New Release... and I'm not just talking about my first novel!

A new lease on life 

noun phrase

a chance to continue living or to become successful

Release

verb

to free from confinement, bondage, obligation, pain, etc.; let go:

Recently, I had to turn in my letter of resignation after teaching for 19 years. I thought I would retire as a teacher, but unfortunately my body had other plans for me. Due to my psoriatic arthritis and compromised immune system, my doctors told me I would not be able to return to the classroom. Hitting send on that email was difficult for me as it confirmed that I was no longer a teacher, which was my identity for so long, and accept my body was not able to do what it once could. So, I took a day to be sad and feel grief. I honored where I once was and accepted where I am now with many tears and a half a pint of Ben & Jerry's Salted Caramel Ice Cream (so good!).

The next day it was time to continue living. I had to release what I thought the next eleven years of my life would be as a teacher and embrace where I am now. I had let go of what my body could no longer do and embrace what it is able to do. As I said in the video above, being an author was something I always dreamt of for myself and did not think could ever happen. As one part of my life has ended, I have found a new lease on life being an author. I have a new purpose and I am so excited for this next chapter and am grateful to all of you for being a part of it.

In my first novel, The Flannigan Girls, many of Claire's childhood insecurities come to the surface during her adult years. She will need to rediscover her once close knit bond she had with her sisters to help her through her difficult time.

Proving to myself that I could write long form was a huge accomplishment. I was so fortunate to have the support of my own sister friends and so many others. I am excited to share The Flannigan Girls journey and mine with you.

Preorder an autographed copy through my website now. I will send a separate email with the official release date on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and all major retailers.

With love and light,

Wendy