Liz Strauss at Successful Blog

Thinking, writing, business ideas … You’re only a stranger once.

February 27, 2007

13.2 Glenda Watson Hyatt, published author

ME Liz Strauss wrote this at 7:58 am

A Life Changed by a Book

I'll Do It Myself Book Cover

Yesterday, Glenda gave us glimpse into the business she began as a web accessibility specialist, Soaring Eagle Communications, and she shared her feelings about a future filled with possibilities.

Our conversation, at that point, had turned to the how the act of writing a book had an effect on Glenda’s life.

Glenda, as a publisher, I know that the book we start is hardly ever the book that gets written.

What was the most unexpected thing you found while writing your book? How did the book change? How did the book change you?

When I first began writing the book several years ago, I envisioned a collection of short stories and memories from my life. I then found myself filling in the gaps between the memories. The book evolved into my autobiography, or, at least, the first installment! The book cover also changed, thanks to Nancy Cleary of Wyatt-MacKenzie Publishing. I had designed a simplistic cover, which she turned into something amazingly beautiful. I was emotional the first time I saw it.

Once I started telling people that I was writing a book, I was surprised by the support and encouragement that I received, even from people I did not know. One such person is Debbie Fierst, of Logical Imagination . who generously volunteered to edit my manuscript. I was also surprised by the number of people who would like to write a book, but haven’t made it happen for a variety of reasons.

My book I’ll Do It Myself confirmed to me that I am a bona fide writer and that writing is my gift, which I am meant to use and to share with others. I sense my book will continue to change me by opening new doors for me, and by taking my business/career and my life in a whole new direction.

I remember the feeling of seeing my words in print for the first time. How did you experience that feeling? Where were you when you opened the first copy of your book? What was the feeling and thoughts you had at that time? Have you captured them to call them up later?

Since I self-published, the boxes of books were delivered to my home on December 5th. I anxiously awaited their delivery until they finally arrived mid-afternoon. I was trembling with excitement and anticipation while the delivery man wheeled in the boxes in two loads. When I opened the first box and saw my book for the first time, a wave of emotions came over me. Thirty years of dreaming, preparing, researching, visualizing and writing became real in that moment. I had done it! My dream became reality in that moment. I had written and self-published my book. And they were beautiful! There were a few happy tears. I can only imagine that it is similar to giving birth and holding your baby for the first time. I captured the moment on my other blog.

Thank you, Glenda! I can identify with those moments. You made them real for everyone. That’s a writer’s gift.

See you tomorrow with another question.

–ME “Liz” Strauss

Related
13.1 Meet Glenda Watson Hyatt
A 4-Part Series: An Interview with the Amazing Glenda Watson.Hyatt





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6 Comments to “13.2 Glenda Watson Hyatt, published author”

  1. February 27th, 2007 at 8:00 am
    A 4-Part Series: An Interview with the Amazing Glenda Watson.Hyatt - Liz Strauss at Successful Blog - Thinking, writing, business ideas . . . You’re only a stranger once. said

    [...] Tuesday, February 27 — What surprises happened while writing the book? 13.2 Glenda Watson Hyatt, published author [...]

  2. February 27th, 2007 at 8:53 am
    Karin said

    Hi Liz / Glenda

    Been ‘lurking’ around the other parts of the serie, didn’ think I had much to say about it.
    This one really hit the memory button, though ;-)

    It’s such an overwhelming feeling when you see, really see that first batch (however small - 30 copies in my case) with your name on it - you can described that, Glenda did “I had done it! My dream became reality in that moment. I had written and self-published my book. And they were beautiful!”

    Most people don’t really ‘get’ what a powerful feeling that creates, even in this ‘virtual’ word of today where everybody can write and publish things online.
    But books will be books, touchable (strokeable even ;-))

    Thanks for ’speaking’ my mind.

  3. February 27th, 2007 at 8:58 am
    Karin said

    Oh, shoot!
    Points finger to self and tut-tuts: “Re-read before you hit that post button, Kaatje!”

    Sorry, the typo’s give the wrong feeling I’m afraid.

    I meant: you can’T describe that and in this virtual worLd.

  4. February 27th, 2007 at 9:02 am
    ME Strauss said

    Karin!
    Typos in the comment box on this blog are always forgiven!

    The comment you wrote is an elegant statement. Thank you for it.

  5. February 27th, 2007 at 12:42 pm
    Do It Myself Blog » The Web Levels the Playing Field for an Entrepreneur with Cerebral Palsy said

    [...] Tuesday, February 27 — What surprises happened while writing the book? [...]

  6. February 28th, 2007 at 1:57 am
    Do It Myself Blog » Glenda Shares Her Experience with Osteoporosis said

    [...] On a more cheerful note, Liz continued her 4-part interview with me. [...]

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