I figured since it has been a couple months, I would send out a quick update with my publishing journey.
After months of collaboration, my graphic designer (www.jesshurley.com) and I have finally finished the cover of my book!
The other exciting news is my book is officially with the professional copy editor in its final stages of polishing, then will be shipped off to my proofreader in January. Promo materials are being whipped together, headshots are in a couple weeks - being an author and a publisher is a lot of work! The countdown to publication is now down to three months, then a whole new adventure of book sales will begin...
In the meantime, I think it's worth noting an interesting development with the Jehovah's Witnesses in the news. This past year I have done a lot of research as to what my family has been taught in regards to the treatment of a disfellowshipped person such as myself. What I have found has been grossly manipulative and hateful. Turns out, I am not the only one appalled. Recently in The Telegraph, an article has been written in response to an investigation being launched about the bullying tactics the Witnesses use regarding people like myself who have left the religion. It has been labeled as, "religious hate". You can read the article here:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/8791196/Police-inquiry-over-Jehovahs-Witness-magazine-mentally-diseased-article.html
I have to say, I'm a little relieved to see someone else shining light on such a damaging and controlling religion. To call someone "mentally diseased" for leaving is not right, and it's about time someone stood up and said so.
I leave you now with a quote (how much do I love quotes...) that pretty much sums up the past four years. I wrote this book because I had to, because despite my fear and my doubt, there was always a voice deep within me whispering in waves, "I must tell my story." Now that it's written, I cannot begin to describe how good it feels to be standing on the other side.
Stay tuned, dear friends...
and Merry Christmas :)