In January 2007, I was impregnated with a book deal. From that point on, I nurtured this little bundle of joy so it could take on a life of its own. I was elated with the knowledge that something big was going to grow. At every turn, I saw evidence of its growth - a chapter here, a paragraph there.
I started to have cravings for Kit Kat at odd hours of the day. I gorged on some of the most unhealthiest foods, everything from French fries to chocolate dip donuts from Tim Hortons to McDonalds. I ate as much as I could to feed what was growing on my computer screen.
There were many all nighters. Some nights, I couldn’t sleep because I was restless. The bulge of ideas kept getting in the way. I had to relieve myself by writing a chapter at 3am just to get any sleep.
I stopping working out. I was tired most of the time because of all the sleepless nights and I just couldn’t stomach doing any harm to my precious bundle. Because of my inactivity, I gained 20-lbs in the process. My mother even remarked at how large I was getting.
I hid in my office for months. I would emerge once in a while to attend client meetings, but I hardly went out with friends, let alone attend a networking event. I was afraid no one would recognize me because I now looked like a blimp.
The gestation period dragged on. I watched the manuscript grow every week. My publisher coached me through the process, telling me, “It’ll get better Leesa, just keep going.” I learned to breathe slowly, relax and take a few breaks just to keep my sanity.
At long last, I felt the labour pains. I had reached the final step. I needed to push out just 10 more pages. I pushed and pushed, and finally, I released. In July 2007, the manuscript was finished.
My publisher quickly took what I produced and went away. In what seemed like weeks, my publisher sent me my creation. I cradled the alpha pages in my hands - the first copy of the book with all the images, tables, figures and text before it goes to print - weighing in at 3.6-lbs.
I sat back and admired the page count (383-pages in all). I brushed aside the dust. I delicately thumbed through each page, exploring the words in depth, admiring each image or figure that I saw.
In just 9-months, I created my legacy. All my ideas, thoughts and processes in just one small bundle. I’m now willing to share my bundle of joy of with the world. What an experience!
What’s Next?
- See this page for more information
about advance ordersto pre-order your copy. - Email Terry Green at helpme@caprica.ca to schedule me for an interview for your podcast, blog, article or segment (I looooooove interviews).
August 30th, 2007 at 10:50 am
A million congrats! What an achievement!
Looking forward to seeing you in philly or boston!
August 30th, 2007 at 11:12 am
Congratulations, Leesa!! It must feel great to have finished the birthing of your book!
August 30th, 2007 at 2:36 pm
Congrats Leesa! I know they will be flying off the bookstore shelves so I will get my copy early.
August 30th, 2007 at 4:34 pm
Thanks ladies. I’m quite excited and I’m looking forward to seeing how others receive the book and how they apply the tips to their own podcast.
Tracy, got your email. Publisher is fixing that. Long story…
August 31st, 2007 at 12:46 am
Well done, Leesa. Just this afternoon I was thinking about you and your work on the book, wondering whether you had finished yet. So pleased to see that you have — congratulations!
August 31st, 2007 at 1:19 am
Where’s my cigar? Good work Leesa! Good work!
August 31st, 2007 at 2:27 pm
Congrats from me, too, I have been following your process from afar and now it is a fact. Later this year it will be my turn. A Danish book on business podcasting has been conceived.
September 4th, 2007 at 5:11 am
Yeehaw! It’s so exciting to hear that the project is finally complete. I know you were putting your heart and soul into it, and I’m proud to have been a part of it. All the best!
September 7th, 2007 at 9:18 am
Leesa! I’m beyond thrilled for you. You’re so incredibly smart, driven, and talented. This is SUCH an achievement. Congrats on getting through those 3 a.m. labor pains.
Dina
September 9th, 2007 at 12:05 am
Congrats, Leesa!
What I’m looking forward to:
“Build a podcasting consulting business using a proven model”
This is something that hasn’t been touched on by any podcasting book to date. Most podcasters who have made the transition to consulting haven’t really shared the how-to of making that change.
Can’t wait to read more!
Will
September 10th, 2007 at 8:51 pm
Congratulations on your new bundle of joy, Leesa! I can’t wait to meet her!! And yes, we have missed you at the networking events so hope to see you soon!
Elaine
September 11th, 2007 at 12:57 am
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