OK!
So I did.
So maybe that's a bit more simple than it sounds! But when you get to a point where you feel you really want to write a book, it just becomes time. And my time has come. I had been wanting to write a book for a long time, and then was seriously considering it over the last little while before I finally made the commitment to myself to make the time to actually write the darn thing!
Anyone who knows me, knows that I can be wordy. I can chat your ear off about anything I know really well. Or, if you have had the pleasure to be on the receiving end of my emails in any work-related capacity, you'll know that I can be wordy and chatty some days, especially if it is something I'm super passionate about. So when I know something well and it's something I am incredibly passionate about, I want to share EVERYTHING I know about it to you! (Even if you may not want know everything!) And I can write long and wordy emails that I know most of you don't always read every word. It's just the nature of the writing. Too many words on the page means most don't have the time, or take the time to read every word. Which is unfortunate because word choices can be so important and the act of writing takes so much more effort that most people do not realize. But I digress....
So writing was not an issue. Writing well.....that's a different story! But, the next step was trying to figure out what I was going to write about. That was the hard part! Trying to narrow down all these great ideas in my head, and being able to draw upon my own experiences and expertise meant that the topics were endless! I had thought about writing about myself but then in reality, I don't think people really care to read about me. Really, who am I??
So instead, I decided to write about the next best thing. And that was Disney. Because there is a lot to know about planning Disney vacations and it became the perfect place to start! It falls right into alignment with wanting to share a passion for Disney, to inspire and encourage people to visit this magical place that has to be experienced to be understood, and to really see beyond the initial commercial aspect of all things Disney.
So I present you with "I'll Never Grow Up! The Bare Necessities of Planning Your Disneyland Vacation". It's everything you need to know before you visit Disneyland!
My kids were a bit disappointed that I didn't include a little dedication to them at the beginning of the book.
Um....."What??!! I dedicate my whole life to you!" was my response.
To be honest, I decided purposely not to dedicate the book to them or anyone else. Why?? Because the book is about you, the reader, and what you need to know before your trip. I didn't want it to be about me. But if I were to dedicate a book to them, then I would dedicate the book (and everything in my life) to them because they are the most important people in my life and I'm pretty sure they know that on a daily basis already! And plus, I would also dedicate it to my mom and dad, who dedicated their lives the same way to their kids and inspired a love of travel in all of us. I wish my mom was here to share in the joy of all this and our magical trips together. And I hope that she knows how much of an influence she is in my life even though she is not here. And always, my dad taught me to be a hard working individual, to be able to take the trips we want to and not give up on travel opportunities when they arise!
One of the things I had always wanted to do was to write a book. And when it came time to finally commit to writing, it was a goal I needed to set for myself to accomplish. And now, I can proudly say that I have. I'm happy to be in a place where I can say, "I wrote a book!" "I'm an author!"
How weird is that??! It still feels weird. But good. It feels good to be completed.
And then I can started on the next one! Walt Disney World?? Disney Cruise? Universal Studios?? So many great places to write about....which one next??!
If you choose to read the book, I hope you enjoy it and let me know what you think! Should you feel inclined to leave a review, I would love to know your feedback!
And if by chance you are inspired to visit Disneyland after reading the book, reach out to me and let me help you plan it! I would love the opportunity to help you book your travel plans!
Happy Reading!