Happy Thanksgiving and some very BIG NEWS!
Happy Thanksgiving Friends!! I truly have so much gratitude in my heart right now. For the last few weeks I have been thinking so much about this topic, and all of the ways choosing to focus on gratitude impacts our days and our lives. I wanted to write a post about all of that. And I tried. (Of course many people have written on the topic before, but you can never say too much, right?) I was wrestling with putting my thoughts into words, and as I sat there staring at the screen, a notification popped up in the right corner (I know writers are supposed to turn off notifications, oops.) This one caught my eye. And it gave me even more reason to be grateful. The subject line said: “Your Book Contract!”
This is what I’ve been waiting for…And also my green light to (finally!) share some really good news with you!!!
(You have no idea how hard it’s been for me to keep this secret!)
You guys!! I’M WRITING A BOOK! I GOT A BOOK CONTRACT! It’s a book for boy moms (though girl moms will love it too! 🙂 ) Seriously my friends: This is such a dream come true for me!
(insert jumping up and down and maybe peeing my pants just a little bit and all kinds of excitement.)
This ^^ was the cover of the Book Proposal we sent to Publishers. (Not the actual book cover.)
Here’s a bit of the back-story (because I hated not telling you every step of the way!
HOW I GOT HERE: It’s been on my heart for a few years to go deeper into some of the parenting topics I have shared on my blog. After my Teenage Boy post went viral (and then this one and this one and a few others) I wanted so badly to share more. My passion for parenting, and raising my own four sons (one who is an adult now!) is just more than can fit into a blog post, and there is so much more I wanted to write about. So, last summer, (while I was supposedly “taking a break from writing”, *wink wink*) I began to pour my heart into the first chapters of a book, and then a full book proposal (which, by the way, is in itself a ginormous task.)
By September, the Proposal was ready, and my agents (I’ll tell you about them below) pitched it to publishers. Publishers had a month to get back to us, so I began doing some phone interviews and sure enough, contract offers started coming in. It was very exciting.
Then, on my birthday, (can you believe the timing!?) I accepted a publishing offer! (more about the publisher below.) It was the best birthday ever!
Then, because contracts require time (and a team of people in New York City, I have learned) nearly four weeks later, the official contract just came in. Just in time for Thanksgiving!
So here I am, making things official. And so happy to share the news with you!
Details about the book:
TITLE: “BOY MOM”. (subject to change, but we’re all pretty much in love with it!)
BASIC IDEA: Great men do not happen by chance. This book walks readers through 12 things boys need most to grow up to be great young men. It’s not about adding a burden on parents, but helping them narrow their focus on the things that really matter.
HEART OF THE BOOK: Boy Mom will be a handbook for moms who want to be intentional about raising great sons. I hope to equip and encourage all moms–whether married or single, working outside the home, or in-the-home…whether raising little boys or teenagers. This book will offer support and inspiration, but most of all give sound advice and wisdom. Boy Mom will be very practical, with many examples, as well as lists/resources in each chapter. (It’s going to be packed. And no-fluff.) Also, the book is being published by a Christian publisher, and I will very naturally share how our faith has shaped our parenting. But my heart is for this book to be useful for all moms, and I think the practical (and friendly 🙂 ) nature will reach a wide audience.
What about Dads? (I love dads. They are SO important!) And though Dad’s are welcome to read Boy Mom, it is written to encourage and support moms. ALSO — (not sure if it’s ok to announce this but why not…) There is talk of following this book up with a shorter/cliff-notes version book for the dads, written with my husband’s help! Wouldn’t that be awesome!?
OTHER FEATURES: I will be meeting with editors early in the new year, and everything could change over time, but I’m hoping to include Boy-Approved recipes for each section of the book. Food is a major connecting point between moms and sons and we feed our sons around 20,000 meals while raising them, so I’d love to share some great food in this book! There are also a few other surprises that will make this book absolutely unique from anything out there. (I have to keep a few secrets!)
