From time to time in this space, Balboa Press publishes articles written by our authors in which they share some aspect of their self-publishing journeys. These are the words of Lon Mansaray, author of “The Healing Coloring Book of Lady Lotus Blossom”. For more information about Lon, check out her Facebook and Periscope. Download the Balboa Press free publishing guide to receive more information on self-publishing your book with Balboa Press. 

One of the greatest adventures is becoming a published author. It is a liberating experience that allowed me to release my story, emotions and truths to the world. The journey into self- publishing can be challenging. However, I found that Balboa’s supportive staff and creating a space to write makes the journey easier.

When you make that decision to begin writing life doesn’t stop to give you the right moment, you have to create it. I had two close relatives in the hospital, newly married, healing my own health challenges not to mention Hosting the Earth Show and Pastoring a church. Many emotions came to the surface as I wrote my story.

Waking up with prayer and meditation was essential for me to be centered and open. I also used fragrance to warm and make my writing space cozy. Simmering in a steel pot on the stove I mixed water, cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla as I wrote. Some days it was peppermint in my oil burner, others it was incenses.

Your view is also important because color is energy. I sat where sunlight, green grass, trees and sky were visible. The energy in nature had many messages for me as I wrote. Sounds are very important they can either make your experience blissful or be a major distraction. Ambient music, waterfalls, dolphin sounds and Native American meditation music was an amazing tool I utilized as I wrote. I noticed when I wrote with this beautiful music in the back ground the story teller in me awoke.

This journey of becoming a published author became a breakthrough moment in my life. In order to write, you have to be present and with everyday life the more organized you are the better. Have a system that you follow each day to stay on task. Be kind to yourself and when you’re tired, rest. Set an intention for what you’re creating and use positive affirmation when your writing feels blocked. “I am a great writer all my words express my highest good to the world. This journey has brought me to a place of wholeness and acceptance with my story. I have found courage in every completed page and you will too!

Balboa Press authors who’d like to share a 350-600 word experience related to the self-publishing of their books, are invited to do so by sending a message through our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BalboaPress, by tweeting us @BalboaPress, or by emailing dghosh@ balboapress.com. We may not be able to use every story, but we will read and consider them. Balboa Press reserves the right to edit stories for content, grammar and punctuation accuracy; as well as for space.