Preparing for book launch is exciting. It is also a little unsettling. It feels a little like that dream where you show up at school accidentally naked. There is a feeling of being overly exposed; that my heart is on my sleeve, as they say. I am unfamiliar with that feeling.
I was the kid who briefly, sincerely thought she was wonder woman. I tend to be very confident in my abilities because I am also the type of person who tries to be well prepared for whatever I can anticipate. I study, I practice, I plan, I rehearse, I anticipate both best and worst case scenarios....and work out contingency plans in advance. But, releasing a book...that is something that feels very personal and deeply vulnerable to me.
It is not yet time to reveal the cover or ask for presales...almost. But, I thought, maybe it was time to share my dedication page. Here is the text:
THIS BOOK IS DEDICATED TO MY LATE FATHER, LEWIS F. GREER AND MY MOTHER, ODETTA PATTERSON. THERE ARE NO WORDS TO EXPRESS MY GRATITUDE FOR BEING RAISED IN THE FEAR AND ADMONITION OF THE LORD, IN A TWO PARENT HOUSEHOLD WHERE EDUCATION, HARD WORK, HIGH STANDARDS, AND A GOOD TIME WERE MODELED AND GREATLY VALUED.
My father has been gone 20 years as of October 27, 2023. He has been gone almost as long as I had him in my life. But, his impact is immeasurable. My father was imperfect, for sure. I will not put him on a posthumous pedestal. But, he saw to it that his family was fed and clothed and in church on Sunday, Wednesday and any day doors were open. He explained that his grandparents had been sharecroppers, his mother was a house cleaner, and he was a skilled boilermaker, and we were all going to go to college because that's the American dream. We stand on the shoulders of the previous generation and we improve, we strive, we achieve. That is generational blessing and being rewarded for hard work. He called me Charming Holly Chrystal...and he made me believe that I was.
My mother is a sainted introvert who has been an exceptional home maker, wife, household manager, mother, child taxi service, Sunday School teacher, prayer warrior, entrepreneur, successful businesswoman, Nana, great-Nana, caregiver, and lady...always a lady. Mother has high standards and little patience for bad behavior. Her influence was quieter than Daddy's, but no less impactful. She taught me to sing through things I hate...she would sing and iron clothes, I sing when I do dishes...or drive...and sometimes at work! Her grandparents were farmers, her father an engineer (train driver), and she is a retired wedding planner/caterer who was continuously improving herself. She is independent and self-reliant, without being boastful or demanding.
After my father retired, he went to work for my mother. He quit every day. She never accepted his resignation...it was pretty entertaining!
Words of wisdom and wisdom in words....that is why I dedicate this book to my parents. Sure, they used to say stuff I totally did not understand...as you will see the character struggle through, but they also said a whole lot of things that I realize more each day are profound. Words have power and we need to speak truth, love, joy, hope, and peace into all of our children....just like my parents did. That is the essence of what I hope to capture if I am blessed enough for this book to become a series.
Have a blessed day and keep reading, sharing, praying and supporting this little dream of mine! I am forever grateful for you all.
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