Your Divine Worth

This week I want you to sincerely pray to Heavenly Father to know and feel your worth. Pray that you will know your value in his sight. Pray to feel his love. Pray that you will know your divine worth and your unique purpose as his child on Earth. Add this to all your prayers for a week and truly allow yourself to feel it and feel worthy to feel it.

You may want to start by reading the quote I have on my header.

Body Parts

I know this exercise might sound strange but if you do all the exercises I post you will see a change in the way you think and feel about yourself.

Here is this weeks challenge:

Take an inventory of your body. Make a list of the parts you like and the parts you do not like. Identify why you like the parts that you do. Then identify why you do not like some other parts.

You may find some powerful emotions associated with various parts of your body.

You may have had some painful or humiliating experiences that you have tried to forget.

Close your eyes and visualize that part in your mind. Tell that part that you forgive it for not being perfect . Tell it that you will be more accepting of it from now on. Send it your love and acceptance.

(exercise from: Enlightened Eating by Rebecca Ruggles Radcliffe)

Mall Signing

It was a great day to catch a lot of people in the mall this Saturday since it was the last Saturday before Christmas. I enjoyed talking to and meeting all the people I did. I heard a lot of stories of families effected by eating disorders whether it was their friend, daughter, or even mother.

I hope this Christmas when people open their present (my book) they don't only have a gift of a fascinating read, but of something that might change and help their lives.

Mall Book Signing

I'm inviting you to come meet me and get a signed copy of
A Future for Tomorrow
this Sat. Dec 20th at
Provo Towne Centre Mall.
I will be doing a book signing
starting at 4:00 pm
and going until at least 6:00 pm in front of
Walden Book's
which is on the top floor of the mall .

Hope to see you there!

No More Victim Consciousness

"When we feel like victims of circumstance, we find ourselves feeling powerless, helpless, or hopeless. Stripped of our power psychologically, we sit back and wait for someone else to bail us out or change things for the better." Rebecca Ruggles Radcliffe Author of Enlightened Eating.

Often eating disorders are caused by the person trying to gain a sense of control. Eating is something you have completely control over, no one can make you eat. Anorexia is a complex disease that usually has many factors combined to produce the symptom of starving yourself. Often one of the major triggers is enduring some type of traumatic experience where they feel they did not have control.

The exercise I have chosen this week is to help you gain back your self of power and stop playing the victim.

Exercise:
Take out your journal or whatever and fill in as many answers to each of the following statements as possible:

If __________________ hadn't happened, I would not be able to _____________.

If __________________ hadn't happened, I would not have done _____________.

I am stronger because ____________________________________ ___.

I am who I am today because __________________________________.

Young Women's Activity

I was honored to be invited to do a presentation for a young women group. They were each given my book and after my talk were able to bring their books up for me to sign to them individually. It was more of a relaxed atmosphere oppose to the firesides I've done so I was excited to have more feed back and leave the time open for questions. I hope something I said touched one of them. I truly delight in working with the youth and have a love for them.

I passed out an anonymous survey with four questions:

Do you like the way you look?

Are you on a diet?

Have you ever dieted before?

Does your mom or older sibling diet?

The reason I ask about their mother or sibling, especially on older sister, because statistics show that when a mother diets the daughter is 20% more likely to diet and/or have an eating disorder. The next highest factor after having a mom who diets is if they have a sibling who does.
I found the same results. I was surprised that every paper I got that said they did not like the way they look and yes they have dieted, 100% said yes to a mother dieting. 100%!


Every paper that said no, they haven't dieted and yes they liked the way they looked was 100% on no, their mother did not diet. (However one did answer this way but she did have a dad on a diet. It shows us it is mothers who are the most powerful role model for their daughters)


This tells us what a powerful example we show our daughters. I remember thinking "if "so and so" is on a diet and if my mom is on a diet then I guess I should too."

I was happy to see that the majority of the girls did say they liked the way they looked and did not diet, way to go!

I have more pictures of me with the girls but since this is a public site I will only post this picture:

Thank you ladies for inviting me to speak to you, it was a pleasure!

