Today is a dream come true for me. I wrote a book and it is available now on all book buying outlets. I’m really excited but also feeling the blues from all the recent tragedies. I know many around the world feel low. Our sensitive hearts, minds and bodies pick up on all the fear, hate and sorrow.
I thought about how to tastefully make my announcement while respecting others’ losses and sadness. A timely message crossed my path. It was this quote (supposedly) from Robert Downey Jr., You need to know what to do when the sun stops shining. 
It’s true. In our day-to-day lives and in our relationships we have to know what to do when things fall apart. If sadness, fear and hopelessness engulf us, we stop living. I’ve been in that place and will experience those feelings again, I’m sure.
We have to grieve. We have to process, but eventually we have to make our own sunshine and make sunshine for others, which coincidentally makes more light for us.
When disasters happen, many, many good people show up to help. This is the bright spot in the dark situation.
When I get nervous about having my book out in the world for everyone to judge, I think about the reason I wrote it in the first place, to help people. My book is not perfect. I’ve already found mistakes in the hard copy… But I wrote it with good intentions and my heart is in it.
The Quiet Rise is designed to foster peace within ourselves and comfort in relationships.
If you want to learn more about The Quiet Rise of Introverts click here.
What can you do when the sun stops shining?
Big Thank You
I want to thank all of you for sharing with me over the years and for being an inspiration for The Quiet Rise of Introverts. You gave me a home for my thoughts and feelings. I hope to give you a home for yours. I also want to thank my family. They are mentioned a lot in the book, particularly my sister, dad, stepmom, mom and ex-husband. They served as inspiration and teachers. I had an incredible group of supporters while writing The Quiet Rise: Hugo Villabona, my editor from Mango Publishing; Michelle Lewy and Hannah Paulsen my marketing team from Mango; my writing group sisters Roxanne, Jennifer, Tina and Eleanor; my former writing coach Lauren Sapala, my dear friends Debbi and Kimber and my boyfriend Mark. All of the above and probably some I’ve regrettably forgotten, gave me the energy and courage to get the book written.
A friend and reader sent me this picture. Looks like a nice way to spend the evening.
To see what you’ve always wanted come true is fantastic! Congratulations! I understand your comment of putting your book out there for criticism but it’s what we must do!! So proud of you. My father was an author as well. His books are in the library of Congress in Washington DC. Love you, connie k.
Thank you Connie! You’ve been on this creative trek with me for years and years. I so appreciate you and your inspiration. That’s so cool your dad was an author!! I’d love to hear more sometime. Love you too sweet lady.
Congratulations Brenda. Amazing accomplishment.
Thank you David! I feel like I’ve been reading and writing with you from the beginning of my writing journey. Nice to be on the path together.
P.S. I love your choice of Robert Downey Jr’s quote! It’s soOOooo perfect for your book, AND these times, but also for a post I’m working on, so I’ve hijacked it 🙂 THANK YOU!
Isn’t that a good one?! Use it with zest! I know you will! 🙂
WOOHOO Brenda! YOU DID IT! It is indeed a confusing/difficult time to make such a happy announcement! But you did it with such grace and compassion, as always! You are a class act sistah, and your light is greatly needed and appreciated. Rawk on, write on and shine on! xoxoxoxoxo
Thank you Julie! You are the queen of grace, compassion, inspiration, kindness and light!
congratulations! that’s awesome! i really enjoy your blog, and am sure that your book is equally amazing!
Thank you Sereia!
Have it on my Kindle, and am planning to read this weekend!
Congratulations, Brenda Knowles!
Michael
Thank you Michael!
Congratulations Brenda!!! I’m reading it now and it’s AMAZING.
Thank you Lauren for many reasons! You’ve helped so much. I would love to get your feedback privately.