MY AWESOME AGENTS:
The Bindery. Alexander Fields began this agency after years working as the VP of a Publishing House. He has been in the book world for a very long time and is super well-respected in the book world. He has been incredible to work with and I thank God that he came alongside me.
Teaming up with Alex, my friend (and fellow author) Roger Thompson is acting as my coach and co-agent on this book. Roger is just beginning to work with a small handful of authors to help develop concepts and hone their writing skills. I’m so thankful to get to work with him.
THE PUBLISHER: I am honored to be publishing with Waterbrook , an imprint of Penguin Random House! I’ve met the team over the phone and look forward to a personal visit in the New Year. (Good news is: They’re based out of Colorado Springs, so how much fun will that be!?) I feel that I am in very good hands, and if you click HERE you can see a list of authors that they have published. Seriously can’t believe I’ll be on their list!
TIMELINE: So…books take a long time! 🙂 I will turn in my final manuscript in April, and the book is set to launch sometime in (hopefully the spring of) 2019. That sounds like a long time, but there is a lot that has to happen between now and then. (Also: Time flies!)
WHERE YOU FIT IN: Over the next year I’ll definitely be looking for a crew of you who would like to walk with me through this journey. I would so appreciate prayers for every step (especially the writing!) and eventually I’ll need a team to bounce ideas off of, maybe help me choose a cover, or any number of details. AND THEN, when it is closer to launch, I’ll need a team who will receive advanced copies of the book and be willing to help me spread the word. I’m new to this, so I’ll find out more, but of course you’re welcome to comment or email me to say you’d like to be considered for the team! (I love you guys so much!)
I’M SO THANKFUL: To God, who not only gave me my four sons, but led me each step of the way to this day. To YOU GUYS, for reading my posts, sharing them, and being a part of this community. To my husband, for partnering with me in raising our boys, and for believing in me with this book!
And to these 4…
…who have made me a Boy Mom…Who have allowed me to tell their stories, share their photos and been the kind of boys that give me confidence that I have something to say about parenting. They have also been: my technical assistants, graphic designers, photographers, and even proof-readers. The list goes on and on. I have so much to say about these four, I think I could write a book…
…Oh yeah. 🙂
Happy Thanksgiving! I do hope you and your family can focus on gratitude now, and every single day! And truly, thank you for sharing in my joy.
Monica
Hi Monica,
I am eagerly anticipating your book! I have three sons, 9, 7, and 3. You are my go-to resource for parenting truth, because you raise your family with joy, fun, and faith! I have several friends here in the Midwest who also have all boys. It’s a blessing, and so much fun. I would love to be considered for the team. I have edited a book once before for a best-selling author/sociologist. I have an English/writing degree and love to read.
I have a question for you. Approximately what age did your boys start making their faith their own, and increasing their intimacy with God? When did they start having quiet time alone, without the rest of the family? I think my 9 year old is ready to start reading his bible and journaling on his own, but I’m not sure where/when to start. Have you found any good resources for a boys first devotional, or anything like that?
Happy New Year to you and your family!
Becky Kuiper
Grand Rapids Michigan
Oh Becky, thank you so much!! That is all so kind and encouraging! Great question, too! That is stuff I will definitely go into in my book, (yay! :)) For now I’ll say that each kid is different, but at 9 I think most boys would be ready to begin to spend time on their own doing devotions. (I’ve been working on it with my 7 year old, but so far to no avail, haha.) There are a few boys devotionals out there, one we have used is from the makers of the Bible in a Year… It’s pretty good. My little guy is currently using a very simple Veggie Tales devotional. You could definitely walk your son through a basic Bible reading and journal practice. Start with having him read a short section from the Bible, then choose a verse that speaks to his heart and copy it down. My boys have used “SOAP” where they write down a “S” – Scripture. “O” -observation (what does this talk about…) “A” — Application (how it applies to my life.) and “P” Prayer. praying that Scripture and for anything on their mind. Now that I’m answering your question here, maybe I’ll turn this into a blog post, haha…It’s a great topic, but you really can’t go wrong if you’re introducing your son to a daily time with God! 🙂 Keep me posted and i hope something in here helped! aloha-
So excited to hear about your book. I would love to be on the launch team! Does it help that I helped my sister with her book? Hint, hint. Please consider me for your list😊
Oh thank you so much Tammie! I’ll keep you in the loop and would love to have you on my team! 🙂 More info will be coming… Aloha, and Happy new year!
