New Year News, Creative Inspiration, and New Reviews
Hello dear readers,
Happy New Year! I hope this newsletter finds you in good health and high spirits as we embark on a brand-new chapter in our lives. It’s still kind of hard to believe I accomplished my publishing dream!
New Year News:
I was invited to the Author Fair at the downtown Miami-Dade Main Library on Saturday, January 20 from 1 - 5 p.m. I will be selling and signing my book and will have lots of freebies to pass out, so please stop by and say hello!
I was also interviewed last month for two podcasts. Watch for them - the interviews will be airing soon! The first was with Ronit Plank, of Let’s Talk Memoir https://ronitplank.com/podcast-series. Then I was invited to be one of the first guests on the debut podcast, The Momalogues, with Mary Avila-Shears and her co-host, Laura Lilia Torres https://themomalogues.com Can’t wait to listen!
And now …
Creative Inspiration
Creativity is a journey, and I'd like to support you every step of the way. Here are some tips to ignite your creativity:
Morning Rituals: Challenge yourself to make it a habit to begin your day with a creative ritual, whether it's writing in a journal, sketching, or taking a mindful walk. This ritual can set a positive tone for the day.
Explore New Mediums: Try and step out of your comfort zone and experiment with different creative mediums. I’ve been solely focused on writing, but it’s time to mix things up by exploring other forms of creativity. I am going to try my hand at painting or music. If you're an artist, explore the world of writing or photography.
Join a Creative Community: Connect with fellow creatives who share your passions. Sharing ideas and experiences with others can be incredibly inspiring and motivating.
New Reviews:
“The Shape of Normal, A Memoir of Motherhood, Disability and Embracing a Different Kind of Perfect” has been getting some great reviews and I wanted to share excerpts from the latest.
Thank you Ann S. Epstein: 5.0 out of 5 stars Holding On, Letting Go:
“I approached The Shape of Normal: A Memoir of Motherhood, Disability & Embracing a Different Kind of Perfect by Catherine Shields from four perspectives: a reader; a writer; a developmental psychologist specializing in early education; and a (grand)parent who wants those I love to get the best and be their best. Shields more than satisfied me on all those dimensions. Her memoir is an unstintingly honest, emotionally absorbing, and deeply personal narrative. …Shields hiked an uphill path, toting an image of what her child should be before letting go and accepting who she was. A good trekker, Shields faced each mile with better-developed muscles and more inner strength. Then she wrote a perfect book.”
Thank you Lisa Romaguera for this review: 5.0 out of 5 stars A Mother's Love
“…Catherine is a true hero in advocating for Jessica in such a brave and loving way. She illustrates the roller coaster of emotions in a very descriptive manner. You truly embrace her experience. This book is a great read for any parent.”
I must thank so many of you who have posted reviews. I'm deeply grateful for the support and kind words. If you've had a chance to read it, please consider leaving a review on Goodreads, Amazon, or your favorite book platform. Your feedback means the world to me. This is how readers find books! It doesn't have to be a beauty like the two I’ve excerpted above (Read the full review on Amazon). One or two sentences are all it takes.
If you are interested in ordering a copy and want to support independent independent bookstores, here’s a link: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-shape-of-normal-a-memoir-of-motherhood-disability-and-embracing-a-different-kind-of-perfect-catherine-shields/20478984
I encourage everyone to share my newsletters to stay connected and inspired. In the coming months, I will be sharing exclusive insights, behind-the-scenes glimpses into my writing process, and much more. This newsletter is a space for us to explore the limitless world of creativity together.
As we stand at the edge of the precipice of 2024, I know many aspiring writers long to realize their dreams of traditional publishing. Here are two things I recommend:
Hone your craft, and tirelessly research the industry.
Look at rejection letters as stepping stones on this arduous path, because each one serves as a motivation to refine your work further.
For me, embarking on this publishing a book felt daunting, especially in a world saturated with thousands of manuscripts and aspiring authors. However, I remained focused with an unwavering determination and refused to relent - even when the goal of securing a traditional publishing deal seemed unattainable. But my belief in the story as well as my commitment to see it on bookshelves, kept me pressing forward.
And when that elusive acceptance letter finally arrived, it was a testament to my resolve and the fulfillment of what seemed like an impossible dream.
Newsletter Suggestions
If you have any suggestions or topics you'd like me to explore in future newsletters, please don't hesitate to reach out. This newsletter is a two-way conversation, and I'd love to hear from you.
Thank you for being a part of this creative journey with me. Let's make 2024 a year filled with imagination, inspiration, and boundless creativity!
Wishing you a fantastic start to the year!
Hope you have a great day at the Author Fair. Wish I could be there.