Learning to ask for help
Did you know that I already released a book almost two years ago?
I don't blame you if you don't. I rarely talk about it, and it almost feels like my dirty little secret, even though it's not that bad. It's a collection of short stories about figuring out who I am.
If you click on the image below, it will lead you to Amazon where you can download the ebook version:
The reason why I say it feels like a dirty little secret is that I made so many mistakes with that book. The biggest one? I didn't ask for help. I did it all by myself, from writing it, formatting it, figuring out how to get it on Amazon, to having it printed. (Yes, there exists a print version - I have 3 copies at home.)
I didn't have it edited.
I didn't ask anybody for advice.
I didn't market it.
The entire time, I felt like a fraud: I was sure that people would realize that I have no business writing a book, because I don't know what I am doing. I was fearful and ashamed, holding my breath until the inevitable moment would come where people would point and laugh at me.
So, instead of doing it properly, I did it half-assed. Because writing a book was my biggest dream, I couldn't not do it - but I also was afraid to commit 100% to it. Sounds insane, doesn't it?
There is a name for feeling like this: Imposter Syndrome. Even if you've never heard the term, chances are you may suffer from it as well: It's a phenomenon many of us are familiar with, particularly women.
So yes, there's a small book out there in the world that I have very mixed feelings about. I considered many times to remove it from Amazon, but something always stops me. Is it pride? Stubbornness? Nostalgia?
I honestly don't know.
For now it remains there, as an example of what not to do.
I have learnt a lot with this first little book. And now that I wrote what I consider a "real' book, I'm determined to not repeat my mistakes from before. That's why I hired a team to help me do it properly: I now have an editor, a project manager, and a whole bunch of other people helping me with the things I'm not good at (production, marketing, and other stuff I don't even know yet).
I will write a post on the blog about what publishing road I have chosen. There are so many different options out there, it's quite confusing - but I feel I have found the perfect one for me!
I have one more piece of exciting news: I'm starting a new series on the blog! It's called "Boss women", and I got the idea through two inspiring women I used to work with. They are both working mamas, and they both started their own businesses, and seeing them grow and thrive is so beautiful! I wanted to find out more about how they got started, how they make it work, and about the joys and challenges of their individual fields.
We can all learn from each other, and I'm so excited for this project!
I already have five women who agreed to be a part of it, and the list of boss women I'd like to feature grows daily.
I have a feeling that one of their secrets to success is asking for help - we will find out soon!
Keep watching this space for more announcements!
Have a wonderful, wild week! I'm so grateful for this space, and for your support. You guys are the best.
xoxo Miriam
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Vol. 32