Connection of Story

Or, Why I Hope You Publish

I want every writer to feel the joy of publishing.

Yeah, it’s difficult. The journey is not for the faint of heart, but the payoff? It is worth every agonizing step.

And no. I am not talking about money.

I am talking about something far greater than that. Connection.

I was invited to attend a small Local Author and Craft Fair in my state this past weekend. It was held in the beautiful New Britain Public Library in Connecticut. My husband came with me and one of my long-time writer friends also had a table for her books. We took a picture with the two of us holding our books, and it is one I will cherish forever.

Here’s the thing. We didn’t sell a lot. (I sold one.) But the collective community of that library, of that space, the joy, happiness, and curiosity from every patron there fueled our creative spirit.

I met several local authors that I know I will stay in contact with (and got lots of display ideas!) We shared our journeys, each different and each with its own struggles. We shared our work and grew our connections and resources.

And then there were the people who came through. The many who stopped and shared their stories. My book is about PTSD in WWII soldiers. It is told through the eyes of a young girl who expected her life to return back to normal once the war ended and her father came home. But the truth is, the trauma of war follows us. We are forever changed by it. I wrote that story because it’s a part of our history we don’t talk about. Even though the book is historical fiction, it is timely and connects to what many still experience today.

Here’s the thing. Every single person who stopped to talk with me understood the topic. Then they opened up and shared their stories of grandparents, aunts, and uncles who served. They thanked me for writing about this topic and shining a light on it. That would have been enough for me, but there was more.

A young girl circled back with her mom— and paid for the book herself. I signed the book and included the message I put in every one. “May you always find love and support in this world.” I read it out to her, because I write in the old fashioned (but fast!) cursive. Her smile, and the appreciation and understanding in her eyes will stay with me forever.

That is what I wish for every writer. That is the joy of publishing. Society tells us success is measured in dollars. Reader, you cannot put a price on the human connection and the sharing of stories.

So, tonight as I head off to my favorite indie bookstore to participate on a panel with local authors and talk all things KidLit (and promote my book)—a place that twelve years ago I dreamed about, but never thought I would be—I wish you that same joy. I hope you publish (or publish again) and get the chance to listen to people share their stories with you. I wish you magical connections, and I bet when you open your heart to possibility, you will even sell a book or two.

Best wishes,

KG Mach

(Photo with author friend Cindy L. Rodriguez)