Friday, November 28, 2014

Dream A Little Dream

 Sometimes our dreams seem too far out of reach, so we let them go. Life's unexpected obstacles have a way of preventing us from reaching our goals, and the roadblocks we encounter along the way are what separate the dreamers from the doers. It takes confidence, faith, and determination to rise above the rubble of past failures and to take those first steps on the path to success.

I am a dreamer, but I'm also a doer. I've wanted to be a writer since I was young girl, tapping away at a Smith Corona typewriter with my head full of plot outlines, settings, and characters. I was ambitious and driven, despite the letters of rejection that flooded my mailbox. There were many times in my life when my writing goals had to be put on hold--- marriage, work, children….they were my priority. But it was always there, the nagging voice that haunted me while I changed dirty diapers, cooked dinners, answered client calls, folded laundry and ran errands.

"When are you going to write?"

 I stifled that voice for years, ignoring the hollow feeling in my heart that reminded me something was missing from my life. I was waiting for the right moment….waiting through my children's high school graduations, college send-offs, job changes, financial issues, family illnesses, and the loss of loved ones. Eventually, I ran out of excuses to avoid doing what I loved most. Fear of failure was the obstacle that prevented me from moving forward, yet I knew that if I gave up and let the dream die, I would be left with nothing but regrets. 

Three years ago I took the first step by starting a blog. It was the beginning of an incredible journey that I've embraced since I published my very first post.

Today, my dreams have become a reality with the publication of "Who Stole My Spandex?" Working on the book these past ten months has been one of the most difficult things I've ever done, yet one of my most rewarding experiences.  I'll admit, there were many sleepless nights riddled with self-doubt. "What if no one reads the book?" "What if the reviews are terrible?" And the most frightening of all, "If I fail this time, how will I ever pick myself up again to write?"

Yes, I'll pick myself back up, because that's what writers do.

 "Who Stole My Spandex?" would not exist without the help of the dream team I was fortunate enough to work with---my publisher, Crystal Ponti of Blue Lobster Book Co. and my editor, Sarah Halsall del Rio of Established 1975. They were the voice of reason for me whenever fear and panic set in during the editing process. To say that I was a basket case during the last few months would be an understatement. Thankfully, Crystal and Sarah helped me keep my sanity during my emotional  meltdowns.

There is another group of writers who supported my book by offering their endorsements. They're some of the most successful women in the blogoshere---- writers I've followed and admired for many years: Jenny Lawson (The Bloggess), Jen Mann (People I Want to Punch in the Throat), Jill Smokler (Scary Mommy) Leslie Marinelli (In The Powder Room) Jenny Isenman (The Suburban Jungle, Jenny From the Blog and On-Air Host for NBC). I cannot thank them enough for their help and words of encouragement.

Most of all, I'd like to thank my dear readers who have been faithfully following Menopausal Mother and supporting my writing endeavors. You take the time each week to read about my crazy life and leave funny comments that always bring a big smile to my face. I cannot thank you enough for all that you do.

Curious what the book is about? Here's a little teaser from the back cover:

"Take a ride on the wild side in the nuthouse that Marcia Kester Doyle calls home. From couples' colonoscopies to nightmare holidays to disappearing spandex, no topic---no matter how crazy or unimaginable---is off limits. Who Stole My Spandex? Midlife Musings from a Middle-Aged MILF is a witty selection of stories from the author's madcap world of menopausal pitfalls, wardrobe malfunctions, and a family full of pranksters. With a heavy dose of self-deprecating humor, and just a dash of sentiment, this marvelous collection of anecdotes will resonate with anyone who's ever felt the call of nature at exactly the wrong time. This is rogue humor at its finest." 


I hope you'll enjoy "Who Stole MySpandex?" And after reading it,  I hope you'll want to grab a few extra copies for your friends. What better time than the holidays to share the laughter? Thank you for your support!

*If you could please do me a favor and leave a fair and honest review of the book here on Amazon at :http://amzn.to/11uY6fD
 or Goodreads.com (or both!), I would be very grateful. Thank you for your help!* 

*NEWS FLASH: IF YOU LIVE IN SOUTH FLORIDA, YOU ARE INVITED TO MY FIRST BOOK SIGNING AT: BRU'S ROOM, 235 S. FEDERAL HIGHWAY IN POMPANO BEACH FRIDAY DEC. 5th AT 5:00 P.M. (upper level outside patio) HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!*





Want more Meno Mama? I was featured this week on Boomeon: "10 Reasons Why I Love the Midlife Years." You can read it here: http://www.boomeon.com/posts/10-reasons-why-i-love-the-midlife-years





42 comments:

  1. Where do I start? Congrats on that huge achievement! Plus, you hit such a difficult note in your book--it's funny, but it's also inspirational. Then again, so's your blog in so many ways. I'm thrilled for your accomplishment and celebrate on you behalf. Lifting my morning coffee to you, funny lady!

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    1. Thank you so much for being such an incredible friend and supporter of my writing, Carol!

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  2. Congratulations on this well deserved dream coming true. Hopefully this is the first of many!

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  3. You always strike me as a doer, Marcia, and I'm delighted that all that work has paid off.

    As with many aspects of your writing, my trajectory might be following a similar route. I only started blogging about three years ago, when I also took on the challenge of writing something other than academic papers for journals. In January 2015, my critique of Western psychiatry - 'Tales from the Madhouse' - will be published by PCCS books. Maybe I could pick your brains some time soon about how to effectively market book, as I suspect you are skilled at that too?

    Best wishes for a successful book.