Congrats! Fun to hear. I’m a new follower of your blog- learned of it actually after ordering /reading your book. I’m a boy mom of 3 sons. I would be happy to help with any part of your book writing journey ❤️
Thank you so much Kate! Great to “meet” you and so glad you’re here! I’ll keep you posted. 😉
How AWESOME! I have been following your blog for a while now and you have given some really good advice on here, so I am definitely looking forward to your book release!
Also I would love if the book had recipes! I am always looking for new ones to try with my kids. The recipes you have on the blog have been delicious.
I would love to be on your team and be a pre-reader! I am a mom to two of my own sons and a daughter and at times find myself lost about boy things.
Monica- a HUGE congratulations to you. What a milestone.
Can’t WAIT for the book. Sounds so useful. Will you be including practical things to do with boys (not just theory)? Hope so.
I loved being one of your pre-readers for your ebook, and would be happy to do the same for this one too.
Also happy to help spread the word.
Thank you so much Corinna!! Really appreciate that (and appreciated your reading my Skinny Friends book!) Yes, my Boy Mom book is aiming to be very practical. I’ll definitely keep you in the loop!! xo
Congrats 🎈🎊🎉 that’s exciting news- I just found your blog via a mutual writing connection Donald Miller. As a writer/blogger/Journalist/author/writing conference director And Mom of four boys (and a girl) I know how exciting this is and I love your title/: book idea! Let me know how I can help – I’m very excited for you- I’m looking forward to farther connection ! Cornelia
Thank you Cornelia! great to meet you here! 🙂 I appreciate your support and would love to keeping in touch!! With Aloha-
Yay! I am so excited to hear you are writing a book. I love your blog. The recipe tips have been super helpful with a houseful of hungry boys and I just turned 40 so I also really appreciated the series you just finished on life in your 40s! My boys are 13, 10 and 8 so I have valued your advice as a mom a little ahead in the journey ☺ I would love to be considered for the book review team.
Monica – Love your blog…read every one! The next time I’m in Hawaii, I may just have to come say Hello! I have three boys, 18, 15 and 14 and would love to help out in anyway I can!
Congrats!
Greetings from your hometown of Gig Harbor! Monica, Congrats on your super blog and the opportunity to write a book. I can’t wait to read it and would be happy to help you on your journey if you need to bounce ideas around. I can’t wait to read it.
This is so exciting! I love your blog posts and get so much from every one, especially since I too am a Boy Mom 🙂 I would love to be considered for your team!!
Thank you so much Joelle!! Bless you! xo
This is so exciting Monica!!! Can’t wait to read it. I have really enjoyed watching your journey over the years. I remember stumbling upon you because I was searching for GromMom stuff.
I wrote a children’s book a few years back and it was such a fun process.
I’d be happy to help you in any way possible . Congrats!
Thank you and yes, that is what I remember you from too! 😉 Bless you and thank you!!
Hi Monica!!!
Ive been loving your blogs and now, how awesome and exciting to hear of your boy mom book “to be”!
I’d love to be on your list of helpers/soundboard etc. Just let me know!
Praying for you and this exciting new adventure!
Hi M, I enjoy reading your blogs and sometimes go months back to read something again 😀
I’m a boy mom from South-Africa and raising my 4 boys, aged 9 to 16 in a town near the Kruger Park .
