A Book is Born

I remember the very first day I began to write my book. It was about 5 years ago and I had just started my research to see if I even wanted to pursue my book project. I like to see what is out there to see if what I say is different or can add to what has already been said. I decided that I had something to add to the body of work that was out there on infertility related issues. I put down my pen and closed my eyes. I initially don't write on the computer. I just sat there a moment imagining what would be the most personally gratifying response I could get on my book. I didn't think about awards which I couldn't even imagine. Making money wasn't in my realm of thinking. ( My personal money goal was to just break even. ) I imagined receiving a letter from somebody struggling with infertility, what it would say, and how my words, my book, might have impacted the author.

My dream came true not once but twice in the last couple of weeks. I received an email from a woman who had an incredibly painful infertility journey. She had been distraught and feeling hopeless. This was her last chance at becoming a parent. She had bought my book months ago and never picked it up. In desperation she picked up my book and described to me how she read it through the night and cried as she read it because it helped her feel less alone, it gave her hope, and it told her how to cope with some of the people and issues she had been struggling with. She attached a letter she had written to her family. She was empowered in the midst of her sadness. She had gotten the courage to write the letter from reading my book. She explained after she read my book she called her doctor's office to explain to them what she needed from them. I cried as I read her letter because it was the letter I had dreamed of. The best part was the next day she wrote to tell me she was pregnant. I confess I cried again for her joy and the fact that she shared it with me.

The next week I led a workshop on infertility. I co-led the workshop with a couple who had read my book. We had not met. They started the workshsop by saying that they were thrilled to read a book where "somebody gets it, she really gets and writes about what we are going through." They advised the participants to read my book to feel less alone and learn how to cope. I was living my dream again. It felt wonderful and gratifying. I love a happy ending!!!

I hope you dare to dream as you write your book and that your dreams come true as well. Good luck to you!

I am Iris Waichler, author of Riding the Infertility Roller Coaster: A Guide to Educate and Inspire

Iris Waichler, MSW,LCSW

I completed my book a few weeks ago and the labor has been intense. No wonder there are millions of people who may never have the chance to label themselves as a published author. I, like so many people believed that half of the battle of becoming an author was sitting down to record the ideas and thoughts that make up a book. In my experience, writing is only one-third of the journey. There are so many different elements that are necessary in order to become a successful author. So many people including myself are probably focused on being an author when we should be focused on becoming a successful author.

Don't get me wrong, completing a manuscript that can be read by people other than your relatives or closest friends is an amazing feat in itself. I just find it interesting that it takes so much in order to get your message out to the world. I decided to print my pregnancy journals because I truly believe that they can be a catalyst for amazing things.

It has taken me over five years to publish my pregnancy journals. I had no idea that it was going to take this long because I chose to use my journals instead of writing a completely new book. Writing a book that is comprised of journals has been as challenging as writing from a blank page. I have probably edited my manuscript over 60 times and I still have more edits before the book goes to print.

I am learning valuable lessons and recognizing the major accomplishment that I have already achieved. In a few weeks, I will be a bonafide, published author and I would have made my own dream of being a published author come true. At least then, I would have completed a third of the journey to becoming a successful author.

 

I wasn't up there alone. I had my family, God, my friends, MWPC and MWLM with me. I wasn't nervous. Humility has a place in all of my converations but I knew it would be okay, I just knew. And when things went wrong - cutting off a good chunk of my middle finger, an underachieving burner to cook food on live TV; I smiled, I told myself now I had those things out of the way I could relax, and as the live segment ticked second by second on, it felt like I had brought my A-game and secured a win.

I'm in my hotel room in Orlando two days after filming my television debut and I can't believe all of this. I used to feel that I didn't deserve good fortune but you know what? Why should I do that to myself, why should I begrudge what the Universe gives me or scoff at the laws of attraction? There are things going on much bigger than me, I'm only a small part but my little life just became way more public not only through my book, but my appearance in front of many...and I am okay with that. I LOVE what I am part of...Wyatt Mackenzie Publishing, Mom Writer's Literary Magazine, and Family Food Network. I am PROUD of what I've done and those who read this will understand. Reaching a goal and feeling you've earned it - feeling secure that you can take care of those you love by what you do is a beautiful feeling and I wish it for everyone.

The television promotion of my book is over. My finger still hurts, but the support I got dulls the pain. I hoped I would do well. I risked humiliation, but overall, I tried to compose myself with what I know, and who I am thus far. I'm flying back to San Diego with peace of mind and a little more spring in my step.

And my kids are telling me it's time for bed. I could write all night but it'll have to wait. It's okay though, because these stories stay in my mind, sometimes write themselves - and more importantly, keep me standing on solid ground where I am not afraid to look behind or ahead. I can see pretty far...especially in my dreams. So goodnight.

The most amazing things can happen when you work hard to make your dreams come true.

I finally finished the manuscript for my book last week and the experience was very similiar to having a baby. The main difference between birthing a baby and birthing a book is that the birthing process for my book took over 5 years. Now, that I have made this dream come true, I have a moment to acknowledge all of the amazing things that are happening to me.


First, I feel a lot lighter and inspired to make more dreams come true. Second, I am receiving amazing amount of support from family members and friends. I am also receiving support from internet friends whom I've never met.


Third, I am able to spend a little more quality time with daughter. I am feeling blessed to be alive with all of my resources and am inspired by being a member of the Mom's Cooperative.

I am excited about getting the first copies of my book and I know that the next year is going to be filled with more amazing things.