Sunday night, after everyone else in the house had gone to bed, I sat down and began planning my week. When I glanced at the calendar my heart did a little flip in my chest as it hit me that one week from today, on May 5th, my book “One Good Life” will finally – officially – be “out there.” Out on bookstore shelves, landing on the doorsteps of those who have pre-ordered it, available to download to mobile devices….the whole nine yards!
If you have been reading this blog for awhile, you know this moment has been a long time coming. I actually signed a publishing deal with Putnam Books in April of 2013 with tentative plans for it to be out in time for Mother’s Day 2014. But for many different reasons, all beyond my control, it was postponed until now. After such a long period of waiting I think part of me began to believe it would never really happen. And yet here I am, facing the fact that this very personal book, for better or worse, is about to be released for the world to read in one short week.
The book that has taken me on a roller coaster ride of epic proportions. I’ve never experienced anything quite like it. I can be on top of the world one minute, and inexplicably plunging into abject self-doubt the next! If I didn’t know better I’d think I’ve become a tortured writer. ;-)
The book that began with a brief outline and soon became a whirlwind trip to New York City where I met with no fewer than 8 different publishers interested in it! Talk about your surreal experiences.
The book that I poured my heart, soul, blood, sweat, tears, and a LOT of time into. It’s probably a good thing I had absolutely no concept of what would be required BEFORE I signed on the dotted line, because I guarantee I would have chickened out!
The book that I will never think about writing without also thinking about planning my only daughter’s wedding at the very same time. That was one crazy summer but one I will always remember with a strange fondness due to all the love that was being poured into both projects.
The book that my dear, dear friend Stephanie helped me with and then shortly after it was done fought and lost a short, valiant battle with cancer. I will also never think about the writing of this book without remembering how we laughed and cried while working on it, and how much I miss her.
The book that contains the good, the bad, and the ugly of my life thus far, and yet ultimately conveys a message of hope and redemption. Hope, for anyone who has had the wind knocked out of them but gets back up to fight again, and the possibility of redemption that exists for all of us.
The book that in addition to sharing my harrowing journey is also chock full of tips and advice to make life better! I personally wouldn’t want to read a book ALL about someone’s sad story…even if it does have a “happy ending.” And I wouldn’t expect you to either.
The book that I never expected to write and marvel at how little thought I gave the idea before taking the leap. I often question my sanity about that snap decision, but have learned so much during this amazing process that I will never regret my “temporary insanity.”
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The book I thought I was writing for others that turned out to be at least as much for me! I really had no idea I would experience such “growing pains” writing about my struggles with alcohol addiction, depression, chronic illness, etc. But after the pain came additional healing of wounds I didn’t even know were still exposed.
The book that caused each of my children to come to me in tears when they finished reading it. Tears I shared. Tears of happiness, sadness, gratitude, and new understanding. Another reminder to me why I wanted and needed to write this book…for them.
The book that makes me shudder when I think of you reading about the scary places that life has taken me and my family….but also gives me hope that someone, somewhere who reads it will feel they’re not alone in their scary places.
The book that my husband Dave never once questioned me about or tried to edit in any way. His trust in my judgment and in my belief that while this story wasn’t going to paint either of us in a very flattering light, it was a story that needed to be told. He is a rare breed…that tall, blonde, Norwegian I married…and this book helped me rediscover that.
The book that makes my heart skip a beat when I look at it! The gorgeous design, the unique format that beautifully weaves happy and sad together, are a testament to the amazing people “behind the scenes” who helped create this book. Namely, my literary agent Steve Troha and my editor Kerri Kolen. The best in the biz!
The book I hope and pray every single day will get into the hands of people that it can inspire and help. Whether you need advice dealing with a heavy-duty life challenge, or just some simple ideas to make your day a little easier, you will come away with positive and practical ways to live your BEST life.
The book that has given meaning to some of the madness that me and my family went through, and I hope will do the same for others as well.
The book that has also given me a sense of peace and confidence that I know would not have been possible by any other means. Socrates had a point about the “unexamined life.” Although I wouldn’t go so far as to say the unexamined life is not worth living…I do attest that a little examination is a most enlightening and refining experience.
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The book that has taught me that writing a book is HARD WORK….but some of the BEST WORK I’ve ever done.
And finally……….
The book, that no matter what happens when it finally shows up on the shelves of your favorite bookstore, I will be very grateful and proud to have written.
“One Good Life” is available at Amazon!
