Obrigada. Modupe. Gracias. THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
3:01am. Sunday morning. The IndieGogo clock has just run out. I’m the only one awake in our hotel suite. Awestruck and exhausted, I kneel to whisper a prayer of thanks. 35 days. 160 people generously gave a total of $17,000. My first novel, Janaína, is funded at 155%. I leapt and you caught me.
Because of you, I am gifted with an opportunity to complete a book that has been in me for years. Emboldened to embrace my first love without apology. Because of you, I’m well equipped to produce a novel honoring the grace, grit, genius and complexity of Black girls in the US and Brazil. I get to write knowing there is already an audience for Janaína. Can I tell you how delicious this feels? I’m grinning wide as I write this. My soul is singing.
Sunday dawn, I prayed a litany of thanks. One day I will tell the full story of how I arrived at this moment – knowing that writing this book would ultimately save my life – but that is for another time. I’m also saving my praise shout for the acknowledgements section of my book. It’s a long list and I’m so grateful for you, the strong circle that stretched wide to help me exceed my fundraising goal.
For now, I simply want to share 3 things:
· A special shout out to my ibeji (my twin sis)
· Thoughts on next steps now that Janaína is funded
· Lessons from this 35-day leap
TWIN POWER. Deep in the fundamento of this campaign is the axé of ibjeji (the spiritual power of twins). In West African culture, twins are revered as bearers of blessing: one soul so powerful it had to occupy two bodies to fulfill its earthly calling. My relationship to Andrea is magical and our twin-synergy was deepened during this campaign. I’m in awe of my sis and moved by her devotion to this project. Despite grueling 12-hour workdays, ANDREA read multiple versions of my pitch and made time (until 5am two mornings) to help me cut the promo video. She’s been an amazing coach, editor and prayer warrior in this process. Did I says she’s the best!?! Even as our lives unfurl on different paths, this project realigned us in unexpected ways. There’s talk of collaborating on Janaína the film too. SHOUT-OUTS to the 8sets of twins in our family – 4 of whom we saw at last weekend’s family reunion. And a soulful SALUTE to the 18thcentury twins that survived the Middle Passage to Brazil at age nine and sparked the idea for this novel. Wonder-twin powers activate!
NEXT STEPS. I’ll be working out a detailed plan, but at week 1, here’s what’s already underway:
· I’ll be traveling to Brazil at the end of this month for some initial research and interviews (and also looking to complete alonger stretch of writing /research this winter).
· After IndieGogo and Fractured Atlas fees, I’m giving10% of my proceeds to organizations that empower Black/Latino youth to telltheir own stories. In Harlem, <a>Brotherhood Sister Sol</a>’s Lyrical Circle will receive support. I’m currently vetting two community-based groups in Brazil that do similar work. More to come.
· I’m researching writing courses (between Gotham,Medgar Evers, 92StY) and applying for writing fellowships with autumndeadlines. Any ideas, please holla at your girl!
· And much more to come (writing, editing, cover design, book layout, and more) in the months ahead. Please stay tuned onmy <a>website</a> which I’ll be updatingafter August 5.
LEAPING LESSONS
After such a rigorous campaign, there’s lots to reflect on. These are my most encouraging lessons:
· Life is too short to wait. Two people I knew passed during the 35 days of this campaign. One only 36 years old. The other not yet 60. There will never be a better time than now to do what you desire. Tomorrow is not promised.
· Perfectionism will choke you. Surrender will liberate you. As a Virgo, I know too much about the pitfalls of perfectionism. It’s what took this book so long to be born in the first place. When I launched my IndieGogo, I had a big plan (press release, weekly updates on Janaína themes, posting video clips that were cut from the current promo reel, local readings, translating the video and site into Portuguese). Then my work life and living situation changed dramatically in the first week of the campaign --- and I didn’t have time for anything but the basics. It turned out to be enough. So often, I’ve wasted time trying to get it “right” when getting it “done” was more important. People will see your intention and trust your track record. My reminder: I am enough and I can start where I am. You too. Your pathwill flow freely once you surrender to it.
· Obey your intuition (Spirit). Don’t worry how crazy or impossible your dream seems. I stepped into obedience following one strong sign at a retreat this spring. In a room of 60 women, I happened to sit next to a sista who felt so familiar tome. After playing the name game, we still couldn’t figure out how we knew one another. Then she started telling me her story: “I live in California,but I was adopted at 9 months old from Brazil and brought to live here.” My jaw dropped when I realized I was talking to one of the main characters in my book! This sista and I are still in touch and one day she’splanning to return home to Brazil and learn her mother tongue. Put your faith into action and leap into your longing. Doors will open that you can’t even imagine. Keep your eyes on the signs – not just the prize.
· Help doesn’t always come from where you expect it but it will come. I’m blessed to have a phenomenal group of friends and family that anchored this campaign. There were also many complete strangers that stepped up. And several BIG surprises from people I never would’ve predicted that left me awestruck. Don’t be disappointed when help doesn’t come from your desired source. Keep your mind and heart open to larger Source. Be open for a glad surprise.
Since you’ve been so generous, I wanted to share a little more deeply, let you know how the campaign ended and where it’s going.
