Breast Cancer.
The small white rabbit had actually been a get well gift to her from her best friend. I fell in love with it at first sight on a visit to Mama in the hospital, and begged her to let me take care of it while she got better. She agreed, despite its sentimental value, purely from the look of joy on my face. I can only imagine that during a time of such uncertainty and fear for her life that seeing me beam over that rabbit was one of few highlights over the duration. Seeing her kids smile is still one her favorite things in the world.
When I thought of Rabbit, now sitting on the bed next to me, tattered from years of love, I thought of her bravery. And how amazingly poised, and strong she stayed throughout her whole battle with the disease.
From there the words simply poured from my finger tips. I had a 3 page poem in about 10 minutes, which I was very pleased with. I went out to Michael's craft store the next day, and bought a blank Bristol photo album with way more pages than I needed. I scribbled the words onto the pages in pencil, and roughly sketched some illustrations.
I proceeded to procrastinate over the next 2 days, and found myself tracing over my scribbles and outlining my sketches with a black Sharpy after my shower on the morning of Mother's day. As my sister arrived to pick me up for the family brunch we were attending, I was still putting the final touches on with a hand full of colored pencils.
When I presented it, my mom was blown away. I almost had counted on it, since she was always so fond of my writing and drawing. But what I hadn't counted on, was the reaction of so many other people. Her friends, her coworkers, other family members all thought it was the most amazing gift and message, and wanted a copy for themselves or to share with a loved one who had battled or was currently fighting a disease like cancer.
My mother called and asked me one day a few months later if I might want to publish the book. I simply said, "I made it for you Mama. It's yours to do whatever you want with. If you want to publish it, I am totally on board."
And there it is! We self published under my business BaM Publishing and Copywriting. My mother wanted not ONE SINGLE thing changed from the original I had handed her at brunch (which she keeps hermetically sealed in a box in her bedroom closet and only takes out twice a year). ;)
I know that my mom is one of a kind in so many ways, and I am so happy that this book can not only showcase one of her many strengths, but that it can also instill hope and courage in anyone else who has, or is battling a life threatening disease.
peace signs and porcupines for now! :)
*and believe me, this IS the Reader's Digest version! ha.
WELCOME!
Welcome to the Mommy vs. The Monster Blog! It's about time I got something together to update and help spread the word about my children's book.
Not just because I've still got over 500 copies being stored in my 'warehouse' (aka: my parent's basement) but also in an effort to further share the message of hope and courage, and to find more heroes who've taken on the Monster themselves. More importantly, it's time, again, to give back by donating portions of my proceeds (and that's hard to do if I'm not selling books!).
Now settled in my career, and with some more knowledge under my belt on how to go about things, it's a perfect time to get back on my horse and start getting this book out to anyone it can help.
So once again, Welcome! And stay tuned for updates on my marketing efforts and Mommy vs. The Monster's availability around the Capital Region!
Kachow for now! :)
-Bry
Not just because I've still got over 500 copies being stored in my 'warehouse' (aka: my parent's basement) but also in an effort to further share the message of hope and courage, and to find more heroes who've taken on the Monster themselves. More importantly, it's time, again, to give back by donating portions of my proceeds (and that's hard to do if I'm not selling books!).
Now settled in my career, and with some more knowledge under my belt on how to go about things, it's a perfect time to get back on my horse and start getting this book out to anyone it can help.
So once again, Welcome! And stay tuned for updates on my marketing efforts and Mommy vs. The Monster's availability around the Capital Region!
Kachow for now! :)
-Bry
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