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    1. Congratulations! The is exciting news! Yes--I'd be happy to help you. PM me on Facebook so we can discuss!

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  4. Congratulations on the book. You rock!

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    1. You are so sweet, C. Lee---thank you so much for the support!

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  5. Congratulations Marcia! Great, great, great achievement! If I lived nearby, I would be the first person in line for your book signing!

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    1. Thanks, Jhanis! I would love to have you here---we could share a bottle of bubbly to celebrate!

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  6. I could not be more proud of you if I were a blood relative! I know exactly what you're talking about when you say you put your dreams of being a writer on hold for other priorities and stifled that hollow feeling, ignored the voices in your head whispering story ideas and plot twists to you when you should be sleeping! That is me, it's like we've lived parallel lives--only mine wasn't as funny! :) Congratulations on the success of your book--because I know it will be a HUGE success!

    Crystal is an amazing friend, passionate and talented publisher and she seems to have the ability to work while sleeping because I can't figure out how else she manages to do all that she does!

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    1. She is truly gifted at what she does and an idol of mine. The book would NEVER have been published without her help---she got me through some very difficult, emotional times during the creation of the book. But now it's done and time for us all to celebrate! Thank you Angela for ALWAYS having my back--you have been such a sweet and supportive friend to me. Love you!

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  7. A hundred thousand congratulations to you! You did it!

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    1. WE did it! You are a kick-ass editor and I am so proud to call you my friend! Mwhaaaaa!

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  8. What a wonderful accomplishment. I'm too far from Florida to attend the book signing - but have fun! Your writing is so good, the book is sure to be a huge success. Congratulations!

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    1. Oh, I sure hope so! Right now I'm a nervous wreck, haha! I wish you were here too--we'd have a blast together. Hang onto your book because you never know---I may just be coming to your town during a book tour! Thanks, Susan! :)

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  9. I'm just so proud and happy for you, Marcia. I enjoyed every bit of the ARC, and I know I'll love the book. (Bought it this am.) When I fly down to visit you for that drink one day, I'll have you sign my copy. Best of luck. Sit back, breath deeply, and get ready for the watershed of praise that will surely come your way <3

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    1. Awwww…Michele, you've been with me since the start. Your kind words mean so much to me. I REALLY want to get together with you some day soon, and yes, we will celebrate together. Thank you so much for all the love and support, dear friend. HUGS!

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  10. I LOVE your cover, title and back blurb-- now I'm gonna order it and love what's in between! Mazel Tov!
    Stephanie

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    1. Thank you, Stephanie! From one menopausal mama to another, I think you're going to love it! :)

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  11. And sometimes, those dreams come true in a totally spectacular way!
    Holding that book in your hand for the first time is akin to watching those people on the 'talent search' programs when they get 'discovered'. Euphoria! Way to go, Marcia!

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    1. Thank you, Diane! I'm still waiting for my shipment to come in. It won't feel real to me until I'm holding it in my hands But I've seen the galley and it really is gorgeous inside. Can't wait to get my hot little hands on it. Thanks again for always being so supportive of my writing---you really are a true friend! XO

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  12. Congratulations! Some of your blog posts have made me laugh out loud so I'm sure your book is hilarious.

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    1. I think you'll like it for sure, Vanessa! Thank you!

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  13. Such an accomplishment. A magnificent first step on the path to a long and successful writing career.

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  14. First things first: CONGRATS, my friend! So proud of you for getting this published! You are an inspiration to all of us!

    Now, could you do me a huge favor and get your ass to Vegas to do a book signing? Pretty please?

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    1. OMG Kim---I would LOVE to go to Vegas!!! That's on my bucket list---and you are the first person I'll call if I ever get there. Thank you for your love and support!

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  15. Marcia, you are awesome and I am so happy for you!! Loved your book, it’s hilarious, heartwarming, entertaining, and I could not stop laughing, as I wrote in my Amazon review. I wish you much continued success! :)

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    1. Thank you so much for always supporting my writing. You are so kind, Madilyn, and I appreciate all that you do! XO

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  16. This is just awesome, Marcia! I wish I lived a little further south so I could come to your book signing. I guess I'll just have to be happy to have a copy on my shelves. I'm incredibly happy for you!

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    1. Thanks, Sandy! Hang onto that copy---you never knew when I might just show up! :)

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  17. It's Really Interesting Finding. I Really Liked This Article. I Got Huge Knowledge From This Article. Thank you so Much for Sharing with us.

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  18. Marcia, I just purchased the book from Amazon and, as a fellow menopausal mother, I can't wait to read it! Congrats to you for following your dreams!!! Hooray!!!

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    1. Thank you sooo much, Lisa! Your support means a LOT to me! <3

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  19. So excited! Can't wait to read it! Congratulations - this is an awesome accomplishment and I am very happy for you!

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  20. Congrats! Wish I could be at your book signing. You are an amazing lady and it is my pleasure to know you through your writings!

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    1. Awwwww..thanks, Donna! I would LOVE to meet you one day. If you are ever in south Florida, call me!

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  21. Hi Marcia! The day has come! Yay!!!!! I wish I lived in South Florida (for many reasons), so I could come and meet you. Wouldn't that be fun?
    I will get your book, and I'll let you know what I think. I'd be happy to write reviews too. I think you are so clever, and I thank God you took your gift of writing and gutted it through. My heroine!
    Blessings,
    Ceil

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    1. I wish you lived nearby too, Ceil. We would have a blast as neighbors. Thank you for offering to do a book review----yes, I would really appreciate that! I think you're going to love the book, too! Hugs!!

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