Congrats & best wishes to you on your book. May you have many years ahead to fill another book too.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thank you Cindy!!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.HI Jill, I can hardly wait for your book! What an inspiration you are to so many. Congratulations! I love your blog and look forward to having your book in my collection.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thanks Maggie!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Jill, congratulations on the publication of your book. I have pre-ordered the e-book format of your book and hope to share it with my sister once I’ve read it. She also brought herself back to a fulfilling life after booze, the heart-wrenching death of the love of her life and has, after two years of sobriety, realized how much she misssed each and every day of that former life. My very best wishes to you, and to my sister Sybil, for continued good fortune and a love-filled life.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thank you Marsha! I’m sure your sister appreciates you so much :-) I hope you both love the book!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Hi Jillee!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Congratulations!! I don’t comment much. I came across your site by chance about a year ago. I now know it was meant to be. I had to let you know you have touched my heart. I cried as I was reading this post. I am a recovering alcoholic/addict and manic/depressive. I have felt so alone at times on my journey. I think it is wonderful for you to share your story. What hope it brings to so many. I always look forward to your daily posts. I have ordered your book and so look forward to reading it. You are an inspiration to us all! I wish you well in all you do one day at a time. : )
Love to you and God bless, XOXO
So sorry for your hard times, Karen. It is so amazing to hear these kind words, thank you! xoxo
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I had often thought about writing a book on my life but as one person told me it’s such a depressing life. And it is. But I thank God for each and every day. Cong on your achievement and I know it will be on the best sellers list
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Gratitude is so powerful! Thanks Beverly!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I hope you sell a million+ copies! Congrats :)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Crossing my fingers! Thanks Susan :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Huge congratulations on the book. All good things will come from this experience. Looking forward to reading it! Best to you!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thanks! I hope you love the book!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.It takes a great deal of courage to expose ones flaws for all the world to see. I commend your courage for having the fortitude to do so. Good luck to you and your family, now and always.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thank you Telina, best of luck to you and yours!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I pre-ordered your book and can’t wait! I have only been a follower for about 4 months now, but look forward to your emails!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thanks Lindsay!!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Congratulations! The book is beautiful to look at.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I am sure that this is an amazing book, being about and written by an amazing woman. I appreciate how real you are on your blog – the good, the bad and the truly ugly – with honesty and compassion. We all have our struggles and most of us keep the bad and ugly hidden in the closet, under the stairs in the basement. You are incredibly brave to write this and definitely will help many people when they really need the lifeline you are putting out there with this book. When we are in the depths of the valley it doesn’t seem like we will ever get out! Always nice to know that others have walked that same pathway and come out the other side a stronger, happier person.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.That’s what I hope for, Susan! Thank you for the kind words! <3
Please log in or create a free account to comment.You are an amazing person & an inspiration to me. I can’t wait to read your book. I know your journey will bless many more. :)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.How sweet Kimberley, thank you!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.SO looking forward to reading your book…I am asking for it for Mother’s Day!! I have been following your blog for a long time now and you are a true inspiration!! I hope the book puts you into the Today Show list!! ;)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Hope you have the best Mother’s Day ;-) Thanks!!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.OH, CONGRATULATIONS!!! I’m sure it’s been more than you bargained for but I know you’re glad you said “yes” without realized the blood, sweat & tears involved. I’m glad you did and can’t wait to read it! You are always so wise!
As a three time breast cancer survivor, I am so very sorry to hear about the loss of your friend. I’m so glad you have great memories of her and your time with her. I suffer survivors guilt sometimes. However, I feel so much better when I’m able to help others. I promise you, I was not left here on this earth to be idle my time. I try my best to be a super cheerleader for those fighting. I have a cut & paste of info I send friends, friends of friends who are starting their battle. I tell them the ins/out of chemo with tips and resources. I make dinners for people with cancer. I visit people in the hospital. I know I’m a miracle and am here to be an encourager.
Bless you Jillee!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Heidi Ferguson
Gainesville, GA
That is so inspiring Heidi, you are amazing!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I just pre-ordered my copy. You are an inspiration to me and I can’t wait to read it!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thanks Denise – I really hope you love it :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.My most heartfelt congratulations, on your journey and the courage to put it out there to inspire the rest of us. You go, girl!!!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thank you Hilary!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Wow! It’s here – so surreal right! I stumbled on your site a few years ago – don’t always get to read all the emails and sometimes your blog. It’s always an issue of time – sad isn’t it! Both my parents were alcoholics – they had very sad lives. The gene didn’t affect me, but did others in the family – very tragic. So glad you were able to overcome that addiction – it’s not easy! Can’t wait to read your book – in fact, I plan to buy several for Christmas gifts this year! Sending you cyber hugs of congratulations for a job well done. You should be very proud of yourself.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Wow – it’s finally here! Feels so surreal doesn’t it. I stumbled on your site a few years ago. I read your emails when I can – sometimes your blogs – it’s always an issue of time – sad isn’t it! Both my parents were alcoholics – me it did not affect – so happy and glad you were able to rise above that addiction. It’s not easy. I look forward to getting your book and plan to purchase several for Christmas gifts this year!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Wow! I am at a loss for words. I have been loving all your tips, ideas, ect. I just stumbled across your site and you have ” captured” me ever since. Congrats and I will be looking for your book….Big hugs to you and yours, and good luck on the book!!!!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Congratulations on your most recent accomplishment, Jillee! I’ve been reading and learning from your column for a while. Thanks for all you share with us!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Go Jillee! Proud (and not surprised) of you!
