A change is gonna come...plus how this author got her agent and book deal
Last week, my husband and I celebrated 29 years together. 29! And I’m really not that old!
So it’s been a nostalgic week to say the least.
It got me thinking about all the phases of our life together, all the people we’ve been and all the ways we’ve changed—and stayed the same. (Something I also explore in my upcoming book, Again Only More Like You—details to come!)
I know I’m partial, but it’s so cool, you know? The roller coaster of life. The highs and lows. The challenges and the opportunities. The breakthroughs and the growth.
2024 might be my stretchiest year yet. I’m leaning into my faith more than ever, trusting where God is leading me, and taking on so many fears, doubts and limiting beliefs to create new pathways for success, growth, learning and fulfilment. Most importantly, I’m raising up my sails, so I can bring more people with me—and that can be the scariest change of all.
Sometimes change is scary. Sometimes I wonder if I’ll still like myself when it’s over, or if the people in my life will be able to keep up. I worry about what I could be leaving behind, or what I might find on the other side.
But here’s the thing about change. We’re all changing, whether we like it or not. Marching toward the inevitable finish line. Nothing is static. Nothing stays the same. Not my kids or my house (where something always seems to be breaking down and falling apart) or my body or even my budget.
The way I see it, I have two choices: I can let life change me. Or I can drive the change.
Because one thing’s for sure, a change is gonna come.
Cat xo
PS: What new seeds are you planting this spring, to bear fruit in your life over the months to come? I have a theory that any progress is still progress, even something as small as a note on my iPhone, a date on my Calendar or a phone call with a future client/partner/ally. Another thing I look for are patterns. When the universe sends me multiple messages on the same topic, I know it’s trying to tell me something, and I perk up my ears and start listening and paying attention. What could the universe/God be telling you?
Do you have a travel memoir in you?
A few months ago, I had the pleasure of moderating a panel on how to write and publish your travel book. It featured my publishing house sister Kristen Van Nest, who shared her story of how she got her agent and book deal for her book Where To Nest, launching now!
Kristen’s debut travel memoir sounds like a page right out of my life, so I can’t wait to read it:
After college and getting her dream job in New York City, Kristen thought she had everything a modern Millennial was supposed to want: a sexy zip code, a boyfriend, and a corporate job.
But instead of feeling content, she soon realized she had no idea who she was and what made her happy. Naturally, she did what any sane person would do: hopped on a plane and spent the rest of her twenties living abroad and traveling the world in search of love, adventure, and new and exciting places to eat.
By stripping away the cultural norms and expectations she grew up with in the U.S., crossing the globe as she struggled to find belonging, Kristen rebuilt from scratch a new identity, sense of self, and life purpose.
You can get Kristen’s book at your favourite book store.
And click here to listen to Kristen share about her journey to the book shelf and to hear from other experts on:
-What publishers today are looking for in a travel book and author
-How to attract an agent and that dream book deal
-What you need to know about self-publishing your book
Watch here:
Going once, going twice
If writing or publishing a book is the ticket to the change you want to see in your life, be sure to sign up for my membership program and receive these member benefits before the sale ends.
For $49/month or $399/year, you’ll get:
-Weekly writing prompt and “Write-in” sessions, to spark ideas for your writing and for additional support and accountability -Monthly Mastermind with me :) for guidance on writing your first draft, moving through edits and revisions, querying agents and publishers, and planning your book launch
-Access to my Kickstart Your Book book planning modules -Slack channel to connect with other authors in the program, and share your weekly wins and writing prompt submissions
-And so much more! Plus, for those who purchase the yearly membership, you’ll also receive a one-hour book consultation with me, to deep dive into your book outline, publishing strategy and book launch/book marketing plan. Click here to sign up to enjoy these member benefits and more!
“I highly recommend working with Cat! In just 2 months since we started working together, I finished the last 40% of my book. I was stuck around the 40k words mark for many years. Cat got me unstuck and inspired me to move forward.”
—Joe Lyons-Rising