The Unexpected and Amazing Ripple Effect of Seeing Your Name in Print
I knew this book was coming in the mail. I was stalking my mailbox every evening. When I saw the envelope marked “par avion” from British Columbia, I knew exactly what it was and tore it open standing right there in my pencil skirt with my laptop bag slung over my shoulders.
#untrending (buy it here, your tweets will thank you)
I met Vicki last summer at a workshop with 10 ladies during an exceptionally steamy day in Portland (left coast) at Alexandra Franzen's loft. When Vicki, talked about her book idea, she said something that really struck me.
I’m paraphrasing, but it went something like,
“Your posts and tweets are forever. Do you really want your last tweet to be some angry rant?”
No. No, I don’t.
I’m showing off when I tell you that I was already majorly focused on keeping all my posts positive. No complaining, whining, or ranting. No negative comments on blogs or anywhere else. There’s enough negativity in the world, I'm making a conscious choice not to add to it.
As she described her book idea, she mentioned she hadn’t landed on a title. “UNTRENDING!” I blurted out – probably interrupting someone (sorry about that).
We kept in touch (she's Canadian - my people!) so I knew her book was coming out soon. She told me I was mentioned in it – WHAT??? So honored. And curious... what did she say?
Unable to contain my curiosity at the mailbox that evening, I flipped through the book. The book came with crayons…CRAYONS you guys. Beautiful black and white drawings marked the start of a new un-chapter – a lovely invitation to add some color and personality. I flipped to the acknowledgments and saw my name.
My name is in print!
I cried.
I always cry when I see my name in print.
The first was when I had a recipe published in the Green City Market Cookbook.
green city market jacqueline fisch
Second was when I published my own book.
Third, was when I got a gift certificate from my company to get some printed copies of my book.
unfussy mom books
Every time, I get chills. I feel like I’m going to explode with gratitude.
After wiping my tears of joy, I handed the book to Jacob (8) in the backseat as we headed to hockey practice.
“Read it aloud.” I told him.
“Mommy, why are you in this book? You helped her name the book?”
“Yes hunny, I sure did. This is why you see me on the computer so much. I’m writing stories. I’m connecting with people. This is the third book my name is printed in – pretty cool isn’t it?"
“Ya!”
Few moments of silence.
Jacob - “I’m going to write a book.”
"Awesome! I can’t wait to read it. I’d be happy to help you with it."
When we got home I gave him a fresh notebook, “Will this be okay to write your book in?” I told him when he’s finished we can type it up and get it printed.
He wrote that afternoon, and that evening while at his sisters' horseback riding lesson. He also wrote before bed – staying up past 9 pm to work on his story – excited to tell me each time he finished a page.
With a quick read, me smiling ear to ear, I told him I loved it.
He BEAMED.
At 6 am I was headed out the door for an early start. I heard him practically running down the hall. He had his notebook in hand and was headed for the couch. “I’m working on my story today mommy.”
“Awesome, I can’t wait to read more!”
The only thing more rewarding than writing, and seeing my own name in print, is seeing him light up from writing.
Thank you Vicki, and thank you ripple effect.
Naming books, taglines and company names is one of my favorite things to do - almost more than drinking wine. Want me to name something of yours? Find out how we can work together here.
