Written by Lisa Browning
I have always felt very strongly about the power of storytelling … for both the person sharing their story, and those who will read that story. For the storyteller, the experience can sometimes be incredibly challenging. It is, after all, difficult to be vulnerable. But, as Brené Brown once said, “Owning our story can be hard but not nearly as difficult as spending our lives running from it. Embracing our vulnerabilities is risky but not nearly as dangerous as giving up on love and belonging and joy – the experiences that make us the most vulnerable. Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light.”
As a publisher, I am honoured when clients trust me with stories in which they share their vulnerability with the world. And I will always encourage people (when they are ready, of course) to tell their stories—of fear, shame, loss, regret—because I know that not only will it help them; it will also help their readers. A quote by Iyanla Vanzant is one I refer to often: “When you stand and share your story in an empowering way, your story will heal you and your story will heal somebody else.” I am grateful to each and every one of my clients who has had the courage to be vulnerable.
Mel Horvath-Lucid is one such client. After I published their first book, a children’s book entitled A Serious Case of the Can’ts, in June of last year, Mel approached me again this February, with the manuscript for their second book, entitled The Turning: Reflections of Springtime (the first in a series). In that email, they indicated that they had been hesitant in sending it, as a result of being “in my own vulnerability.” I knew then, even before reading the manuscript, that it would be powerful.
Following are a few questions I asked Mel about the process of publishing both books, and their responses to those questions.
- Although A Serious Case of the Can’ts may have some personal nuances, The Turning is more obviously personal. What was the main difference, for you, between publishing your children’s book, and publishing The Turning?
Mel: For me, the picture book was about stepping into authenticity. The Turning is about the process, the learnings and the mix of joy and sorrow that are a vital part of getting real and learning to live authentically.
- What was the most challenging aspect of putting yourself out there in the way that you did?
Mel: Most challenging was discovering that who I know myself to be on the inside is at such odds with what the world told me to be. Plus, the journey toward authenticity was a hot mess, and writing about that and the messiness, was to know that I would face judgement. So, I did the work to be okay with that, the shit and magnificence of myself.
- What was the greatest gift?
Mel: The greatest gift has been the people who have heard my story and choose to love me, as I am. It is amazing to be able to receive love within the authenticity of who I am. Before, I felt like a fraud. I told myself that if people knew the truth, they wouldn’t love me. That wasn’t the case.
- What would you say to someone who has a personal story to share, but is hesitant in doing so?
Mel: Getting to know yourself is such a worthy use of your time and energy. There is truly nothing more powerful than understanding yourself. This truth can withstand the external pressures. You are worth knowing.
Both of Mel’s books are available from the One Thousand Trees bookstore at www.onethousandtrees.com
