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? 🍷

I can still recall the scent of ripe olives and fresh rosemary in the Mediterranean air, a sensory memory that inspired my newly released Mediterranean Cooking Made Simple. This cookbook isn’t just a collection of recipes; it’s a labor of love, flavored with a blend of triumphs and trials. Today, as I celebrate its release, I’m excited to share the joy and obstacles I faced to bring these pages to life.

The Culinary Adventure That Almost Didn’t Happen

The road to publishing Mediterranean Cooking Made Simple was anything but smooth. Picture this: piles of recipe drafts, endless taste tests (some successes, others best left forgotten), and the relentless pursuit of creating meals that felt both authentic and accessible. Then came the challenge of capturing not just the cuisine but the soul of the Mediterranean lifestyle. At times, it felt like I was scaling a mountain, one page at a time.

The practical hurdles didn’t make it easier. Every step of the process tested my patience, from months and months of formatting issues to ingredient lists that mysteriously rearranged themselves. But in the end, the late nights and the countless adjustments were worth it. What resulted is a cookbook that makes healthy Mediterranean meals achievable and enjoyable, and I hope it will transform your cooking adventures as much as it has mine.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DMK8865T

Beyond Food: Coloring Books That Inspire

While I stirred sauces and curated stories for my cookbook, another project brewed in my heart—coloring books designed to uplift and inspire, as if juggling one major project wasn’t enough, I dove headfirst into creating two amazing and inspiring coloring books, one for year-round use and the other for Christmas. First, there’s A Positive Affirmation Coloring Book for Little Girls and Young Women with Big Hearts. This coloring book is my love letter to every young girl out there, a tool to encourage and uplift through words of affirmation paired with whimsical designs. Each page invites them to color in confidence and embrace the beauty of self-love, courage, and kindness. I wanted to ensure that these affirmations would empower them and spark their imaginations—because every big-hearted dreamer deserves to feel extraordinary.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DK6SW2DC

Then came my holiday-themed creation: Santa’s Christmas ABC & 123 Coloring Book: An Educational Holiday Adventure for Little Learners. It was a festive whirlwind of fun to create,filled with counting Santas, playful animals, and the magic of Christmas. I aimed to blend learning and holiday excitement, helping little ones practice their ABCs and numbers while getting into the festive spirit. It’s more than a coloring book; it’s an adventure of wonder and discovery that brings joy to the holiday season.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DLN6P9Z7

The Balancing Act and the Reward

Balancing three books—each with its unique demands—was like a juggling act I wasn’t sure I’d ever perfect. There were moments I felt overwhelmed, wondering if I’d bitten off more than I could chew. But each hurdle made the reward even sweeter. The moment I held each completed book, all the struggles melted away. Mediterranean Cooking Made Simple is my heartfelt guide to delicious, nourishing meals. A Positive Affirmation Coloring Book celebrates empowerment and self-belief. Santa’s Christmas ABC &123is a holiday adventure that will surely light up children’s faces. I’m proud to share these creations with you, hoping they inspire confidence, warmth, and a sense of wonder. Whether cooking up a Mediterranean storm, building confidence through coloring, or getting into the Christmas spirit, there’s something here for everyone. Thank you for joining me on this wild and wonderful journey! Are you ready to explore these worlds of flavor and creativity? Let’s get cooking, coloring, and celebrating life together. Are you ready for the holidays? These books would be perfect for one and all! In these days of turmoil, strife, and stress, my heart wishes you joy and happiness.

Helen (AKA Cherish)