It takes a village to publish a book

It’s published! After years of writing, rewriting, editing, and trying to find an agent or publisher, I did it. I published my book, Your Love Is Blasting in My Heart, through Amazon.

It took a village, and I am filled with gratitude.

Love and thanks to:

1. My two writing groups who critiqued, advised and most of all inspired me. They were so gracious with their time and expertise. Wonderful writers who are willing to mentor others!

2. My neighbor Kathy who proofread and friend Gay who edited.

3. My longtime colleague and friend Teresa who edited, formatted and held my hand through the publishing process.

4. Jenny, a family friend, who created the  wonderful cover art.

5. My Beth Evergreen Mussar groups who provided food for thought, encouragement and enthusiasm.

6. My Mussar teachers, Rabbi Jamie Arnold, Alan Morinis and Rabbi David Jaffe, who model as well as teach Jewish ethics.

7. Irv, for his undying support of any and all projects I undertake.

8. Countless friends who encouraged my writing.

9. My mother, Rene Schwartz, to whom the book is dedicated. When she was on her final journey, her mind was fuzzy yet she made some insightful and humorous comments. I began to take notes.

“Are you writing another book?” she asked.

“Do you want me to write one about you?”

“No,”  she answered. “Write one and dedicate it to me.”

So whenever I faltered during my writing process, I remembered her request, and persisted. I had a promise to keep.

1. And of course, my grandkids, Dian and Selam, who continue to inspire and entertain. They own my heart.

“Why are just our hands and not our faces on the book cover? Your face will be on it, ” Selam asked after we had the photo shoot.

“That’s because I wrote it.”

“Yes, but it would be boring without us,” Dian chimed in.

Indeed, without them, and all the others in my village, this book would not exist.  Thank you all!