My mother, who was always embarrassed that she never went to college, was the perfect 1950’s homemaker. Yet, when she was 60, she published a book.  A few years before, she had discovered the benefit of natural foods and wrote a book describing them and how to convert your kitchen.  Like, replacing white flour with whole wheat, removing any food with additives you can’t pronounce. 

She had trouble finding a publisher, even though she drove a whole  day to get to New York and walk into multiple offices.  She had guts.  But, they all turned her down.  They admired the book, the concept, the writing, but said there was no interest in natural foods.  Like so many things in her life, she was too early.  This was in the early 80’s, before the natural food movement took off.

So, rather than be beaten, she decided to publish this herself – long before there was anything known as self-publishing.  It was a small book, smart black and white cover called, All About How To Be Healthy,Naturally. 

I think about her now as my next book is ready to come out, Why Don’t You Understand? A Gender Relationship Dictionary.  I published my first book when I was 44.  My mother,of course, was so proud.  But, I think I was more proud of her having published hers. What I learned from her, though, was to push ahead, despite the set backs. 

I’m 65 now.  The publishing business is very different now than 21 years ago.  If I want to promote this dictionary, I have to make much more effort than I did before. Then I could rely on the publisher to do all the work.  That doesn’t happen any more.

So, every time I get depressed and think, “I don’t want to promote this book,”I think about my mother’s 12 hour drive, each way, only to fall back on herself.  She sold out her first printing by going store to store to store.  She died eight years ago, but if she could do all that, I certainly can do no less.

Are there gifts you got from one of your parents that youare not putting to good use?