Love Letter

This week's challenge is to write a love letter to yourself. Write the positive things about yourself, why you're beautiful, why your unique, and why you are worthy of being loved.

This is a great activity for a youth group, or your own teen or pre-teen. If you do it for an activity have them seal the letters in envelops with their mailing addresses on them. You mail their letters back to them and tell them to read it every day for a week, and keep it where they can read it when they are feeling down.

A Myth of the Perfect Book

This was written and posted on Tristi Pinkston's blog a while ago and it touched me. I feel these words apply to my own book. I wanted to share it with all of you.
Tristi is a wonderful writer and Author of three published books and one coming out this spring. This is her post:

Wednesday, September 10, 2008
The Myth of the Perfect Book

I have decided there's no such thing as writing the perfect book.

We might write books that are funny and uplifting, dramatic and thought-provoking, or spiritual and enlightening. We might write books that take us to the edges of our strength and force us to push a little harder, to transcend everything we thought we were capable of, to create a new limit to break later on. We might cry as we outline. We might tremble as we write. We can sit back at the end and heave a great sigh and feel that we truly have done what we set out to do . . . and yet, the book is still not perfect.

There will always be typos. There will always be places where we could have shown when we told. There will always be times when we confuse a character's name or forget to hide the key under the mat, thereby making the reader wonder how the hero got in. There will always be something to criticize, regardless of how good the book is.

But that doesn't mean we stop writing.

It means we continue to push ourselves. We continue to stretch ourselves, finding our wings, exploring, expanding, striving. We never, ever give up. But we do it with the knowledge that someone, somewhere, is going to find something wrong with our book.

And that's okay.

It means we're human.

And it means we'll take what we learned from the experience and be grateful for it. We'll grow, we'll hone our skills, and we'll progress. A writer who refuses to learn, who refuses to stretch, will never truly reach the heights he otherwise could. It's the bumps we encounter along the way that knock off our rough spots.

I've had a lot of bumps.

But I'm grateful for them.

I can fly higher now than I ever could before.


Thank you Tristi for these words!

"I love you" challenge

Here is my challenge for the week.:

Look at yourself in the mirror and say "I love you." Say it out loud. It may feel uncomfortable at first, but trust me and try it for at least a week straight every day, even several times a day. Try to mean it, if you don't say it anyway and maybe by the end of the challenge you will mean it or be closer to not hating yourself.

Read the quote I have on my blog header now to begin your challenge.

Like always, I would love to hear your experiences.

Pressure to be Thin

I have a challenge for you, for an entire day keep track of the number of times you hear or see references to dieting. Count conversations, commercials, products you walk by in the store, TV shows and so on. I will do it too. You may be surprised to discover how much pressure there is for thinness coming at us from all sides every day. What a message this sends to our teenagers!

I'm anxious to hear your results.

FREE SHIPPING

For a Christmas Special I am offering FREE SHIPPING!! Just click on the "buy now" button on the right side of the blog to order. If you leave me a note with the name the book is for I can personalize your copy, other wise you will still get a signed copy, just not a personalized one.

I have had several people buying 5-6 copies to give to all their sister-in-laws, daughter-in-laws, friends etc. If you are ordering 4 or more contact me either by leaving your contact information on a comment or e-mail me at afuturefortomorrow@gmail.com for a special discount.

I was also touched by the generous actions of a Young Women's President. She is purchasing a copy for her entire young womens. What an inspiration she is in the efforts of reaching those who can benefit from the message in my book.

Weekend of Book Signings

My first book signing was at Confetti , Antiques, and Books in Spanish Fork. This is me with the owner Donny. He sells my book on his site (confettibooks.com), on amazon.com , and in his store.

I've been excited about my next book signing since I found out about it. I was honored to be there with some amazing authors. It was at Provident Book in Pleasant Grove. What a neat store! I recommend it to everyone. They have great toys, games, books, paintings, candy and more! I love how they want to get the community involved with act ivies presented by their store. Starting with the full day of author book signings yesterday and continuing with book clubs where authors come to discuss their books and more!

This is me with my friend and great author Tristi Pinkston (http://tristipinkston.blogspot.com/)

I was excited to see her there. She has done a lot for me and I respect her greatly!

