My first book, the memoir My Music Man, was published in October eight years ago. But now I look at it with fresh eyes. Never in my wildest dreams would I imagine how publishing that book would lead to my creation of five other books in such a remarkably short period of time.

I began to write this first memoir to help me deal with my own grief and sorrow of loss, while also celebrating Dad’s life. And yes, it came to me like all the others that followed. I could not stop writing once I began. Yet, I was new to this writing journey. I did not yet understand the power to my own well-being in writing, being creative, and sharing my stories. Yes, there is a strength we develop as we both craft our words, and open our heart and soul to the privacy of our own paper or computer. But there is also equal power in sharing it with others. While not everyone wants a public eye on their writing, for some of us, that release is important and powerful.

I’ll come back to that, but first to say what got me thinking about all this was as I headed out on a long “ramble” to clear my brain last week. Actually, to deal with the angst beginning to take over my body. As I began this long walk, I opened up an audiobook I had downloaded: Elizabeth Gilbert’s I’ll Meet You at the River. Now I must admit, I didn’t fall head over heels at her earlier books like I know many did. To be honest, I don’t even remember now why not. But as I listened to this book, I so clearly saw my mom and my dad. While I’ve never struggled with addiction, I have been a passenger and supporter of many who have chosen recovery. I had never seen Dad’s sobriety chips until after his death, but now have one (leaning against the typewriter “pillbox” I once bought him) along with photos at my memorial altar. I suspect Gilbert’s final embracing of AA and its twelve steps was similar to Dad’s experience. Her people-pleasing personality and embracing of spirituality, a lot like Mom.

I laughed out loud when, early in the book, Gilbert mentions the Brazilian Blowout formaldehyde containing hair straighter. This gave me a nod to continue listening, which only those of us who were intimately involved in that hair product’s craziness might understand. And although not everything in the book spoke to me, the author’s honesty and authenticity touched me, keeping me engaged until the book’s end.

But back to the writing of My Music Man. Yes, the audiobook version is finally out there, available for downloading from most audiobook platforms . (I incorrectly thought it was in July, but had missed the change up on Findaway Voices to INaudio which delayed its upload to a few platforms.) I’m sure I won’t get my time or money back on this one, even though I did most of the work myself, but it feels right to have it available. And in narrating it, after several years of not looking at the text, I remarked to myself what a good book it is! After its initial 2017 book release, several friends remarked how it felt as if I was sitting with them telling the stories as they read. Well, friends, now you can truly listen to me.

I had no idea what I was doing that fall of 2014 as I began scribbling its beginnings.

From “The Writing of This Book,” p. 180 of My Music Man.

Or listen to the entire clip of The Writing of This Book (pages 179-181) below.

It was after publishing the memoir when I got an inkling that maybe, too, I COULD write fiction. After publishing Beyond the Ripples, I thought….perhaps I can write short stories? Short stories that connect, or a “novel in stories.” After publishing Humanity’s Grace, my blog to book (Then, Now and In-Between) and another memoir (From First Breath to Last) I decided to try something new! Why not? And this became A Map of Her Own, a dual timeline contemporary/historical work of fiction, releasing in just a few short weeks. I am grateful for this mid-life discovery; to unlock creative passion that has allowed my soul to thrive. It too has taught me about myself and further hints at places I can help myself. (Um, let go of those inflexible timeline expectations.)

Find the audiobook My Music Man on nearly all audiobook platforms including:

• Audible
• Apple Books
• Storytel
• Spotify
• Libby (request your library to purchase it)
• Libro.fm (select your favorite bookstore to benefit from the sale)
  

And what about you? What are you doing to support your well-being? You can jot down a few things in a journal in just a few minutes. (See Journaling for Growth and Well-Being.) While time can feel hard to find, short walks, listening to or playing music, playing with a small child, creating food and art, writing, gardening, reading a good book: all help us step back from our stressors.

And if you were to ask me what next? The best thing is I have no idea. I might never try another book, or I might get a brilliant idea. I’m fine in simply not knowing for now.

Cedar Island looking at the Willamette River and Mary Young Park.