Update

It is hard to believe we are already in May. I’m at the part of my publishing journey where I feel like I’m on a fast moving unstoppable train. I’ve moved through the developmental editing process and now I’m waiting for my manuscript to come back from the proofreader. I’ve sent my short bio and photo for the book cover (wow, book cover) and now I’m thinking more about the actual physical book. Some days I’m excited and optimistic and other days I’m freaking out and anxious. No matter how I’m feeling on any given day, I’m feeling gratitude always. This journey has changed my life. even if I never sell one single copy of my memoir, the process has healed me in so many ways.

I’d be lying if I said I do not worry about the church and how they will receive what I have documented. I’ve also come to realize that these fears are grounded in my childhood trauma and there is nothing the church can do to hurt me. Writing my memoir has been its own form of exposure therapy. I’ve combed over and over this part of my trauma and that has taken much of the power away from it.

Next steps will be to work on the document when I get it back and then start reading for the audio book. My summer is full already but so is my cup.:)

Hello, long time no see. I’m hoping some of you have been following me over on Substack and TikTok; if not, here I am again. For the last couple of years, most of my energy has been spent working on my book. I’ve completed a two-year writing program and spent many hours in critique groups. It has been a wonderful time of self-discovery, and I’ve learned a lot about how to write a memoir. I appreciate how patient you’ve been with me as I’ve gone through this process. Currently, I’m putting the finishing touches on my book proposal so I can begin to send it out to agents. This is a scary and exhilarating time. Writing my memoir has been a gift, and I feel so privileged to have the time and resources to put into writing it. It has healed me in so many ways while also revealing new sore spots that need attention. As I move ahead, I can only hope I will be able to weather the tough publishing world. I may seem pretty durable and strong on the outside, but on the inside, I’m pretty soft. I plan to document my journey here more closely now that I’m done working on my manuscript.

One important piece of getting your book published is branding and having a platform. This is why you see me in so many places. I’m sure at times it seems like a lot, it feels that way to me, but it is what I must do to meet my goals. This is where you come in. I know some of you have been following me for a long time, and I really appreciate that. If you want to help me push my book over the finish line, please interact with my social media as much as possible. A like on FB, Substack, TikTok, and here can go a long way. It’s even better if you can comment and follow/subscribe. A platform can make or break a memoir writer.

On TikTok, I have been making videos about the church I grew up in and how they compare to the religious right, and what is happening politically now. I talk about race and class and how the church of my childhood handled those issues. My handle is @wicrow.

On Substack, I’ve been writing journal prompts for those who are thinking about or have left the UPC or other high-control groups. I’ve also written some about my experience of being a Mexican American in the current climate. You can follow me here: https://open.substack.com/pub/survivingchurchandchildhood/p/its-okay-to-like-yourself?r=3glw93&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

I haven’t made a new post on YouTube in a long time. Once I get that going again, I will let you know. 🙂 If you know of anyone who might want me on their podcast or YouTube channel please let me know.

If you’ve made it this far, thank you. Again, I appreciate your support so much and I hope one day you’ll have my book in your hands and we can celebrate together!

Debbie

Tag: Update

May Update