What You Can Do

I am often asked what someone can do to help an individual who they think has an eating disorder. Here are my thoughts and some information from National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA).

"Parents, siblings and close friends play a significant role in guiding and supporting others. In many cases, individuals with eating disorders cannot recognize a need for help in themselves, and it takes a strong, caring individual to reach out.
If you are worried about your friend’s eating behaviors or attitudes, it is important to express your concerns in a loving and supportive way. It is also necessary to discuss your worries early on, rather than waiting until your friend has endured many of the damaging physical and emotional effects of eating disorders." -NEDA

I agreed that confronting your loved one is imperative. However, as a parent talking to their teen, I know first hand it may only led to fights and in my case running to my room in tears feeling that they didn't understand.
Parents still need to confront their teens no matter how confrontational. Here is a suggestion that I think is invaluable. My close friend Micaela, who is also a survivor of anorexia, said she thinks parents need to inform themselves about the disorder beforehand. Learn that the symptom of starving yourself is rooted in deeper issues and isn't a "phase" and it isn't as easy as "just eat."
Talk to your teen by telling them you understand that their behavior comes from a serious underlining problem that needs to be treated. Let them know you are not disappoint in them, that you have unconditional love for them and be honest about your fears.

There is power in numbers. After hearing concern from friends, relatives, siblings, and parents their combined "accusations" did make me realize there was a problem. But the disease was too powerful and addictive. It controlled me and I didn't know how to stop it. That is why it is important to get your loved one into treatment. A person can NOT beat this disease alone. 22% of anorexics die, that statistic drops to 2-3% if you get treatment.

Don't give up on them. Sometimes it takes hitting rock bottom. It took me literally feeling my body die and knowing my body was shutting down before I got help. Don't let your loved one reach this point. Tell them the disease will only get worse and they will never be happy with their appearance or number on the scale. I hated myself just as much or worse at 150 pounds as I did weighing 85. (I'm happy to report I no longer harbor any self-loathing thoughts)

Next, know there is HOPE! Your friend/child can overcome this disease and leave it behind forever. I have been completely recovered for over 11 years and have never fallen back. A happy full life is obtainable, it starts with you confronting your loved one and getting them professional help.

for more information:
http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/information-resources/family-and-friends.php

Are You at Risk?

Here is a test you can take to see if you are at risk for an eating disorder. You can also use this for a guide if you are concerned for a loved one. Just answer the questions the best you can based on your loved one's behaviors
http://www.anred.com/slf_tst.html

Book Signings

I am doing a double book signing this Saturday, November 15th. I hope to see you there!

AM Book Signing
The first location is at Spanish Fork at the Confetti, Antiques, and Books on 275 N. Main Street from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

PM Book Signing
There's a new store opening in Pleasant Grove on Saturday, November 15th, called Provident Book/Humdinger Toys. It's located at 661 W. State, Pleasant Grove, UT (in the same strip mall as Timpanogos Cyclery). It's just north of the PG Rodeo/Fair Grounds. I'm going to be signing there at 6:00-7:00 pm and would love to see you.

To get there, if you're on I-15, take exit 275. Turn EAST toward Pleasant Grove. When you come to the stoplight at the intersection of Pleasant Grove Blvd and State St, turn RIGHT/SOUTH. The store will be on the RIGHT/WEST side of the street.

Here's an updated list of all the authors who will be there:

10:00 A.M.
Christy Hardman
Larry C. Porter

11:00 A.M.
H.B. Moore
Angela Hallstrom
Tristi Pinkston

12:00 P.M
Julie Coulter Bellon
Monte Shelley

1:00 P.M.
Terri Ferran
C.S. Bezas


2:00 P.M.
Jewel Adams
Herman DuToit

3:00 P.M.
Jennie Hansen
Doris Dant

4:00 P.M.
N.C. Allen
Gilbert W. Scharffs
K.L. Morgan

5:00 P.M
Candace Salima
Alan Cassidy

6:00 P.M.
Blair Tolman
Haley Hatch Freeman

7:00 P.M.
Monte Nyman
Brent L. Top

I'm excited to be apart of this amazing line-up!
To learn more about these authors and their books go to the link below: http://www.providentbook.blogspot.com/

