FedEx dropped off a cardboard box on my doorstep this week. My heart pounded as I ripped open the box. There smiling up at me were several copies of my newest book "FOR EVERY MOTHER . . . Celebrating All Stages and Ages of Mothering".
Seeing a book I've written for the first time is both fulfilling and frightening. Writing is a solitary act . . . just me, my thoughts and my computer in a small home office. Publishing, on the other hand, is so public. It comes with the sudden pressure to actually sell copies. It feels like sending a child out into the world. I'm apprehensive because I don't know what kind of reception this book will receive.
Then I remember that reading is also a solitary act. An author connects with a reader one to one. This companionship is intimately personal. Like a private conversation between friends, a writer and a reader come together and inspire each other. Every time I have been tempted to give up on writing an appreciative reader has written me a letter or e-mail and inspired me to continue. I can only hope that this new book will find a few friends.
I wrote this book to celebrate mothering. Whether we've been a mother for a few brief moments before the heartbreak of miscarriage or we've been blessed to physically bear children is not the determining factor in our power to mother. All women are mothers. What matters if that we make the individual effort to inspire, encourage, uplift, teach, love and serve each other.
Mothering changes souls one at a time. For true mother love transforms both the lover and the beloved. The true value of a year or a life is not measured by the number of our children but by our personal capacity to love. Each woman's contribution is meaningful; each choice to love is significant and profound.
And so today I send this book out to you . . . and to women everywhere . . . from my heart to yours . . . with my deepest love and appreciation for everything you do. To all women everywhere I say . . . thank you.
 |
| My new book - front and back cover. |
Seeing a book I've written for the first time is both fulfilling and frightening. Writing is a solitary act . . . just me, my thoughts and my computer in a small home office. Publishing, on the other hand, is so public. It comes with the sudden pressure to actually sell copies. It feels like sending a child out into the world. I'm apprehensive because I don't know what kind of reception this book will receive.
Then I remember that reading is also a solitary act. An author connects with a reader one to one. This companionship is intimately personal. Like a private conversation between friends, a writer and a reader come together and inspire each other. Every time I have been tempted to give up on writing an appreciative reader has written me a letter or e-mail and inspired me to continue. I can only hope that this new book will find a few friends.
I wrote this book to celebrate mothering. Whether we've been a mother for a few brief moments before the heartbreak of miscarriage or we've been blessed to physically bear children is not the determining factor in our power to mother. All women are mothers. What matters if that we make the individual effort to inspire, encourage, uplift, teach, love and serve each other.
Mothering changes souls one at a time. For true mother love transforms both the lover and the beloved. The true value of a year or a life is not measured by the number of our children but by our personal capacity to love. Each woman's contribution is meaningful; each choice to love is significant and profound.
And so today I send this book out to you . . . and to women everywhere . . . from my heart to yours . . . with my deepest love and appreciation for everything you do. To all women everywhere I say . . . thank you.
27 comments:
Beautiful cover, Janene--and the flower that April wears in her hair!!Is this a book I could get at Barnes and Noble?
I have just meet your lovely daughter( april) and moved to UT.. I will have to go and search for your books!!
Hi! I've become friends with your daughter April over the past 12 months via the net. My son Noah has the same condition as Caleb. We live in Tasmania, Australia and one day I would LOVE to meet April and her gorgeous boys in person.
Congrats on another book - it sounds awesome!
Dear Shirlgirl,
Barnes and Noble should be able to order this book for you if you give them my name and the title. You can also find "For Every Mother" on sale right now at www.seagullbook.com for $10.49
That's the best price I've found. And may I thank you for all your kind and thoughtful comments. They mean the world to me. I am so glad to have you for my new friend. If you ever come to Utah I'd love to meet you.
Dear Woodwards,
Welcome to Utah! You have found a treasure if you've met my precious daughter April. I hope I get to meet you too. Thanks for stopping by.
Dear King family,
I am so glad April has you for her friend. What a beautiful family you have. I'm sure your son Noah brings your family as much joy as Caleb brings to us. Even though you live far away, I feel we are family in our hearts.
Janene,
April found me to send support with my sweet baby-then sent me to you. I have to say that I have thoroughly enjoyed browsing your blog. If I'm allowed to, I feel a kinship with you because I have always envisioned 10 kids at my house and after the amazing experience it has been with my 8 so far, 3 of whom have passed away, I so desire to write and share the joy that motherhood is. I want to be like you when I grow up! Can't wait to read your latest book!
YOU ARE AMAZING!!!! And I love you dearly! I feel so privileged to know you and count you as family. I'm excited to read your newest book. I'm also hoping for another trip to Utah, so I would LOVE to have dinner with you guys. Love and miss you! Becky
I think every time a book is read it is created anew--something the writer and reader make together.
This book is wonderful! I was lucky enough to get to see it before it was printed. I hope you all get a chance to read it.
Dear Behka,
I also feel a kinship to you because I can feel your love of mothering and willingness to do hard things. I hope to find out more about you and meet you someday.
Dear Becky,
I'm so happy to hear from you. I've been missing you. I hope you come to Utah again soon. Thank you for being such a good friend to April.
I am looking forward to reading this book! It sounds like such a good, inspiring read!
Kelly
April gave me one of your books when I had my first child. I have referred to and read it several times. You help me make it through the day without pulling my hair out and remind me to do it laughing. I can't wait to read your newest book!
I love April like a sister. She recently introduced me to your daughter Arianne's blog and her gift with words has touched me to the core. April assures me Arianne takes after you in that sense and I hope I have the pleasure of reading your book. We need champions for motherhood in today's world so desperately. Much love, Emily
I love the birthday stories you have written for Caleb
Hello! My name is DanaLee. I met Dallan and April while leaving in their ward in Orem. I feel so thankful to have met them and although I haven't seen them in over 5 years still consider them dear friends! :)
I would love a copy of your new book. Nothing better than advice from one mother to another!
Hi there- You don't know me, but I had the sublime privilege of not only knowing your beautiful daughter April, but also caring for Caleb on occasion as a respite care nurse in their old home in Orem. What a special family you have- I love and miss them so much. Congratulations on the new book. The cover is very inviting and I am sure will draw many readers!
The book is beautiful, and I hope to read it soon!
Dear Kelly,
Thanks you for your kind words. I hope you like it.
Dear Angie,
Thank you for making my day. Laughing helps me too!
Dear Emily,
April has told me may times how much she loves you. Thank you forbeing such a wonderful friend.
Dear Lisa,
I have so much fun writing those stories for my grandchildren. My favorite part is reading it to them and watching their eyes light up.
Dear Minerfam,
I agree. We mothers need each other.
Dear Krista,
April always mentions her nurses with so much love. thank you for all you have done for my family.
Dear ANewkindofPerfect,
Thanks. I hope you like it.
Your book sounds amazing, I'll have to get it and share it with my daughters. Deborah Briggs
I had the privilege of meeting your amazing April last week when she delivered my copy of your book. I have only just begun, but I love it! Being a mother is just the greatest... thanks for sharing all your wisdom. Love to you!
Post a Comment