Native Ink Press will release Project Keepsake at the end of February, and I'm starting to get nervous.
The holidays were busy and emotionally draining for me. I had hoped to have more down time to prepare for the launch, but the universe had different plans for me.
At this point in the publishing process, I've reviewed the manuscript dozens of times. I've continued to stress about the book's cover and whether readers will find it appealing. I've had professional-quality photos made (thanks to the kindness of my gifted sister who understands composition and lighting). I've started scheduling events. My husband—software boy extraordinaire—developed this new website for me. And I've started promoting.
Two weeks ago, I sat at a small table at Panera Bread Company in Dalton, Georgia across from a lovely writer from Chatter Magazine. It was a surreal experience for me. I've always been the interviewer. On that particular day, I was the interviewee. I was a fish out of water.
I told Sunny Montgomery about the Chattanooga Writers Guild and how becoming a member and networking with other writers made me feel alive—made me feel like a writer for the first time in my career. I told her about the story contributors and how encouraging and supportive they have been throughout this long journey. And then I started talking about my love of keepsakes.
"Everyone has a keepsake, and every keepsake has a story to tell," I remarked to Sunny that day.
One by one, I picked up keepsakes from a large cardboard box and told her why each item is significant to me. I gave her the condensed version of my stories.
A few minutes into our conversation, she smiled and said, "I just realized that I have some keepsakes that I could write about."
She seemed excited about writing her own keepsake story, and that made me happy. Part of my mission has always been to motivate others to share their stories by writing them down. Project Keepsake provides an outlet to celebrate these stories and memories.
I will use this blog to promote Project Keepsake and spotlight the many memories and stories that transform everyday objects into treasured keepsakes and mementoes.
Thank you for your interest in Project Keepsake. I hope you find value in the blog, the book, and the project. Stay tuned.