I’m ecstatic to report that there’s been movement with my book! For the past few weeks, I’ve been going back and forth and back and forth (and back and forth again) with my publisher. Nothing major – just trying to get the last design and edits knocked out. It’s funny. You would think I’ve written a novel or something! Not even close. My story is short and SUPER simple.

Everyone is so excited. If I’m being honest, there’s a small part of me that is nervous. I’m afraid that the build up is so grand, once it’s finally here, people will be disappointed. I know that’s not true. I know that my family and friends are just happy to witness a dream of mine coming true. It probably doesn’t matter what I’ve written. They just want to support me. I’m so grateful.

My hope is that we’ll be going into schools, day cares, churches, hospitals (and anywhere else we’re welcomed) to read the book and talk about the importance of inclusion. The story itself is extremely elementary (written primarily for kindergarten students), but the message is important for ALL ages! I don’t have an exact release date, but the final design they sent said “published: 2024.” According to our contract, it would be published within eighteen months. January is the eighteenth month – so it has to be January 2024. Once I have the actual date, you’ll be the first to know!

Now that the story is copyrighted, I can share what it’s about…

Tyler is a little boy headed to school for the first time. He’s not excited because he’s in a wheelchair. Throughout the book, Tyler daydreams about his chair being a four-wheeler, a go-cart, and a race car. Anything but a wheelchair. Everyone loves him! All the kids want to be his friend! He’s the coolest kid in class, definitely the fastest! Once Tyler arrives at school, he’s disappointed to find that he is sitting in his wheelchair after all. How will the kids react in real life? Will they accept him?

I wrote this story so many years ago. Looking at it now, there are a few things I wish I’d written differently. There’s even one or two things I’d probably add. But I’m so proud. It’s been a long time coming and I still can’t believe it’s happening.

The book is based on and dedicated to Tyler White – my friend with Cerebral Palsy. I’m hoping he’ll accompany me on some of the visits/signings.

I’m glad I have a couple of months. There’s a lot to do. I’m working on putting together a presentation. I also have an artist designing a few coloring sheets to go along with the book. I still have to register to be an LLC and open a business account. Those things overwhelm me. I’m so thankful I’m not doing this stuff on my own. Faye is such a super hero and our friend, John, is the banking genius who is holding our hand through all of the stuff we don’t understand. I can’t speak for Faye, but there’s a lot I don’t understand.

I thought about starting a new website for book sales, announcements, etc. But now I’m thinking I may just do everything here, rather than paying for an extra domain. Oh, and we’re going to have t’shirts! We’re working with a close friend now on a logo design.

I’ve been getting a lot of questions thru email and social media about the details of the book. Thanks for letting me dump my thoughts in this space. It’s a lot to take in. It’s so much easier to share everything at one time, in one place.

Thanksgiving Week Update: ya know how I shared how sad I was that we stayed in town this year? I’ve changed my mind. Nanny’s annual cold came to town and my back is acting wonky. It’s good we’re home! We’ll be having a Thanksgiving meal with part of the Cothran family on Thanksgiving Day. Yum!

While we’re on the subject of thanks…

I am SO incredibly thankful for all of you. The fact that you take the time to read my thoughts is crazy to me. It is an honor to share my life with you. *Sigh* My crazy, crazy life.

For those who’ve become paid subscribers to my newsletter, I have no words. I’m not exaggerating when I say I’ve cried actual tears on more than one occasion. Asking people to pay to read your stories is hard. I was SO nervous. Like always, you showed up! I want you to know, I don’t take it lightly. We spend most of our days researching, taking notes, planning, and brainstorming ideas that we think you’ll like. That being said, we’re 100% open to your ideas and suggestions if you would like to share! Just shoot me an email – andreacbeam@yahoo.com

Alright, it’s time to wrap this up. I’m teary-eyed again. I pray all of you have the most wonderful week with your family and friends. Happy Thanksgiving!