“You are the magical fairy that makes things happen in your life. Don’t wait for someone else to make your dreams come true.”
~ Natalie Rivener
I’m launching my Year of ME Planner – 2016 tonight, and tomorrow it will go live here on my blog.
In reflection, it’s the continuation of my great self-publishing tradition. When I was at kindergarten I insisted that the teachers help me make my first book. It was art day, and all the other kids were doing pictures for the fridge. But I didn’t want to do that. I wanted to write a book. Only problem? Couldn’t write enough bigger words yet. My kindergarten teacher was coerced to do the writing as I dictated the story, which went with my elaborate texta pictures. To her endless credit she then stapled all of the pages into a small book which become The Princess. A book I still own, from a humble print-run of one.
I’ve wanted to write since my earliest memories.
My next published book, authored solely and publicly by me (an important note because I have ghost-written several books for paying clients about such diverse things as gardening and grave digging) is also self-published, and isn’t a book at all, but a Planner with a purpose.
I hadn’t thought about this project as a book. It was just 287 pages and 60 000 odd words, a few magical carrots and some charming illustrations by my dear friend Sally. Begun as a concept in mid-October and worked on in stolen moments while my friend died and my world was busy and upside-down and totally dishevelled. It seemed like madness but the day I thought about giving up, the Universe sent me a strong message to keep going.
I printed out the first proper copy of my Planner last night. Then I punched holes along one edge and placed a comb binder on it. As I lifted it up and felt the weight of it, I was suddenly as proud as my five year-old self had been of The Princess.
“Look, Ben,” I declared as I danced around the lounge-room with the Planner in my hands. “I made a book.” And I did!
Soon it can be your book too. The book of your life. Unfolding in front of you in ways that make your soul sing.
Here’s me in my pyjamas, with my finished Planner. Unglamorous, I know, and totally unsuitable as a publicity shot. Jarmies, so so sleepy face, gardening hands, no make-up or fancying. But real. And happy. Also, who ever looked photo-ready straight after birthing something? I don’t care. Happy!
And here’s my baby. Yay!
Only a month ago this was just a wild idea that I floated with my business mentoring girlfriends. Lots of sustainable madness later, and with the help of several good friends, here it is. Done. When your soul’s on fire with an idea that you can’t let go, best get onto making it happen.
What will you make happen in 2016? I can’t wait to find out what magic is in you, waiting to be birthed into the world. 🙂
PS – Look, Mum, I made a book, with a title inspired by you! <3
Though I wrote in another comment about how happy I was to see that we could actually write/type directly into the downloaded copy, I’m going to see how much it would cost me to get it printed. Because I would LOVE to hold it in my hands and cradle it in my arms. CONGRATS again, Nicole — you look absolutely BEAUTIFUL. And that pic of you as a young girl is gorgeous… an angel! Love you always, Mudd xox
Sooooo happy for you …looks great just like you with or without makeup .
Like you I want to get my work OUT THERE . I have a poem published in a collected poetry and art book derived from an America lady Laura Probert …the book is in the post as I speak …it’s a start .
Cherryx
Fills me with the happy and the joy and the excitement to see you manifest and birth this awesome planner. Totes worthy of gingersnap and tea celebration! 🙂 <3
You look beautiful, Nicole. Glowing in fact. Very inspiring and can’t wait to see it. Have loads of fun launching it tonight. Xx
Yaaaay ! congratulations !! Looking forward to working with it xx
Congratulations Nicole. Love the realness. Looking forward to the release. xx
Last night I went to bed thinking…..only one more sleep! And here we are today with a glimpse of your beautiful face, beaming with pride and a glimpse of our fantastic guidelines for how to have a soul fuelled inspired year. Nicole, congratulations! I am so glad you honoured the writer within. Just shows, that what we think we want, is not necessarily what the Universe has in mind, yet when we follow, the results are outstanding. Can’t wait to take this journey with you. Love your photo shots too. xxx
Congratulations, Nicole – you are divinely inspired and you make the world a better place 🙂
Bravo and thank you for everything!
Wow what a magical moment in time (I really don’t think you even realise how huge this is really going to be!) your gorgeous authentic picture resonated so much with keeping it real and brought tears to my eyes 😅😅😅😂😂good tears . Super proud of you 🐝🐝🐓🐕🐕🌺🌺🌺🌈🌈
Thank you for sharing you and for always being authentic. I cannot wait to get my hands on a copy. THANK YOU!!!
Yay Nicole! You’re awesome!
My heartiest congratulations to you!!!! Words cannot express how happy I am for you. Love & hugs Anita xx
Congratulations to you my darling girl,I am so proud of you and so would be your grandmothers,[and of course Aunt Gwen].I am also impressed that you used my ramblings to inspire you to compose such a helpful tool for those who use it,especially ‘moi’.xxxx
Congrats sweetie!
I am so ridiculously happy for you! Yay, congratulations. Can’t wait to get my copy. xx