I love the ‘organised chaos’ that boys bring into a household 😬
May the Lord truly bless you (and later all the readers) with the whole process!!
That means so much to me, Gerda!! Thank you so much. Blessings and Aloha
Congratulations! You’ll bring the perspective greatly needed for many moms. You have the courage to speak the truth in love in a way that brings the defensive veil down. So many are looking for the council you’ll bring thru your book. This is just the beginning of many good things. I wait with excitement to hear more and cheer you on. God bless you and guide you during this treasured time.
Oh such kind words Christina!! thank you thank you. 🙂 God bless you and (I guess it’s now time to say…) Merry Christmas!!
yassssss! so excited for this! congrats!
thank you so much!! XOXO
Yay!!! So happy for you, friend! From this Boy Mom, I cannot wait!
Thank you Meghan!! And thanks for sharing my news, too!
Congratulations!!! I will definitely be waiting for your book to come out. I would love to be on your list of helpers. (I have a girl and two boys, all very young still.)
Thank you Ryann! SO fun to have moms with young kids around…You’re who I imagine as I write my chapters!! Blessings to you-
Wow, great news! So excited & happy for you 🙂
Oh Monica, that is amazing great news!! Oh the moms that you will reach with your book will be a beautiful thing!! I’ll be praying that the Lord will give you just the right words, that they would flow like water from your mind and that your distractions will be very few and that the Lord will protect you from hesitating in being bold. You go girl!! 🎉😀
Those are wonderful prayers, thank you so much!! Much aloha–
Congrats, Monica! That’s really exciting! I’m so happy for you!
Congratulations! This is sorely needed. Can’t wait to read it!
Monica, I am thrilled for you. Congratulations. Wow, you went through the drill to get published, but now it is official. I am certain that the book will be a big hit and look forward to reading it. I have been in marketing all my long life and would be happy if you would like to bounce ideas off of little old me. Happy Thanksgiving. Gena B.
Yay! That is so awesome! I am a boy mom of three, ages 12, 9 and 7 from the Pacific Northwest. I enjoy reading your blog and find your words both encouraging and practical. Thanks for being so positive about having boys because I don’t hear that much around me. Happy Thanksgiving!
First off, Happy Thanksgiving. Secondly, congratulations! Publishing a book is a huge deal. You should be very proud. And Thirdly, I am so EXCITED! I CANNOT WAIT TO READ IT.
Wahoo!! Such exciting news! I’m so proud of you! And I would love to help however I can. I can be your single mama perspective. I am raising 4 boys right now as well. (And 4 girls…. yes, that means 8 Kids. Yikes!). Hugs and happy birthday and happy thanksgiving!
and you are amazing!! Yes, would totally appreciate your perspective. Thank you so much. xo (and happy Thanksgiving!!)
i can’t wait to read your book! I have learned so much from reading your blog. congrats!
Congratulations and much blessings.
Congratulations! An honor well deserved!!!!
I have LOVED reading your blog & FB posts over these many years. I thank God for leading me to your blog those years ago.
Blessings to you, to your family as you continue this journey. I pray God watches over you all!
Thank you so so much. That all means the world to me. 🙂 Happy Thanksgiving!
You go girl!!So happy for you!! You giving me lots and lots of strength!!
Congratulations! I’m one of your girl mom followers that still enjoys your perspective. “Boy Mom”- on!
I LOVE that so much. Thank you for being here and I truly hope that this book is a good read for all (it’s on my mind as I write…! :)) XO Aloha-
What exciting news – congrats! Your posts are always informative and inspirational, so I can’t wait to read your book. I love your focus on getting to know our children as individuals. I am a mom to one son (8) and two daughters (5 and 11) and would love to be a part of your team! Happy Thanksgiving!
Congratulations! This is so exciting and I’m so happy for you. You deserve this! I would love to be a part of your team. Can’t wait to read it to help me with my two boys:). Happy Thanksgiving!!
