I feel as if launching a book is like stepping into a spaceship and launching into space. Although I can’t relate to the experience of physically leaving planet Earth and jaunting into orbit, it sure feels like some kind of emotional explosion. I have allowed my thoughts to make their way onto paper, and now people will read them.
And their reaction, like blasting off into space, is out of my control.
5-4-3-2-1 – Blast off! How I Learned to Pee in The Forest and Other Light-Hearted Stories with Life-Changing Lessons is officially published and available on Amazon!
But before blasting off…
For those who don’t face that blinking cursor on a blank document like I do, the one that eventually fills pages with, I hope, enticing prose, that task may seem as foreign as a green monster from Mars. And at times, I would agree!
I have written novels before, but that was a lifetime ago, and everything has changed since then. Including me.
Here’s my story of how it all went down for How I Learned to Pee in The Forest, which I am proud to say is my fourth publication.
The Emotional Journey of Launching A New Book
As usual, when an idea falls into my lap, I can’t ignore it. I need to and really want to follow through and write a story about it.
Of course, the book idea must be a good one. Something that would interest my readers. My readers enjoy authentic, relatable stories that are simple and easy to read, yet still hit home with lessons you can’t forget and want to talk about.
How The Idea For “How I Learned To Pee In The Forest” Began
Over the years, I have made note of all the different scenarios that are “story-worthy” in my mind. You could say these stories have fallen into my lap and stayed there.
Some go as far back as when I was 18, and others happened only a few years ago. How do I know they are “story-worthy”? It’s quite simple. When I shared them verbally, I got a reaction.
A good enough reaction that if I added the right description and emotion, these stories would entice people to read about them, which is my M.O.
I Rule The Sandbox
I love to write in two places. My grandmother’s couch, and at my neighbourhood coffee shop. And I know for sure that a good time will be had at either of these two places. The coffee is poured. The phone is silenced (no scrolling allowed!).
I allow thoughts to fall from my brain onto my keyboard with no inhibitions.
It’s as if I am in kindergarten, playing in the sandbox and building a castle while no one tells me to build it this way or that way, share my toys, or clean up my mess.
My sandbox.
My rules.
Yippeeee!
It was at these chosen destinations where I wrote about everyday situations.
How I Learned to Pee in the Forest shares 18 short stories that are relatable and remind readers they are not alone as they go through life and all its messy but beautiful challenges.
Writing Stories From Real Life Experiences
The co-worker who ignores you for reasons you can’t understand—until she sees a film you are connected to, which breaks down a barrier.
The dry cleaner who misplaces your favourite sweater and claims they never lose items, only to realize they’re not infallible after you calmly explain that they are human.
The shop owner who initially ignores you, but after a little patience and kindness, comes around—not only helping you but delivering more than you expected.
But This Book Isn’t Only About Me
After each story, there are mentor insights that provide thought-provoking reflections and expand the meaning of the story.
And I couldn’t end each chapter with only my story and someone else’s commentary. I had to add one more thing!
Before each chapter ends, there are gentle guided practices with links to short videos that help readers pause, breathe, and embody the lessons within.
And So, It Begins…
3-2-1… Blast off For Book #4!
Hitting the publish button feels like being thrown into outer space en route to Mars, carrying two years of my blood, sweat, and tears—now printed in a book for the world to read.
Will everyone like my “sandcastle”? Absolutely not.
But that’s what blasting off into space is all about.
Relatively speaking, it’s out of your control.
Sharon Neiss Arbess is the author of four books, including The Most Amazing Department Store, Get Up and Me, & My So-Called Friends. Her writing has also appeared in national newspapers and online magazines. Sharon lives in Toronto with her husband, Gordie Arbess. Together, they’ve raised three adult children who continue to inspire her writing.
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