Dear folks,
I’ve been looking forward to sharing this news with you.
I’m writing a book for Herald Press. A book about need and community, motherhood and unraveling.
If you did not know about this and feel you should, I am nothing but sympathy. I didn’t know about it either. If you are one of the few I brought myself to discuss it with, you should be feeling very, very smug right now. Who knew that dreams come true could be so fraught with anxiety? Okay, moving on.
Last week I met with my publishing team for the first time. Hello again, Zoom. And hello, beautiful people far more experienced than I…
I’ve poured uncounted hours into this project, but I have many more to go, and if you’d like to support me by breathing a prayer (out loud) (below) I sure wouldn’t say no to it. Release is currently scheduled for July 2021, which probably sounds like waaaayyyy out there, but I have a few deadlines under my nose which are making it feel quite toasty close.
I’ll be sharing updates as we go. I’m guessing there will be a few chances for you to interact with me on the manuscript. Who knows? Do stay tuned.
xo
Shari
PS – I can only hope my sons pour as avidly over my words as they do over Big Nate’s. Wouldn’t that be nice?
PS2 – What do you really hope I include in the book? Or don’t include?
What exciting news! And prayers breathed, definitely. Courage as you pen words!
Thatâs exciting! Congrats! You will do great with it.
That picture looks like a painting!
I’m feeling kinda smug, but more than that, soooooo proud of you. You were brave to tell us about it, and braver to keep pushing through this ginormous opportunity/obstacle course. I’m praying layers of protection and streams of grace on you the whole next year. Love you and cheering for you and if you ever need an iced coffee to help the process, I’ll be on your doorstep!
I wondered where in the gestational process this was. YESSS, so pleased you are continuing to make the brave leap. I suspect it will be like birthing: you are capable of more than you know. ????
Iâm excited to read your book! And admire you for doing that! I hope itâs available in Canada too. đ
What wonderful news, Shari. It crossed my mind the other day to wonder if/when youâd ever write a book. Iâm so glad you are, and will cheer for you all the way.
Congratulations! I have really enjoyed reading your blog over the last couple of years. I’m not in a conservative religion, but I find I relate so much to your parenting stories (my own son is 14). Here’s what I’d love to see you write more about:
Social media and the mommy wars
Parenting extreme kids
Detoxing kids from technology over-use
Foster parenting
Being a humble yet confident parent (oxymoron? Or possible?)
Thanks for introducing yourself, good to hear from you. Your last suggestion is making me think. đ I think it is possible, because I’ve seen it done. Tricky, though.
Congratulations! I wish you only the best and can’t wait to read the final product! I have no insight into the contents, but am sure it will be great regardless of how you tell your story. I take that back, I guess I do have a desire. I hope you will write about how your faith is incorporated into the lives of your foster children and the bio families you nurture along the way. I may be a minority on this blog, but am not of the same faith as you. I am a Christian, but of a different denomination. I find it challenging to bring my faith out in the open in my work life. How do you balance your faith life at home with children who may come from other beliefs or from families of no faith?
Hi Sandra Jane, I really like your question. It doesn’t fit into the scope of my book, but it does merit a blog post one of these days. Faith is a hard thing to be open about without shoving down people’s throats. I will think on this. Thank you for reading, I like diversity. A lot. đ
Congratulations Shari! I’m very excited. I’m praying that your book will bring glory to God (which I’m sure it will) and all who read it will be encouraged.
Stay tuned? I will. Breathe prayers for you? Amen. Buy your book? Absolutely!
Iâm so excited for you!! And that part about dreams coming true causing anxiety really landed with me. I will be anxiously awaiting this book!
Oh Shari! Finally, a book! I always thought it sad there is no book with your name as the author. Love and prayers n much stamina to you!
Oh! I am so excited. Much grace to you.
Jesus, May Shari feel peace and courage and she moves into the fear she feels. May she find you more fully in the process of writing this book youâve put on her heart.
I hope you include words about moms and mentors and the community so vital to parenting well.
I hope you include your story about continuing to move into fostering and helping others while receiving help for your family. To me, that is humility. âI am broken, but I will help as I can.â I often think I have to have my life figured out before I can help others, but I have âwatchedâ you continue to offer your gifts while not pretending to have it all together. Youâre allowing Jesus to do the work through you. <<<Iâm afraid you will push back on this and say youâre not that good and I would say exactly.
I love reading your words here and am looking forward to the book!
Thank you, Beka, for this… And to all of you for encouraging me. It means a lot. â¤
Will it have recipes? or pictures of food? Those seem to be popular.
Oh, Shari, how wonderful! And terrifying.???? Prayers for you as you meet the deadlines, and for your family as they sacrifice, and for our church family to support and love you all through this process!
“Need and community, motherhood and unraveling.” These are subjects I am extremely interested in, and now I can’t wait for the book. In fact, a good friend and I have been hashing out our passionate views on community through voice messages this very week!
Raising a family and building rosy relationships with my little ârainbowsâ requires much work. I want to look back at these years with few regrets but so often Iâm at the âend of my rope.â How can I refrain from running myself ragged during the day, so I can be a rested, refreshed, romantic wife in the evening?
I can always use âa good readâ on these topics. Blessings as you write your book ????
“Courage, dear one!” Such exciting news. Cheers!