I’m so very excited for you!!!!! I love this post. I can not wait to read your book and would love to be part of your team. You are so inspirational in so many ways. I’m really glad you get to share your insights with a larger audience. Who knows where this will take you. Congratulations!! You deserve it. May god bless your family and your writing. Happy thanksgiving!
Thank you thank you. That means so much. Blessings to you and Happy Thanksgiving!
Congratulations! I am a boy mom from South Africa and love reading your posts. I love your approach to parenting and a truely can’t wait to own a copy of your book. Thanks for sharing your life with us!
Happy thanksgiving to all of you!
Thank you Anne-Marie! That blesses my heart! Yay for South Africa…I love to imagine raising boys there! Please stay in touch with me…your support means so much!
Congratulations Monica! I am so inspired and blessed by your posts – thank you! Would love to support you as you write your book. I am a psychologist and most importantly, a boy mom of 3 gorgeous sons – 8,6 and 4yrs. We live in Sunny South Africa.
Awesome!!! Thank you Deb! So encouraging…Blessings to you and def. stick around for more! Aloha-
I’m so happy for you Monica and thankful you’re sharing your experience on this important topic. I think of the Frederick Douglass quote – “It’s easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.” So true! Happy Thanksgiving! 😊
Exactly Jamie!! Thank you! (love that quote!) Happy Thanksgiving to you, and many blessings!
Congrats to you!! I will definitely be praying and supporting you on this journey. You’ve got so much wisdom and insight on how to do this whole
Boy Mom thing – mine are only 7, 5, and 3 and I have already learned SO much from you on being intentional in raising my boys.
I know writing a book is a lot of work, but it’s also a huge honor – one you deserve for sure! the world needs to hear this message and your voice is a perfect one to deliver it. Beyond excited for you!
Julie, that means so much to me. Thank you thank you!! 😉 I’m so excited to share this with families like yours. Blessings to you and Happy Thanksgiving!
That’s WONDERFUL news, Monica!
I’m a freelance book editor in South Africa and although your publishers will obviously have a team of editors for you to work with I would love to be on your team. Even from across the world (I live in South Africa) we all have the same issues with our boys.
I really hope you’ll have a chapter on “parenting” your “adult” son. I have two boys (19 and 15) and this year my elder son has been living at home but working full time while he decided what he wanted to study. I think parenting the 19 year old is one of the hardest parenting phases I’ve had – or perhaps once we get through one bad phase we just forget about it. It’s been a bit of a power struggle over who controls his life – my husband and I think we do, and he thinks he does. I remember being 19 and not being terribly interested in my parents and what they wanted, but it’s hard to be on the receiving end of that even though he’s an INCREDIBLE young man who is kind and caring and fully involved in church and loving God and has decided to study teaching next year which is the perfect fit for him! I know I have to let him go and I’m enormously grateful he still lives at home (and still will next year) and is very loving, otherwise we would hardly see anything of him, but it’s still a very hard phase to parent.
All the best with the book process, I’m sure it will be fabulous.
Great insight Sheena–thank you so much!! (and hang in there, you’re probably handling things much better than you realize. :)) Love your input and also appreciate that you have editing skills! Much love and def. stick around for more as i gather a team…
Proud of you, sis! (Let’s talk about the inevitable chapter about bad influences, which I believe strongly should include an alias. Craig will appreciate that.)
Thank YOU, Lance, for your support in the process so far. (reading contacts and such. ;)) Blessings to you and your BOY family. (And Happy Anniversary too!!) XO
This is awesome!!! You are an inspiration to many boy moms out there (including me!!!) and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes you. Consider me part of the team and I will definitely be praying that the Lord guide your steps through this process and use you to reach others!! So exciting!!!!
Thank you SO Much Leigh!! blessings to you and Happy Thanksgiving!
Well it’s about time this happened to you. I cannot express to you how much I look forward to seeing your blog. Please consider me for one of those who would love to take the journey with you. I have a teenage son who I want to grow up to be a great servant of God and of others. Thank you Monica for a sharing so much of your life with us.
