Being a published author is a lot of work. Once you have a book published you must work hard to market it and setting up speaking engagements and book signings. Sometimes it seems like our hard work is hopeless and sometimes it is fruitful. Pushing forward despite the ups and downs is what makes a dedicated author.

On May 17, I had a talk and book signing at Patterson Library in Westfield, NY, a forty-five-minute drive from my home. Many people where I live do not travel past Erie, PA. Some people who live on the east side of Erie never even travel to the west side. Because of that it made it hard to tell my customers and friends about a speaking event out of state. I hoped the library would advertise around their community and surrounding areas. The librarian sent me a copy of the flyer she would be posting around Westfield. I prayed for a good turnout. Most of all I wanted to see the English teacher who helped me with my writing in high school.

We arrived at the library, and my husband and I set up my books, bookmarks, and business cards. Five people showed up and two of them were my parents. The librarian told me my high school teacher had been out of town and she gave me a note card to leave her a message. Despite the small turnout, I spoke from my heart about bullying and its effect on people. One woman who came had also come to hear me talk at another library; she is a big fan of mine. She told about dealing with bullying of her own child. Another woman told me how she faced bullying as a child. The librarian took my business card and said she would contact me for future events. I sold two books. It wasn’t the crowd I had hoped for, but I still was able to spread my message and I opened myself up for future opportunities.

Great things have been happening with One Life Project where I am director of research and education. Alex Kovarovic, the founder of the project, and I have started to do live chats on Facebook. Our first one was with Alex, Alicia, another director, and me. We did a chat about what One Life Project is and mental illness. We had two hundred and forty-seven views. Last Thursday Alex and I went on to talk about mental illness, acceptance, and pride month. We had 2.8k views. We may try to do live chats on Instagram next week. Look for One Life Project on Facebook at (8) one life project – Search Results | Facebook and Instagram One Life Project (@projectonelife) | Instagram. We will be going live between seven and eight PM.

I’m still working my way into my role as director of education and research. I’m waiting to begin going through applicants for my division. I am very happy to be helping young people who are struggling with mental illness, acceptance, bullying, dating abuse and much more. I believe the project will make a big difference in a lot of people’s lives. If you’re interested in volunteering for One Life Project, go to www.projectonelife.org.

Wednesday I am talking to Girl Scout Troop 20442. The leader has invited parents and community members. If you live in the area, please come to Faith Lutheran Church at 5414 Lake Rd, Harborcreek, PA at 6:00 PM. There will be an ice cream social after, and they welcome one dollar donations.

I met with a specialist for my asthma, and he may have the answer to why I keep having asthma attacks. He believes acid from my GRED is coming up into my air passages while I’m sleeping causing them to be inflamed. I now have a stronger inhaler, medicine for inflammations, and tests to come. I’m praying my asthma will be under control soon so I can set up more speaking events.

Because I am determined to spread the word about bullying and mental illness, I am helping others. By helping others, I continue to heal past wounds and I stand proudly in the light of recovery.