RIP Stephanie. Thank you for your contribution to the book…
Thank you Dave…
God Bless!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Hey Jill! My heart is so full of happiness for you. I have a notebook called “one good thing…” that I keep chocked full of tips I have gathered from you over the years. (I keep it bound with my secret weapon….my cookbook) For some reason I had no idea you were writing a book, and i couldn’t be more excited today to find out!! If I could only meet you to give you the biggest of hugs….my world would be complete. Your post is so raw with emotion, anxiety, but pure happiness…..i hope the releasing of the book gives you more freedom to fly and inspire more people. We do truly thank you.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thank you so much Tracy! xoxo
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Congratulations on your journey thus far. Wishing you well for the next leg that is yet to come
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thanks Teresia :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Jillee, I know I will love your book as much as I love following your blog. Congratulations!!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thank you Pam!! <3
Please log in or create a free account to comment.So excited!!!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Wow…..this post is one of your best!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I absolutely love how you explain THE BOOK.
I will be at the book store on the 5th!
And if the book is not up-front-and- center with new arrivals I will move all of them there myself.
Congratulations on One Good Life
So sweet Joanne!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.So excited for you! Yours was one of the blogs I started reading years ago that inspired me to be brave and begin sharing my own stories. I have had a very similar journey with addiction and chronic illness. Sharing with others how I find joy in life’s simple pleasures today has made a big impact on my self-confidence.
As you inspire us, it has a ripple effect further than you may imagine. Thank you for bringing us the gift of your honest and courageous spirit. I look forward to reading your book!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.That is so kind Rebecca! How nice to hear!!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Wishing you every success with your new book, and thank you.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thank YOU Suz!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.How very brave of you. Having been in some very dark places I know how healing it is to talk about your life experiences. Congrats…looking forward to reading your book. Best Wishes.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Amen!!! Thank you cathi!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Like a turtle, slow and steady wins the race! Congrats!! Look forward to reading it.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Yes!!!! Thank you sweetie! xoxoxo
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I know it was a hard struggle, so happy for you now, and congratulations!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thank you Linda!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Jillee, I’m very proud of you. Continue to inspire and makes us giggle and be better. Sending hugs.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.xoxo Sally!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.(((Hugs)))
Please log in or create a free account to comment.{{{hugs}}} Elizabeth!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Congratulations, Jillie. Love your daily tips. Look forward to your book.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thank you Ruthann!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Congrats!!! Wow I can’t wait to read your book!! I’ve been following your tips daily fur quite sometime, but to be more than honest, I haven’t been reading your blog. For no other reason than “time” has not allowed. Today for some reason this caught my eye, (more than likely it was the word “booze”. I’m 52 and my parents both passed away from alcohol induced Cirrhosis disease at age 53 and 62. I have two brothers that passed away from the exact same death at 47 and 58. I have been blessed not to have that addiction and often wonder why? I was introduced to hard alcohol since I was a little girl. It’s crazy to think about sometimes.
Anyway, I won’t go on and on, but wanted to let you k ow looking forward to reading your new book!
xo
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Oh my goodness…I am so sorry for your terrible loss to such a terrible disease! That is definitely crazy and so, so sad. Thank you for sharing with me.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Jill, I commend you for you bravery in putting yourself out there by writing what sounds like will be a very real and honest account of your life’s experiences. I have not read it yet, but I’m sure after I read your book I will respect you even more despite knowing where your “scary places” are because we all have them, do we not? Some of us have scarier ones, but I think it’s a great thing you’re doing by sacrificing your comfort zone in the effort to help others, even if it’s just to let them know they are not alone. Thanks for all your tips and tricks and I will continue to look forward to your emails and to reading your book.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.If there’s one thing I’ve learned it’s that, yes, we DO all experience our own “scary places.” It’s easy to feel alone there and I would like nothing more than if this book will help people to know that they are not!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thank you for the kind words Angela! I am so appreciative!
Thank you Jill for everything you do. I wish you the best of luck with your new book. May you be rained upon with rave reviews.
CHEERS,
Please log in or create a free account to comment.CC
Oh I can only hope! :-) Thank you CC!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Well Done!!! Congratulations on your journey. <3
Please log in or create a free account to comment.<3<3
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Jill I am so proud to know you, and give me strength to someday put my own life story on paper, I look up to you. And luv ya XOXOXO
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thank you deby! You definitely should! :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Congratulations Jill! I look forward to reading your book. I have been reading your Blogs now for year and love all the information that you share with us. It will be nice to have it all in one place now. This is just your beginning, you have so much more to give to the world! Thank you for all that you’ve done so far!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thank you so much Kim!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Congratulations, Jill! I have followed your daily blog for almost two years, and I look forward every day to a new dose of “One Good Thing.”
No one deserves this more! I look forward to reading your story.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thank you Flerbiejean! :-)
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