Last week I got the first draft of my book cover. My book coach said, “Stop and get excited THEN tell me what you want to change.” I cried happy tears because I had something in front of me that looked like a BOOK, a real BOOK. Then I understood what she meant. This cover didn’t reflect my message AT ALL.
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There isn’t anything wrong with it… (Jerry said it was “fine”), but my book isn’t THAT. I’m sharing the image with you so you can fully appreciate how my book is different. My magical logo sparklefish is glowing like it was delivered straight from from the heavens. NOT IT. This book is not etherial. It’s not about my saintliness for being a Caregiver. I’m gonna tell you right now that Jerry probably didn’t feel like nominating me for sainthood as I was ramming his wheelchair into corners and the 1,000 times I couldn’t get him turned around in the elevator (I’m not always spatially aware – yes – backpacks are a problem too).
And the book is pink. Yes, my logo is a rich wine color – but WINE. I’m not a pink girl. I’m an orange and purple firecracker. Pops of humor. Snaps of sarcasm. Not warm and fuzzy cotton-candy-pink. NOT IT.
I realized, the graphic designer was working with the word “Caregiver” and the stereotypical version of it. But guess what? WE ARE NOT THAT. Caregivers just don’t talk about it.
“Erin wrote a book about how to be a Caregiver.”
NOPE. SHE DIDN’T. I am in no place to tell you HOW to do or be anything, because I am not YOU. So what DID I write a book about?
The truth.
What it’s really like to be thrust into a role with no notice and simultaneously hold your life together with invisible duct tape.
What it can be like for our mental health.
What it’s like to keep working while being a Caregiver.
What it’s like to try to eat (hello FOOD BONUS SECTION!).
Lessons I learned in hindsight.
Hints for survival.
Self care (hahaha I hate that term).
What I DID write is a friend. A friendly face with ridiculous stories and scary stories and stories that made me cry as I relived them to write them out for you. This book is a companion. So you know you’re not the only one who tapes maxi pads to their husband’s body.
You’re not alone.
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P.S. Spread the love – invite a friend to join the journey! www.ErinCopelan.com