Interview by Nichole Giles

Writer Nichole Giles reviewed my book during my virtual book tour and she wanted to continue with my story by interviewing me and posting a blog about eating disorders. I am very touched by her extra effort to share my story and help reach those who may be suffering.
Her posting holds a lot of valuable information about eating disorders as well as my interview, view it by clicking on the link below. Thank you again Nichole!
http://nicholegiles.blogspot.com/2008/11/eating-disorders-cancerous-killers.html

My Favorite Reviews

Thank you to those who participated on my virtual book tour. The reviews are all in and the tour is over. I appreciated all the reviewer's insite and kind opinions of my book. These are my favorite reviews, the ones that touched me deeply.

http://queenoftheclan.blogspot.com/2008/10/blog-tour-future-for-tomorrow-by-haley.html

http://stayinalivewithstacy.blogspot.com/2008/10/future-for-tomorrow.html

http://karen-hoover.blogspot.com/2008/10/book-review-future-for-tomorrow.html

I enjoyed all the reviews, to see them they will remain on the side of my blog.

My Virtual Book Tour's Last Review

This is my virtual book tour's last review. It is by Bestselling LDS authors Lael Littke and Carroll Morris.

I'm intimidated knowing that these best selling authors not only read my book but reviewed it as well. I appreciate them taking time out of their busy lives to do so.

See their review here:

http://crustyoldbroads.blogspot.com/

Food Linked to Emotion or Sin

I'm frustrated with of messages that link food with emotion or sin. The one that bothers me more than others is "Fat-free, guilt-free cookies or ice cream..." I remember linking guilt with food at a young age partially because of media and these ads.
We've all heard "Chocolate is my guilty pleasure."

There is a commercial that ran not too long ago for Subway, it said something like this:

"You could eat this hamburger and lose your boyfriend, your self-esteem, etc... (it continued to list the dire effects) or you could eat this low-fat subway instead." It listed several things you would lose from your sinful behavior of eating a hamburger but the two that stuck out at me and bothered me the most were those two. So if you eat a hamburger you will gain weight and that is unworthy for good self-esteem or to retain a boyfriend! Shame on Subway!

I was on a date with my husband this week and at dinner I saw this staring at me from across the table.



There are countless messages similar every where we turn.
The key to combat these ads is:
*Awareness, make your impressionable children aware of the lies behind these statements.
*Never reward your child with food, this tells them that good behavior entitles food, or maybe just certain "treats".
*I'm not saying to become hermits or sequester all media, just be aware and counter these ads with the truth. Ask yourself or your children, "What is this ad trying to sell me?" "What are the motives behind this ad?"
*Never say "Oh, did you have a bad day today? Here are some cookies and milk that will make you feel better."

That leads me to media once again. How many times have you seen on TV the girl that gets dumped by her boyfriend or who has had a bad day, throwing herself on her couch with a pint of ice cream and spoon. The message behind this is infuriating to me. Food should never be linked to emotion or even comfort. It is a substance that is ok to enjoy but not to treat a problem. Binges might surpress unwelcome feelings for the time but this is only a bandaid that will actually only create more problems later. Behind ever binge is an emotional issue. It is no wonder we have learned to cope with trauma by eating... look at the connections we are bombarded with "Happiness begins with dessert."

Review by Nichole Giles

Nichole Giles is a member of a group of new LDS writers. Their blog details their struggle in their quest to become published in the LDS market.

Nichole's review of A Future for Tomorrow truly understands the power and devastation of the disease Anorexia Nervosa. Click below to read her review:
http://ldswritersblogck.blogspot.com/

Jaime Theler's review of A Future for Tomorrow

Jaime is the author of two LDS non-fiction books, Parenting the Ephraim's Child and Enjoying the Journey.

To read her review of my book please go to the following link:

http://jaimetheler.blogspot.com/

Karen's Review of A Future for Tomorrow

This review means so much to me. I didn't know Karen when she read my book, but afterword she contacted me and I have been moved greatly by her story. Thank you Karen for this touching review.

http://karen-hoover.blogspot.com/

Participate in my virtual book tour by leaving a comment and inviting your blog friends to these blogs. Thank you!

