Cherish Dutro

Well, darlings, gather ’round and let me regale you with the tale of my latest adventure—the tumultuous journey of publishing my book, The Mind-Gut Connection: The Path to Inner Harmony, Strengthen Clarity, Exude Confidence, and Elevate Balance in Your Life in 30 Days or Less! Sounds like a mouthful, doesn’t it? Trust me, it’s been a gut-wrenching experience, pun intended, plus the workbook!

First things first, the joy of writing. Picture this: me, in my favorite fluffy robe, coffee in one hand, laptop in the other, ready to conquer the literary world. Oh, the optimism! The reality? It was more like trying to juggle flaming swords while riding a unicycle. Between my dogs Dute & Andybear demanding belly rubs and the persistent clangor of life’s daily demands, finding those blissful moments of uninterrupted writing was akin to spotting a unicorn in my backyard. Spoiler alert: I don’t have a backyard.

Then came the editing process. Ah, editing, my old frenemy. It’s like inviting a sassy, brutally honest aunt to your dinner party—she will tell you precisely what she thinks, and it won’t be pretty. My manuscript went through more cuts than a reality TV contestant, each round leaving me slightly more hollowed out but undeniably sharper. If you ever want to test the limits of your patience and sanity, I highly recommend it.

Just when I thought the hard part was over, I was introduced to the world of publishing logistics. It’s a labyrinthine nightmare populated by dragons, trolls, and the occasional fairy godmother who might throw you a bone if you’re lucky. Deadlines, formatting, cover design—oh my! By the time I figured out what Pixels meant and why it mattered, I was ready to swear off books altogether and become a professional hermit.

And let’s not forget the marketing. Apparently, writing a book is just the beginning. Who knew I’d have to become a social media maven, a public relations expert, and a motivational speaker all rolled into one? Crafting Facebook ads that scream, “Hey, I promise this book will change your life!” without sounding like a snake oil peddler was an exercise in creativity. Picture me, bleary-eyed at 2 AM, trying to figure out the perfect hashtag. #IsThisRealLife or #WhyDidIThinkThisWasAGoodIdea? And need we all forget (I wish I could), the creeps who hacked my account and stole a lot of my funds before I could stop them and get in touch with the people at Facebook.

Finally, I put the date on the calendar: July 17, 2024—the date etched in my brain as the moment my blood, sweat, and tears materialize into a tangible, glossy-covered book. The anticipation is like waiting for a blind date—exhilarating and terrifying. Would people love it? Would they hate it? Would it end up as a doorstop in someone’s garage?

But here we are, my friends. The book is out in the wild, and I’m overjoyed and petrified. It’s like sending your firstborn off to college; you hope they’ll make wise choices, but you know they might just as quickly end up in a toga at a frat party.

So, if you’ve ever entertained the notion of writing a book, let my journey serve as both a cautionary tale and a beacon of hope. Yes, it’s maddening. Yes, it will test every fiber of your being. But in the end, holding that finished product in your hands is a high like no other. Plus, you’ll have a never-ending supply of anecdotes for dinner parties.

Here’s to the next chapter—both in my book and in life. Cheers, my dears! Now, where’s that celebratory glass of wine? 🍷

Hello, dear readers! 🌟

I’m thrilled to share some incredible news with you all—my book The Mind-Gut Connection: The Path to Inner Harmony is now available in print, ebook, and, yes, on Audible! This book, a culmination of excitement, challenges, and a deep sense of accomplishment, offers a unique journey from the first spark of an idea to seeing it come to life in different formats. The narration of my words adds a new dimension to the work, making it a must-read for all. If you haven’t grabbed your copy yet, now’s the perfect time!

But that’s not all! I’ve also worked hard on my next project, Mediterranean Cooking Made Simple. This book, which I’m incredibly passionate about, is with the editor now and will soon be ready for advanced readers. If you’re as excited about Mediterranean cuisine as I am and would like a sneak peek, I’d love to share it with you. Just send me your email, and I’ll ensure you’re on the list to receive an advanced copy before it officially hits the shelves.

This journey of writing and publishing has been nothing short of enlightening. I’ve recently been diving into the world of Amazon ads—a whole new arena for me. Navigating this digital landscape has its ups and downs, but the learning curve is all part of the fun. Each day brings new insights and strategies, and while it can sometimes be overwhelming, the progress is gratifying. And now, I’m even learning how to format my books! Yes, you read that right. It’s one of those skills I never thought I’d tackle, but here I am, and I love the process.

Learning something new later in life isn’t always easy, but the satisfaction it brings is unmatched. Every challenge I overcome feels like a victory, and every new skill acquired reminds me that growth never has to stop. It’s a journey filled with joy, frustrations, and a deep sense of fulfillment. The joy of learning new skills is something I want to inspire in all of you.

Thank you for being part of this journey with me. Your support means the world, and I’m so grateful to share these milestones with you. If you’re interested in getting an advanced copy of Mediterranean Cooking Made Simple, don’t forget to send me your email. I can’t wait for you to experience the joy of Mediterranean cooking in your kitchen. Your support and interest in my work keep me going, and I am truly grateful for it.

Until next time, remember that the joy of learning and growing is a lifelong journey. It’s never too late to try something new; every step you take towards personal development is a step in the right direction. Keep learning, keep growing, and embrace the lifelong learning journey.

With love and gratitude,
Cherish Dutro