Tag Archive for: self-publishing

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Pre-Book Launch Feels

In July, I committed unnervingly, to in-person book launch events. I spent the month of August almost paralyzed, sitting in pure discomfort that I had done so. Come September, I watched my child gracefully handle the rocky transition to kindergarten and coexist with nerves daily, all while never holding back from his authentic self expression. I told him I needed help and asked him, how do you do something that makes you feel SO nervous? His response: “Well…just go for it”. I took a quick moment to grieve predictable, stable, quiet days and chose to embrace the book launch and the emotional extension of it. I became mindful of slowing down my actions and thoughts. And anytime I backtracked, I quickly made the conscious choice to choose again. And again. (This is the essence of the Choose Again Method by Dr. Joe Dispenza, and the foundation behind rewiring your brain).

Due to those big feels, I was a little behind on the logistical to-dos of the book launch weekend + online launch day. Managing this while organizing a 5th birthday party, working on a website (with a lot of help from the best in the biz!), and entering the era of elementary school for the first time, truly broke me down as a highly sensitive human. I think once motherhood begins – there is no answer to a balanced life, and when you’re in the thick of a heightened ebb, the flow is simply far out of reach until it’s not. I started thinking back to all of the HSP-specific tools I acquired from self-development, I began to let go, and very quickly an abundance of intuitive signs started showing up in my life. This allowed me to remember not only am I on the right path, but the human experience is meant to be so much more than peaceful. Yes, it’s okay to be uncomfortable. Yes, the level of discomfort that HSPs experience is intensified. But thanks to my experiences birthing humans and the electrifying newborn phase, I found the ability to trust in this being a passing season and not an eternal fate.

At the end of September, the mental hurdles I had of showing up to book launches were (almost) fully replaced with logistical hurdles. I think this was a good lesson in showing me it was not necessary for those (monster-sized) original nerves to occupy so much space. With one week to go, I sent out books to influencers, got slapped in the face with unexpected shipping logistics (burst into tears at the front counter…POP!), attempted to understand the backend of Amazon and Ingram Sparks(🥵) , tested out my Shopify shop, made multiple last minute price adjustments, hustled to meet signage-printer deadlines, wrote newsletters, blogs, (tried to be a mom *hello mom-guilt*!), and somewhat casually waited on a shipment of hundreds of hardcover copies that was 10 days late and unable to be located (though I did have a few copies on hand). The quality of these copies in that shipment is exquisite and – selling and promoting those would best support me directly – so I was SO hopeful that they’d show up. And they did! With four days to spare.

In the few moments of spare time I had, I would wonder…Is this the time or the place for a book launch about emotional snacks? The world is burning. As an HSP, global tragedies used to debilitate me in a pit of despair and keep me from functioning in my own life. But the answer to my own question was always yes. Not only does the world need more softness and sensitivity, I know now that I am able to consciously and effectively do my part when I lead with my heart.

In sum: this launch lead-up was very cool, exciting, and far more draining than I could have imagined.

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Meet My Illustrator!

There are so many incredible artists in the world that are all instantly accessible thanks to social media. However, the thought of sifting through an entire planet’s worth of illustrators was daunting to me. There are so many factors to consider: style, timeline, cost, professionalism and reliability, working approach, that overall necessary *vibe*, etc. That’s why I am extraordinarily grateful that my illustrator, Aline Monjardim (Ah-Lee-Nie//also goes by Ah-Leen), who also identifies as a highly sensitive creative, was introduced to me through my team at The Self Publishing Agency. We have been working closely since September 1st, 2023, and after a few in-depth, creative discussions, Aline began interpreting my thoughts of the four main characters of Pop Out Loud into visuals.  In mid-November, Aline presented the first drafts of these characters to me and in turn I sent her detailed notes on which parts matched my vision and what needed tweaking. When I received the first round of edits, I popped right out of my seat – it was clear that the characters of my book had officially been birthed!

It is my pleasure to introduce you to Jimmy, the star of Pop Out Loud, along with his appetizing crew!  Jimmy is a sensitive kernel, whose emotions and thought process are often deeper than those around him, in seemingly “normal” settings.  He pops into a popcorn when he experiences these big feelings.  

Pictured below are the official sketches of the most prominent characters in my book.  

Throughout each creative meeting, Aline and I went far beyond the pages and deep through the backstory, emotions and hopes of each character and feature elements through every picture spread.

Q&A with Aline!

S: What is your favourite food?

A: My favourite food is rice and beans, as is traditional in my country of Brazil . My favourite snack though would have to be popcorn!—I’m not even kidding.

S: What (or who) inspires your personal style?

A: Storytelling is at the epicenter of my inspiration. When I hear a story no matter in which context, I can’t help but start picturing the characters in my mind—their emotions, actions, message. It’s just a very rich image that pops into my head! Other than that, I also find inspiration in nature, art, design, illustration, and animation! (I’m obsessed with Pixar animation movies!)

S: What is your favourite part about this project, Pop Out Loud?

A: My favourite part is to collaborate with Sarita and the TSPA team in what will be my debut picture book. There is a lot of care and meaning being put into this work, and I feel so thankful for the opportunity to bring such a relatable story to life in the hopes it will help a generation of kids out there who feel deeply like I also do. It just feels like the right team!

S: Are there any challenges that come with this project?

A: To me in particular, the main challenge is to give life to personified snack-themed characters. Finger foods are delicious but without obvious human-like features, we need to get creative. That also happens to be the most exciting part for me, because as an adventurer I love challenges.

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The Truth That Would Have Stopped Me

Jimmy the popcorn is scratching his head with overwhelm.

I wouldn’t have become an author if I had only known sooner.


It’s no secret that in the past I struggled deeply with the sense (or lack of) career driven purpose. I decided to become a children’s book author because for the first time, I was ready to honour that inner pull toward imagination and writing, and I thought this would be the most fitting job for the creative, introverted, highly sensitive parts of me.

But I didn’t realize one major component of becoming an author: the comfort zone I once knew was about to pop faster than a kernel. Ever since plunging into self development and learning about rewiring the brain, I have subconsciously constructed a big vision that is now earnestly rooted in me. That vision includes walking through nerves. Reframing failure. Connecting with others who have trekked a similar path (one of my favourite feeling). Spreading a message to help others. Connecting with others who can help me spread that message even further. Showing up with passion every day (one of my favourite parts as an HSP).

I was working with an intuitive healer about a year ago who told me, “The only thing stopping this from becoming a major success, is you”. I didn’t fully understand what he meant, because after finally arriving into a space of mental stability, I thought I would never get in my own way! My way, for the first time, felt safe and cozy. Why would I choose to mess with that after everything I had been through!? But now, with the book launch fast approaching, I get it. One year ago, I had zero plans to show up for any in-person launches, signings and ESPECIALLY NOT READINGS. But, Sarita 2.0 had other plans. And if you had told me that I would be in fact going in public, to a bookstore, to show my face, with the potential of zero people showing up/with the potential of 30 people showing up, to sign books and read my story in front of children(!) and their parents…I would have stopped in my tracks and quit on the spot.

I have been unaware of the depth of my vision and how much the daily practices of self-love and self-development were actually working. And I’m so glad I was unaware. Because letting myself stop me from being where I am now, and from what’s to come, would be a genuine tragedy. Today, I choose to take action that aligns with my vision, and – I am genuinely excited to be planning a weekend of *in-person* launches to celebrate the story, the art, and the message that is “Pop Out Loud, First Day of School” – this book deserves it!

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