If You Need Help

I want to get this out there... if you or someone you know is suffering from and eating disorder and need help, advice, or support please feel free to leave me a comment on here or e-mail at
afuturefortomorrow@gmail.com

There is hope and a beautiful life a joy waiting for you.

TV Interview

I will be doing my first TV interview this Wed. I was invited to do a cable show interview which airs on Spanish Fork Cable Channel 17. It will run for an entire week. I'm excited for the experience.

What Would You Do?

This is one of the most asked questions I get. I was asked this question live on the radio during my interview last month. It is also one of the hardest for me to answer and I want to know what you would do and what you think.
Question: What do you do or say to a child, especially a daughter who is over weight? You don't want to hurt her feelings or cause a possible eating disorder.

I will add what I think in a later post I first want your opinions.
Thank you!

Author Tristi Pinkston's Review of My Book

Trisit Pinkston is an author of three published novels and more to come. She is a media reviewer, editor, and entrepreneur.

Tristi as been a mentor and friend to me. She has given me great support and guidance. I know our meeting a year ago was not by chance but was an inspired occurrence. I'm thankful I was lead to her!

She has posted her review of my book on two of her blogs:

http://tristipinkston.blogspot.com/2008/10/future-for-tomorrow-haley-hatch-freeman.html

http://tristisbooktours.blogspot.com/2008/10/future-for-tomorrow-haley-hatch-freeman.html

Shari's Review of A Future for Tomorrow

Shari's review is a down to earth, touching post. Share in her words on this link:

http://sharibird.blogspot.com/

Thank you

Featured on Families.com

I'm excited to to have the opportunity to be featured on families.com under their LDS review.

I was interviewed by Tristi Pinkston. She is an author of three published novels and more to come. She is a media reviewer, editor, and entrepreneur. I'm happy to now call her friend.

To see the interview/review go to the link below:

http://lds.families.com/blog/author-interview-haley-hatch-freeman

The second part will be live (Tomorrow) at 6:00 a.m on Sat. Oct 11th. Here is the link:

http://lds.families.com/blog/author-interview-haley-hatch-freeman-part-two

Rebecca Talley's Review of A Future for Tomorrow

Rebecca Cornish Talley is a Children's Author, LDS Author, and Freelance Writer

This is her Children's Book and her LDS Young Adult Novel:

Go to the link below for her review of my book:

http://www.rebeccatalleywrites.blogspot.com/

Stacy's Virtual Book Review

Oct 6th's virtual book tour review is posted. Stacy Gooch Anderson is the author of the new release The Santa Letters.

I'm extremely touched my Stacy's review, click on the link below to see why.

http://www.stayinalivewithstacy.blogspot.com

I Want Your Response

I'm interested in hearing your responses regarding a few issues. I am going to periodically post a question which I hope you will answer by leaving a comment. You can even answer anonymously if you wish.

Question:

I'm curious to see how many of you feel that you have taken unhealthy steps for the purpose of losing weight. In your life time have you taken diet pills? Made yourself throw up? Fasted (not for religious purposes)? Tried a fad diet? Exercises obsessively?

If you haven't I would also like to hear a no response so I can conclude some sort of statistic.

Virtual Book Tour

My virtual book tour starts officially today!! To participate go to the blog sites listed on the right side of my blog and leave your comment on their blog.
To see the first scheduled review click on the link below. Again, be sure to leave your comment and to send all your blog friends to this site too.

http://queenoftheclan.blogspot.com/2008/10/blog-tour-future-for-tomorrow-by-haley.html

Thank you for your support and being apart of this tour, I'm excited to see your comments and the rest of the reviews.

Summer of 1997

Again this photo was taken after I had gained considerable amount of weight after the near month hospital stay.

Fillmore Double Book Signing

The double book signing this weekend went well. The first location was a library then a store called Duane's. It was fun seeing people from High School and past teacher and friends.

Millard County Book Signing

This Sat. I'm doing a double book signing in Fillmore, Utah. I will be at the Fillmore Library from 10:00-12:00 a.m. then at Duane's from 1:00 -3:00 p.m.
Hope to see you there!

