Today I learnt that my new book KOKORO missed the Sunday Times Bestseller list by 25 books in its first week. Just 25! Arghh! So it's time for a new Confessions essay...On surviving the rollercoaster of putting your work out in the world (Plus a giveaway to support your own creative practice)
This is an important post, and one that I needed to read. Disappointment is a hard one - especially when one comes within a razor's edge of a deeply desired goal. What it brings to mind is how the book landed with those who read it and internalized it, which I am sure brings you a heart full of satisfaction. I'm looking forward to reading it; it's been on my list for weeks now.
I am glad, I was triggered by your statement of disappointment, of being 25 copies away from a bestseller list, and I thought I would comment exactly on this change of perspectives, that you introduced yourself in your article. About how far you have come!!!
Congratulations!
As a writer myself, about to publish my life's story, showing up as vulnerable as one can be, I really loved your encouragement about the unexpected, overly positive and touching feedback that life is gifting you with, once being as courageous as we are.
I never exchanged my feelings, emotions, fears, exhaustion ... while writing, which sometimes leeds to extreme loneliness. With this text, it feels like you are opening a door that there are other writers out there facing similar issues while pouring ourselfes out into the world. That means a lot to me.
Going through life in a conscious manner and experiencing each moment is the purpose of life. Thank you for being vulnerable with us and encouraging us to completely be ourselves without holding anything back.
I feel I'm loosing my mom while she gets older, because she is loosing herself to fear and fragility. She is not that strong woman I grew up living with, and I'm disappointed, instead of comprehending her. I haven't read Kokoro yet, but I love your books, and I am sure your experience will help me in some way one more time. Congratulations, and kisses from Brazil!
Beth, I lost my mum in September 2022, my dad in November 2023. I haven't been able to finish Kokoro yet because I am now reading Chapter 5 for the fourth time - as if on a loop. I really don't have the words, so just as well you appear to have provided me with them. With heartfelt thanks for the generous way you share your loss 🙏
I am always grateful when published and experienced authors like yourself take the time to share your wisdom with the world. Thank you for being so candid about the neverending uncertainty that comes with being a writer and how you deal with it. Congratulations on publishing your sixth book!
Beautifully courageous and inspiring. Disappointment is a gift, resonated with me and I feel inspired to begin to share my own thoughts with others. Grateful 💕
What an inspiring post, Beth. You are the proof, that in every loss lies a gift. The moment our imagined identity falls away and we are more and more faced with the truth and with ourselves in our grief our lives are changing in unimaginable beautiful ways. (Maybe not to be felt at the beginning but more and more recognizable after opening to what is.) May your beautiful book continue to inspire more people than you can imagine. Blessings Paulene💗
What a beautiful post Beth, your honesty is so refreshing and inspiring. You’re opening up doors for us all to be who we truly are by showing what that really looks like for you.
How amazing are those reviews? Whoa, you must be blown away!
This was particularly expansive:
“It’s strange because of course anyone can go and buy a book, but there is something in the action that they take, spending money to buy that ticket into the story, that makes it okay to share such personal things, as if they have skin in the game, just like you do.”
This is an important post, and one that I needed to read. Disappointment is a hard one - especially when one comes within a razor's edge of a deeply desired goal. What it brings to mind is how the book landed with those who read it and internalized it, which I am sure brings you a heart full of satisfaction. I'm looking forward to reading it; it's been on my list for weeks now.
Thank you!!!!
I am glad, I was triggered by your statement of disappointment, of being 25 copies away from a bestseller list, and I thought I would comment exactly on this change of perspectives, that you introduced yourself in your article. About how far you have come!!!
Congratulations!
As a writer myself, about to publish my life's story, showing up as vulnerable as one can be, I really loved your encouragement about the unexpected, overly positive and touching feedback that life is gifting you with, once being as courageous as we are.
I never exchanged my feelings, emotions, fears, exhaustion ... while writing, which sometimes leeds to extreme loneliness. With this text, it feels like you are opening a door that there are other writers out there facing similar issues while pouring ourselfes out into the world. That means a lot to me.
Always a treat to read your words!
I've tried twice to order your book, but my payment, a debit card, always is blocked. I will try a credit card this morning. Looking forward.
Going through life in a conscious manner and experiencing each moment is the purpose of life. Thank you for being vulnerable with us and encouraging us to completely be ourselves without holding anything back.
I spent three years living in Japan and love to be reminded of its beauty. Kokoro is a wonderful listen. Thank you.
Beth, is the book available in the US? I would love to purchase a copy.
I feel I'm loosing my mom while she gets older, because she is loosing herself to fear and fragility. She is not that strong woman I grew up living with, and I'm disappointed, instead of comprehending her. I haven't read Kokoro yet, but I love your books, and I am sure your experience will help me in some way one more time. Congratulations, and kisses from Brazil!
Beth, I lost my mum in September 2022, my dad in November 2023. I haven't been able to finish Kokoro yet because I am now reading Chapter 5 for the fourth time - as if on a loop. I really don't have the words, so just as well you appear to have provided me with them. With heartfelt thanks for the generous way you share your loss 🙏
I am always grateful when published and experienced authors like yourself take the time to share your wisdom with the world. Thank you for being so candid about the neverending uncertainty that comes with being a writer and how you deal with it. Congratulations on publishing your sixth book!
Beautifully courageous and inspiring. Disappointment is a gift, resonated with me and I feel inspired to begin to share my own thoughts with others. Grateful 💕
What an inspiring post, Beth. You are the proof, that in every loss lies a gift. The moment our imagined identity falls away and we are more and more faced with the truth and with ourselves in our grief our lives are changing in unimaginable beautiful ways. (Maybe not to be felt at the beginning but more and more recognizable after opening to what is.) May your beautiful book continue to inspire more people than you can imagine. Blessings Paulene💗
What a beautiful post Beth, your honesty is so refreshing and inspiring. You’re opening up doors for us all to be who we truly are by showing what that really looks like for you.
I’m devouring all your words!
How amazing are those reviews? Whoa, you must be blown away!
This was particularly expansive:
“It’s strange because of course anyone can go and buy a book, but there is something in the action that they take, spending money to buy that ticket into the story, that makes it okay to share such personal things, as if they have skin in the game, just like you do.”
I love your honesty in the face of disappointment. You are an inspiration to many writers!
I love your honesty in the face of disappointment. You are an inspiration to many writers!