When I wrote 13 Years in America I wasn’t focused on
what I would do with it or who would read it when I was finished. As I wrote
and edited my book, I was focused only on writing and telling my story.
Then one day, it was done. My story was told, and it was
ready to be shared.
Ready to be shared.
It took me two days to calm myself down after this
realization. My heart raced and I could barely sleep; it was like a 48-hour
panic attack. After spending months alone on my computer and sharing my work
with a select few for feedback and edits, I suddenly found myself facing the
frightening prospect of sharing my work with the world. I was about to leave
the comfortable realm of writing for self and enter the world of sharing with
others.
That was new territory for me, and it opened up questions I
hadn’t taken the time to consider before. How would I share my story? Who would
read it? Would I make money off it? Would people like it? How would I know if it
was successful?
After some consideration, I decided to share my story
electronically for free and just see what happens. I can only control the
output, I decided, not the outcome. I had a story I was compelled to share, so
I would provide free access and see what happens. If even one person is moved
by it, I decided -- if even one person
likes it -- it will have been worth it.
I knew some people would think that was crazy. After all the
time and energy I put into my book, would I really be happy with one person
liking it? Yes, I decided, I would. Of course I hoped more people would read it
and that it would make a difference in their lives and, ideally, in the world,
but that wasn’t for me to say. How could
I say that a million people were more valuable than one? I couldn’t.
So, I prepared my work and shared it. I released it and held
my breath.
The first few days were the worst. I knew people were
downloading it and reading it, but I had no idea if they were liking it or
hating it.
Then, an e-mail came. The subject was, “I love your book so
much.” It was from a woman who was deeply moved by my story and inspired by the
decisions I had made. I smiled and cried as I read her words. A total stranger
had accessed my story and was moved by it. What more could I ask for?