Head Start - Virtual Book Tour

One of my book tour reviewers has posted her review of A Future for Tomorrow. Go to
http://www.jewelsbestgems.blogspot.com/ to read her eloquent words of the beauties of a woman.

To participate leave your comment on the blog site and invite all your blog friends to do the same!

Reviewer:
J. Adams, Author of the YA fantasy, The Journey.Choose Your Path!http://www.jadamsnovels.com/http://www.jewelsbestgems.blogspot.com/http://morganmandelbooks.ning.com/profile/JAdamshttp://www.goodreads.com/author/show/841544.Jewel_Adams_J_Adamshttp://www.asabeaconlight.blogspot.com/http://www.amazon.com/Journey-J-Adams/dp/0615202071/ref=sr_11_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1218167943&sr=11-1

This review was posted early, the rest of the tour will beging in Oct.

Front Page

It was a thrill to be featured on the front page of the Millard County Chronicle Progress. This is the newspaper that covers my hometown county.

To read the article go to http://www.millardccp.com/

I think the reporter did a beautiful job.

KTKK Dr. Jack Stockwell Interview

It was a neat experience doing a radio show yesterday. I appreciate Dr. Stockwell's enthusiasm for my book. I hope we reached and helped many people yesterday, or at least spread more awareness and understanding of the gravity of eating disorders.

The interview should be available for downloading on www.jackstockwell.com by next week

RADIO INTERVIEW

I'm excited to be doing a radio interview on Tues. Sept. 9th The station is KTKK AM 630 at 7:00 to 9:00 am. with Dr. Jack Stockwell.
Calls during the live interview will be excepted and encouraged. Feel free to call with any questions or comments. Their number is: 801-523-1890
I'm thrilled to be able to have this opportunity to reach so many listeners at once. I'm grateful I was invited to do this interview. I hope you all will tune in and call.

If you are out of the area where this station reaches you can catch a live feed on your computer at http://www.k-talk.com/ on the title area, on the right there is a big yellow button saying "listen now" click on that during 7:00-9:00 on Tues the 9th.
And later you will be able to download the interview on http://www.jackstockwell.com/

Eagle Mountain Book Signing- Aug 30th

Thanks to those who came out to my book signing this weekend. I love doing them.

Eagle Mountain Book Signing

I'm excited to hold another book signing. It is going to be on Sat. Aug. 30th at the Walden Park in the Eagle Mountain City Center (next to church building on Frontier St. 1980 East 4300 North) from 5:00 to 7:00.
All are welcome!

Home Town Book Signing

This weekend I traveled to my home town for a book signing. I appreciate all the love and support I received

Photos- June 1997

There were no pictures taken of me at my lowest weight. These were taken after I had gained around 30- to 35 pounds. All these photos were taken after I was released from the hospital where my lowest weight recorded was 85 pounds. I am 5' 9 1/2" tall with large bone structure. It was documented that I was 52% of my ideal weight.

Scipio Book Signing and Newspaper Interview

This weekend I will be in Scipio Utah doing a book signing. It will be Saturday at the Scipio Senior Citizen's building on State Street, from 5:00-7:00.
All are welcome!

I am also doing a newspaper interview. I will be meeting with Progress News this weekend for the interview. I'm excited for the exposure.

To Order Book:

To get your own signed copy of A Future for Tomorrow, you can either leave a comment on this blog site or e-mail me at afuturefortomorrow@gmail.com
Leave your name and mailing address. Thank you.

Cost: 16.95
(plus shipping and packageing)

Convention was amazing!!

Going to the LDS Bookseller's convention yesterday was one of the neatest experiences yet concerning my book. I was able to place tons of books to store owners all over the nation. I remember visiting with people from New York, Michigan, Arizona, Las Vegas, Washington, and more!

There was such a great reception to my book, better than I could have imagined! A representative from Deseret Book was ecstatic about my book, she said there are not very many resources covering eating disorders right now. She said lots of people have come into her store asking for literature and she has nothing to revere them to, except one small talk on CD.