Oh thank you Sara! That means so much to me. I’ll keep you posted for sure. God bless you and Happy Thanksgiving!!
I am SO excited for you Monica! I remember when my first book came out and it was the best feeling for so long! Just wait until you hold that first copy in your hands, there’s NOTHING like it! (Or when you sign one for someone, but I feel like maybe people might already ask for your autograph!) Congratulations! I cannot wait to read it!
Congratulations! I can’t wait to read it😍
So exciting!! I’m a boy mom of 3, all still under 4 years old… I’m thinking this will be a WONDERFUL resource in my future! I know it’s a long way off, but I’d love to read and spread the word to my fellow moms
Thank you Dana! 3 under 4…Oh man, that’s gotta be nuts!! 😉 Blessings to you and thank you so much for the support! (I write this book with people like you in my mind for sure!!) XO
Wow!!!! A million congratulations on this well deserved accomplishment! I am excited that your encouragement will be reaching an even larger audience. I am also excited to dive deeper into parenting topics through your writing. If you need readers, count me in!
Shannon–You’ve been such an encouragement to me over time. Bless you!! I’d love to have you on my team. Happy Thanksgiving and God bless!
I am so excited for you and proud of you. I’ve been SO BLESSED by your wisdom and have shared your advice with so many of my friends and family. What an amazing resource your book will be. I can’t wait to get it (can 2019 come quicker) (is it really almost 2019!!!). Anyway I’d love to help in any way possible, you have been so helpful to me in my motherhood journey.
Monica, I am so excited for you. I have been following your blog for a few years now, and yours is my favorite. I have 3 children (2 boys and a girl) and can’t wait to read your book and let it enrich our lives. I definitely would be honored to read and spread the word about your book when the time comes. We currently live in Greece, so I can help spread the word over here.
YES!!! So awesome. I can’t wait to read it! I have loved reading your parenting wisdom over the past few years and am excited to have it shared in book form.
This is so amazing! I can’t wait to read the book, but I’m very excited to hear about your journey. The information you’ve shared over the past few years have been great and I know you will continue to inspire us.
That’s so exciting! I am sure it will be a great book!
I’d love to be a part of your launch team when the time comes.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Oh my gosh!!! I am SO excited for you! I would LOVE to be on your team. I have 3 boys and 1 girl-and I Love just what you’ve shared so far. I was an English major in college and I’m in the thick of it with my kids- ages 16-10. 🙂 definitely praying for you
Congrats Monica!! The Lord has blessed me here in MN to raise (and homeschool) my three sons (almost 10, 9, 7)! I’d love to a part of your team to spread the word on your book!
Congratulations!!! This is amazing news. I share your FB page with others as it is-be it for boy mom stuff or homeschool stuff-so I’d love to contiue to lift you in prayer and in all ways needed. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Kristie, mom of 3 boys (19, 11 & 7)
Can’t wait to read it!
Sarah
Mom of 3 boys
So amazing!!! I’m super happy for you. Congrats and can’t wait to read the book when it comes out. Lots of luck to you on your journey.
Congratulations. What an amazing thing you are doing. You write very well, with a down to earth, but light and happy tone. I would love a chance to help you on your journey. I am quite the reader, and mother of two sons, ages 27 and 15. ( Also a 28 yr old daughter.)
Happy Thanksgiving.
OMG! Monica, you know I don’t use OMG that often 😜 I have to tell you how beyond excited I am for you and all of us out here. We will be cheering you all throughout your process and lots of prayers coming your way. You go girl! And yes please consider me to be in your team ❤️ Can’t wait to read more updates and learn some more exciting things from you 🙂
A huge congratulations and good vibes coming your way!
I would be happy to give you input when needed (I’m Mom of 4 boys too)! Congratulations
Monica! That is so exciting and I love the timing of all these events! Wonderful news.