A New Epiphany

MANA, as always, has rejuvinated me. I also spoke two days ago at our annual Doula conference on the African-American experience of birth. That was awesome! I sat on a panel with others who spoke about Latina, Chinese, Somali, Indian (from India) and Deaf women's experience of birth. It was sooo informative. Conferences like this also bring out all the local activists whom I enjoy hobnobbing with. One local midwife, had a showing of Ricki Lake's film- even though I just saw it in Florida, I hated to miss this viewing (I had to teach a CPR class) because I wanted to hear women's reaction to it. I'm grateful to be surrounded by such an active and thriving community of birth activists, not everyone has that.

On to that epiphany...
It has finally settled into my soul, what this book is about and why I'm writing it. For the past year, I've struggled to write not knowing my direction. After the past two weeks, I'm sure. I now know who this book is for and what it is about. I've even come up with a finally suitable title. I've written my query letter to find an agent. I'm told I should send out about 100 querys to find 10-20 agents interested in reading my manuscript in hopes of getting 1-2 interested agents. Well, I'm ready. I've had worse odds than that before. However, should I not find an agent and publisher at the end of this process, I'm equally ready and willing to self-publish.

The 15 minute excerpt that the Brits sent me was excellent. Now I understand the difference between a home movie and a documentary. I can't wait to see what a one-two hour long version might look like. (watch out Ricki Lake) Thanks to Larry and Lucy for fed-exing it across the pond in time for MANA.

What's next? I'm scouting out my next speaking gig, but I'll be attending the Missouri LLL conference next weekend to see some stellar speakers like Dia Micheals. I'll use the time to pick up tips and ideas on my own speaking career. The following weekend, I'm heading to the Holy Land, the retreat center owned by my hermitess nun friend. I'm waaaayyyy overdue for some R&R. I'll hang out in her teepee and have some time of solitude and meditation. I need to reflect on all that has transpired this Fall and how my life is changing. I'll regroup and be ready for Spring engagements. I also hope to return to Mexico in January to do the San Miguel Walk. My goal for finishing my book is December, I'm keeping my fingers crossed...