Much love,
Lorelei
3:01am. Sunday morning. The IndieGogo clock has just run out. I’m the only one awake in our hotel suite. Awestruck and exhausted, I kneel to whisper a prayer of thanks. 35 days. 160 people generously gave a total of $17,000. My first novel, Janaína, is funded at 155%. I leapt and you caught me.
Because of you, I am gifted with an opportunity to complete a book that has been in me for years. Emboldened to embrace my first love without apology. Because of you, I’m well equipped to produce a novel honoring the grace, grit, genius and complexity of Black girls in the US and Brazil. I get to write knowing there is already an audience for Janaína. Can I tell you how delicious this feels? I’m grinning wide as I write this. My soul is singing.
Sunday dawn, I prayed a litany of thanks. One day I will tell the full story of how I arrived at this moment – knowing that writing this book would ultimately save my life – but that is for another time. I’m also saving my praise shout for the acknowledgements section of my book. It’s a long list and I’m so grateful for you, the strong circle that stretched wide to help me exceed my fundraising goal.
For now, I simply want to share 3 things:
· A special shout out to my ibeji (my twin sis)
· Thoughts on next steps now that Janaína is funded
· Lessons from this 35-day leap
TWIN POWER. Deep in the fundamento of this campaign is the axé of ibjeji (the spiritual power of twins). In West African culture, twins are revered as bearers of blessing: one soul so powerful it had to occupy two bodies to fulfill its earthly calling. My relationship to Andrea is magical and our twin-synergy was deepened during this campaign. I’m in awe of my sis and moved by her devotion to this project. Despite grueling 12-hour workdays, ANDREA read multiple versions of my pitch and made time (until 5am two mornings) to help me cut the promo video. She’s been an amazing coach, editor and prayer warrior in this process. Did I says she’s the best!?! Even as our lives unfurl on different paths, this project realigned us in unexpected ways. There’s talk of collaborating on Janaína the film too. SHOUT-OUTS to the 8sets of twins in our family – 4 of whom we saw at last weekend’s family reunion. And a soulful SALUTE to the 18thcentury twins that survived the Middle Passage to Brazil at age nine and sparked the idea for this novel. Wonder-twin powers activate!
NEXT STEPS. I’ll be working out a detailed plan, but at week 1, here’s what’s already underway:
· I’ll be traveling to Brazil at the end of this month for some initial research and interviews (and also looking to complete alonger stretch of writing /research this winter).
· After IndieGogo and Fractured Atlas fees, I’m giving10% of my proceeds to organizations that empower Black/Latino youth to telltheir own stories. In Harlem, <a>Brotherhood Sister Sol</a>’s Lyrical Circle will receive support. I’m currently vetting two community-based groups in Brazil that do similar work. More to come.
· I’m researching writing courses (between Gotham,Medgar Evers, 92StY) and applying for writing fellowships with autumndeadlines. Any ideas, please holla at your girl!
· And much more to come (writing, editing, cover design, book layout, and more) in the months ahead. Please stay tuned onmy <a>website</a> which I’ll be updatingafter August 5.
LEAPING LESSONS
After such a rigorous campaign, there’s lots to reflect on. These are my most encouraging lessons:
· Life is too short to wait. Two people I knew passed during the 35 days of this campaign. One only 36 years old. The other not yet 60. There will never be a better time than now to do what you desire. Tomorrow is not promised.
· Perfectionism will choke you. Surrender will liberate you. As a Virgo, I know too much about the pitfalls of perfectionism. It’s what took this book so long to be born in the first place. When I launched my IndieGogo, I had a big plan (press release, weekly updates on Janaína themes, posting video clips that were cut from the current promo reel, local readings, translating the video and site into Portuguese). Then my work life and living situation changed dramatically in the first week of the campaign --- and I didn’t have time for anything but the basics. It turned out to be enough. So often, I’ve wasted time trying to get it “right” when getting it “done” was more important. People will see your intention and trust your track record. My reminder: I am enough and I can start where I am. You too. Your pathwill flow freely once you surrender to it.
· Obey your intuition (Spirit). Don’t worry how crazy or impossible your dream seems. I stepped into obedience following one strong sign at a retreat this spring. In a room of 60 women, I happened to sit next to a sista who felt so familiar tome. After playing the name game, we still couldn’t figure out how we knew one another. Then she started telling me her story: “I live in California,but I was adopted at 9 months old from Brazil and brought to live here.” My jaw dropped when I realized I was talking to one of the main characters in my book! This sista and I are still in touch and one day she’splanning to return home to Brazil and learn her mother tongue. Put your faith into action and leap into your longing. Doors will open that you can’t even imagine. Keep your eyes on the signs – not just the prize.
· Help doesn’t always come from where you expect it but it will come. I’m blessed to have a phenomenal group of friends and family that anchored this campaign. There were also many complete strangers that stepped up. And several BIG surprises from people I never would’ve predicted that left me awestruck. Don’t be disappointed when help doesn’t come from your desired source. Keep your mind and heart open to larger Source. Be open for a glad surprise.
Since you’ve been so generous, I wanted to share a little more deeply, let you know how the campaign ended and where it’s going.
Much love,
Lorelei
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