I also met a lady who's sister died of anorexia. She for sure will be selling my book in her store. She hugged me and was so happy that I made it through this powerful disorder.

Almost EVERY person in my line said they knew someone that had an eating disorder. I was amazed at how many people said "I'm so happy this book is out there! This is so needed right now!"

People that didn't know someone effected by the disease were so excited to read about my spiritual occurrences that happened while I was in between life and death.

Several store owners came up to my booth after being told "You have to go check this book out" by other store owners!

Brandon walked around the conference and said I had more people in line than any other's he saw!!!!

One lady told me that my book needs to go national! "This needs to go big." She said. She went on and on about it.

Another high light was meeting Author, Marcia Lynn McClure. She was there promoting her 14th book, The Highwayman of Zanglewood. She was so kind and welcoming to me. She came over and said "Welcome to the Granite family. You're part of us now." We swapped books and she had so much passion for my book. She told me she wants to sell it on her successful Internet book sells business. She said it isn't an LDS site but she wants my book to go nation because eating disorders is a nation problem. She added with a grin "Plus it will be a great missionary tool."

I felt the spirit so strong the entire time. I had to fight back tears as it testified to me that this is where I was suppose to be.

Miracles occurred to just help me make the convention. First of all, getting my books printed in time. There was a hectic rush and we barely made it! Second, I hurt my ankle during a four-wheeler accident. Thank heavens it wasn't worse and that I've healed quickly, allowing me to attend convention using only one crutch =)

Thirdly, my entire family has been throwing up and extremely sick! I have a horrible immunity and catch EVERYTHING. Brandon gave me a special blessing that I would not get this illness so I could make it to convention and guess what? I'm the ONLY one in my family well.

Thank you all for your love and support. I learned how much it means to me yesterday.

Hot Off The Press

I picked up a large amount of my books yesterday, Aug. 1st 2008. It was the craziest experience to see my name on a book. I can't believe I'm actually a published author! I've been so blessed getting to this point.
My books will be for sale in numerous LDS stores across the nation and possibly Canada. However, I am doing personal sales as well. To order a signed copy please leave me a comment expressing your interest or e-mail me at afuturefortomorrow@gmail.com
Thank you

Convention

I'm thrilled to be invited to the LDS Bookseller's convention this Wed. Aug. 6th. There will be lots of store buyers there deciding what books to put in their stores. This convention is only once a year and a pretty big deal. I'm praying for great success.

Off To The Printers

The last couple of weeks has been intensely stressful for me trying to get everything finalized and ready for the printers. I never realized how much work, time, and energy goes into a book. I'm feeling overjoyed that I have made it this far with my project. I'm both excited and nervous about the following steps to come. I'm sure the Lord will guide me and sustain me through the rest of these endeavors as he has since the beginning of this process.

I sent Granite Publishers my final book and cover today after much work by me, my editor Trisit, and my typesetter/ cover designer. Thank you Brock! We had a tight deadline to reach if I wanted to have my book ready for convention, and we made it!!!!!

I started writing A Future for Tomorrow Jan. 1st 2005 It was my new year's resolution to complete it that year, and I did! I couldn't any longer handle feeling the nagging promptings that it was something the Lord wanted done.

It took around seven months of working into the night, since I had a toddler at the time and night was the only time I could find to write. I did some editing and re-writes and felt it was ready to be sent to publishers around 10 months after I started.
There were bumps on the way and life continued. I took a complete break from the book for over a year. I was severely ill with our next child which kept me basically bedridden. Then I wanted to enjoy my newborn a while before pursuing a publisher again.

This fall, the road lead me to a fireside where I meet Trisit Pinkston, (an author with three published books) She helped guide me to the direction I took, which opened doors to make my dream a reality. The rest is history I guess you can say. I'm excited to see what is ahead!

A Future for Tomorrow, beginings

My dream of having my story published and in print is about to come true. Within a matter of weeks I will see the fruits of my labors. How elated I feel! How blessed I feel!

This blog is dedicated to posting review of my book, A Future for Tomorrow, as well as making information available to you about book signings, conventions, firesides and more.

I encourage comments if they are of respectful nature.