Escape

I’m a published author.

I can’t believe that my book is out there in the world, that my thoughts are there for others to read. In fact, the idea that I could write anything that other people would want to read is difficult to believe. But, I have never had high self-esteem.

At some point, I realized that I had three books written. Three whole books that I had spent time writing, editing, laying out and even illustrating. I realized I put all that time into my stories because I wanted to share them. Like the women in my stories, I’d like to try something new, I want the dopamine rush of feeling something new.

So now I’m a published author. A fictional romance novel that is based on my own grief and experience of losing my daughter. I even have a dog named Ella and I did go to Brier Island when I was full of so much sadness that the idea of going home without her might have killed me too.

But here is where it becomes challenging. I don’t want to market my own book. I’m shy, and introverted. I’d rather lock all my doors, turn off the lights and my phone and get high.

Every person who has read my book said they loved it. They asked me, what would happen to Eileen next. Would I publish any more of my stories? They asked because they said that they would like to read them. But how can I know if they are being sincere? No one would tell someone that they hated their book, that would just be awkward.

I do truly wonder though if people really liked it. Should I publish more? Is it worth my time and the anxiety of trying to promote when this book was my Escape from that feeling?

I was offered a contract to publish a second book. The paperwork has sat on my bookshelf next to the posters and other promotional materials for Escape that I couldn't bring myself to use.

So with that confession, I wonder if you would give me an honest reflection on my book. If the topic interests you, will you take a look? Would you leave me a review or send me a note?

Escape

Caroline Robertson

Synopsis:

Escape is the story of Eileen, the grieving mother of a daughter who was born with a heart defect. Now, separated from her husband, she has been whisked away to vacation on a remote island in Nova Scotia with her closest friends. When Eileen and her faithful dog, Ellie, arrive at Brier Island, she is completely consumed by her grief. Her thoughts are focused only on the loss of her daughter. As Eileen and Ellie explore the island, she meets the often eccentric yet very accepting locals. The islanders welcome her with open arms showing her a different way of life than she has ever known. East Coast kitchen parties and the strong sense of community help Eileen through some of the hardest times of her life, while a slower pace lifestyle and time outdoors have a meditative effect. Eileen begins to accept a new version of herself; scars and all. The experience teaches Eileen how to care for herself once again, while a brooding fisherman and an understanding bartender show her that she is still worthy of love. She relishes moments of happiness for the first time since her devastating loss and with time is even able to see a future for herself again. Here, in this magical place. Eileen might just have another chance to find joy.

My book can be found on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Indigo and Austen McCauley.

Please leave me a review on Amazon or Goodreads, an honest review to help me decide my future as an author.

Escape https://a.co/d/3H0Skbm

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59515887

About Myself:

I am Millie’s Mama. I am also Mama to my two beautiful rainbow babies, Evelyn Joy and Eloise Hope. My husband and I were very open with the world about Millie’s heart condition and the struggles she endured throughout her short life. Being away from home so often for hospital visits made me obsessed with the idea of ensuring our friends and family knew our daughter. I wanted to spread awareness about congenital heart defects and I wanted to support others going through similar experiences. So we chose to share our precious Millie with the world.

I started writing the day after Millie died. It brought a release to express all the horrible and uncomfortable feelings that my body and mind were experiencing. I never intended to share my thoughts and feelings but somehow sharing them in a fictional story made sharing more bearable.

I write constantly and when I feel confident enough I share...