Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer De Paz.
Jennifer, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I am the author of Another Parenting Book You Don’t Need with a side of unsolicited advice, a Parenting book published in November of 2018. Writing has always been a monumental part of my life. Since I was a child, writing poems and short stories has been a refuge for me. I once started writing a children’s book. It was going so well until I moved and I lost all the manuscript! Yes, you read that right! Manuscripts, an antiquated form of jotting down your ideas, with no real way of saving documents, is what I used. This was very disheartening, especially because I tried to recreate it and it just was not the same. Years later, I attempted to write a fiction novel, but lost inspiration and nothing came from that. But you know, life has a way of setting you on unplanned paths and that’s exactly what happened to me. One day, I became a mom and after a year into motherhood, I started a little business of handmade bows and tutus called LittleThings N’ Blings. I met so many moms, from all walks of life, and even made lasting friendships. I started journaling and jotting down ideas and thoughts about motherhood. That, in itself, brought me great joy.
Although extremely hesitant, I finally started a blog. Unsure of what people would think, I freely wrote about all aspects of motherhood, keeping it real, raw, and uncensored. I engaged in serious topics, added some humor and kept it true to my own experiences. Crazy enough, so many women reached out to encourage me to keep writing and expressed how much they enjoyed my entries and told me they looked forward to the next one! This set off a flame in my soul, once I realized us moms need each other! No matter how different our lives are and how our parenting styles may differentiate, we are in the gauntlet together and that’s what my book is about. It’s a parody. It’s silly. It’s nonsense, but it’s the truth and it’s written straight from my heart. I put together a complication of warm, personal stories, some unsolicited advice, and a bunch of other quirky jibber-jabber in 122 pages. Thus far, it has brought upon tears and is causing an uproar of laughter in several states. I’m over the moon happy to be able to share this book with anyone who needs it, and it’s important for everyone to know that it was inspired by warrior moms all over the world.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It was most definitely not a smooth road, but what dream is easy to attain? Writing a book is no joke and just when you think you’re done, there’s more! I had no idea all the loose ends I would have to tie, the money involved to publish a book and the process, overall! As if I wasn’t having a hard enough time completing the book, I hired someone who claimed to be a “book coach” who I thought was savvy in developing a book, when in reality her interest was making money. A book seminar I joined ended up being one of the biggest mistakes I ever made. This person took $900 from me, did not help me in any way and then tried to take the credit for my success in finishing the book. I’d be remiss if I didn’t say I almost felt like giving up. However, in retrospect, I can say with certainty that this experience taught me that I need to be more cautious in who I trust, while also igniting a flame in me to persevere and not be defeated! I later met an amazing editor who worked closely and patiently with me, to edit and format my book properly. After what seemed like an eternity, and a lot of back and forth, it was ready to be published. A mountain of obstacles interfered in between each small triumph, but I had no choice but to plow through because my heart was set on delivering this book.
What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
I am the author of a book that I believe is set apart from others because it will not sugar coat what truly defines parenting. I dare say, it tells you want many parents want to say, but don’t! It will make moms, particularly, feel “normal” and you will find yourself laughing and relating, relating and laughing. I am proud that I can bring mothers together with humor and honesty. Over the years, via social media, I have built a platform of amazing women, of all ages, where we share stories, advice, photos, frustrations, triumphs, and goals. I hope that this book is the foundation of extraordinary things I plan to do in the future because there will never be a shortage of exhausted moms, who just want to sit on the toilet alone for more than five minutes, and maybe take a trip to Target alone.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I am happy to report that so far, I have had two very successful events, hosted by amazing people. My first book signing party held at Christy Pea Salon was a dream. Then, this past April, The Wharf Miami hosted the Book Launch Party and that day was surreal! Both of these days will always be very special to me. In the not-so-near future, I would love for this book to make it into stores, so that is my next venture. Now begins the part where I gather whatever brain cells I have left to put together a book proposal to send to companies I hope to work with. I am also in the process of launching my website, a place where I can continue to connect with mothers and share stories. I would love to grow a plentiful community where support and inspiration is found at all times. Currently, my book is for sale on Amazon and on Barnes & Noble.com, but my ultimate goal is to have it inside stores. Anything is possible.
Pricing:
- My book costs $12.57
Contact Info:
- Website: anotherparentingbookyoudontneed.com
- Phone: 305-733-8862
- Email: jdpplus3@mail.com
Image Credit:
Headshot- Chris Headshots
All photos that I’m wearing a leopard top were at The Wharf, taken by A Blissful Memory by Betsey Marotto
Photo of me signing a book in a red striped dress, taken by Collected Light Photography
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