When You Launch a Book
Where To Find Me; Being Creative; Shareables,
Welcome to Belonging and the Human Experience! I write about belonging, loneliness, culture, migration, faith, race, and community. I’m so happy you’re here! You’re receiving this email because you signed up when you received a free resource or some other way. (Please make sure you move these to your primary inbox if you’re viewing via email.)
Dear friends,
What a week it’s been! How has it been for you? It’s been exciting and wonderful in my little corner. I’m happy. I’m tired. I’m happy tired. When you launch a book, all the emotions and feelings mix together. Book launch week is still going on! Thank you for indulging me these days as we take a break from the usual with the current goings-on.
First, I want to say thank you for your support!! Thank you for reading, buying, ordering, sharing, reviews, and your messages, notes, texts, emails, kind words, etc. It means so much to me. I’m so grateful. I hope that this book’s presence will be a gift and blessing to those who read.
I told a friend before book launch week that I hold all of this with open hands and with an attitude of celebration. I want folks to read the book and buy the book, of course - and importantly - to change lives. And I see evidence it will. So I said that it was all a celebration. I’m celebrating!! Life is full (lots of family things going on, the stuff of life, car issues, etc etc. while the book launches—can’t control some of it.) But in the midst, I’m celebrating. Thank you for celebrating together with me!!
As promised this week I am sharing a list of podcasts, interviews, etc., that have occurred and some upcoming events this week.
First, I’d like to share this wonderful review by Bob on Books (of Facebook’s Bob on Books Page fame)! Here’s an excerpt:
Prasanta Verma addresses hard realities of loneliness and trauma with stories of her own life and those of others. She offers biblical re-framing and practical suggestions wrapped in beautiful rhythmic prose and verse. This is an important book not only for those who struggle with ethnic loneliness but for any who care enough to want to understand and accompany those who struggle. And I can’t help but wonder if the insights and practices in this book, if applied, might also begin to address the larger loneliness pervading our society.
Read the whole review here.
Recent podcast episodes, interviews, articles, etc:
Moody Radio - Chris Fabry Show
InterVarsity Emerging Scholars Network - YouTube
Dr. Josh Olds / Life is Story - Podcast
Far From Home with Mabel Ninan - Part One - Podcast/ YouTube
Redbud Writers Guild - Instagram Live
Word FM Pittsburgh - The Ride Home with John and Kathy
Guilt Grace Gratitude Podcast
Faith in a Fresh Vibe with Rohadi podcast
Guest post on Five Minute Friday - using the writing prompt “lonely”
Article (adapted from book excerpt), “Isolated and Othered”
A kind review post on Twitter/X here
More podcast episodes ahead in the coming weeks!
Upcoming events:
Here are a few upcoming in-person events! Stop by if you’re in the area!
April 23, 2024
TMJ4 Morning Blend Show – TV segment - 9:00 am - 10:00 am
Milwaukee, WIApril 26, 2024
Boswell Books, Conversation, Q&A, Book Launch Event
Co-sponsored by the AAPI Coalition of WI
FREE: Register here for head count
Order from Boswell Books (independent bookstore) here
Milwaukee, WIMay 5, 2024
Oholiab’s Offering Art Gallery
Book Conversation, Q&A, Book Signing
Milwaukee, WIJune 15, 2024
Tosa Community Fair, 12-4 pm
Storytelling Workshop and Book Table
Wauwatosa, WI
Reviews
Thank you to those who have posted reviews! If you’ve read the book,
would you take a minute to leave a review on Amazon? It would mean so much! You can copy and paste the same review on Amazon, Goodreads, Barnes & Noble, etc. Those five star reviews in particular go a long way! I’m just a few reviews from 25 on Amazon- and from what I’m told, books with 25 reviews are more visible. : )
Wine, Women + Art
Last night I attended an evening of wine, women and art at a friend’s house. There were many art supplies available for sampling and creating, with snacks, wine, etc. and the chance to hang out and meet new (and old) friends. What fun! I’ve been saying I am going to pull out my own art supplies but I keep letting other things get in the way and it goes on the back burner. It took going out and being creative with others to compel me.: ) Here’s what I made. The first one is a card with watercolor wreath of flowers; watercolor grape hyacinths; practicing a peacock with watercolors and alcohol pens. Is there something creative you’ve been wanting to do but keep putting it off? What is on your list? : )
I also want to know, other than Beyond Ethnic Loneliness : ), what are you reading right now? I’m currently enjoying The Comfort or Crows by Margaret Renkl.
Thank you, thank you, for celebrating book launch week with me!! We hit some good numbers this week - and I hope we can keep the momentum going this week, too!! You are all responsible for doing this - and I’m grateful. I’m hearing from many of you how this book is eye-opening, important, and how you’re having conversations— and several have reached out telling me they are discussing it with their kids! I love it. Thank you for having conversations with your kids and continuing to share and support and read. I’m also including a few social media graphics here in case you’d like to share!
We’ll get back to our regularly scheduled programming soon! Right now we’re in full throttle book launch mode!! So thank you, dear friends, for sticking with me and your support. Much love to you.
Until next time - make it a lovely one,
