Tuesday, June 7, 2016

The Secret is Out

Well it's not really a secret anymore, but this big writing project that I've been working on and alluding to every now and then...I can finally announce! The contracts have been signed and I have already started on the journey.

I'm writing a book.
In none of my wildest dreams did I ever think all the good things could happen all at once.

I've been on TV a few times
I've been written about in a number of publications
I've had the opportunity to participate in a bunch of amazing events all over the country
I did a FASHION PHOTO SHOOT (Remember? Wildest dreams...)
I have a couple of high profile sponsorship/ambassadorship opportunities.

WHAT FAT GIRL GETS TO REPRESENT ATHLETIC APPAREL COMPANIES??? 
This one right hyeah, y'all. RIGHT HERE.

I'm over the moon again and now I get to WRITE MY VERY OWN BOOK. 

I've always been a writer, but I never imagined that I would be writing about my running life, or that ANYONE would ever be interested in it. I always thought I'd be writing a book of personal essays at some point after I had experienced some life. 

FOLKS, in the last half decade, I HAVE DEFINITELY EXPERIENCED SOME LIFE. 

I hope that my experiences, fledgling wisdom and knowledge that I have accumulated over the past few years will be helpful to people considering becoming and embodying the athletes they already are. 

A Beautiful Work in Progress is scheduled to be published in October of 2017 which seems far away, but I know that in the blink of an eye that date will be here, staring me in the face as I await whatever is to come next. It's also my birthday month and the older I get, the shorter the years are so yeah basically this is tomorrow.

I took this title from a talk I gave to some middle school students at the Latin School of Chicago in January and thought that in terms of who I am and what I hope I represent, this phrase best describes all of the things that I endeavor for in my life's work, both in process and product, never allowing myself to forget the progress that I have made, and the fact that our raw humanity is indeed beautiful.

I am forever thankful to my literary agents Jane and Miriam at Dystel & Goderich Literary Management in NYC for believing in my writing and in my story, and for their extraordinarily conscientious and generous editing of the many drafts of my proposal. I am also thankful to Tanya Mckinnon of Mckinnon Mckintyre for having that initial conversation with my completely green self back in September of last year. I am also elated to have on my team, Margaux Nissen Gray, my publicist.who has been at my side since I started not being able to handle all of the requests for interviews, writing, appearances, etc. all by myself.  

And finally, I am grateful for the opportunity to be an author because acquisitions editor, Erin Calligan Mooney at Grand Harbor Press believed that I could actually bring this book to fruition and that it might be remotely interesting to some!

This is so exciting, friends. As I say a lot when I'm having a difficult time on the trail and I forget that I have the exquisite privilege of running that not everyone has, I AM LIVING THE DREAM! I have the exquisite privilege of writing a book This is my dream, and I am living it. 

47 comments:

  1. So cool, I am looking forward to reading it!

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  2. Congratulations! I cannot wait to read it. This news makes me so happy I think I'll go for a run.

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  3. Congratulations, I look forward to reading it.

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  4. Congratulations, Mirna! You are living the dream and keeping us dreaming and living too! Right on!!!

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  5. So happy for you my dear -- I can't wait to read it!!

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  6. Brilliant as ever! I cannot wait to read it!

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  7. Congrats! I can't wait to read it! You're an inspiration to so many and now ...holy moly!!!

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  8. So exciting. I think they should let you do an audio version as well. I'd love to run while you talk to me about running and life.

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    1. Thanks! The audiobook will be released the same day that it is available in paper and ebook!!!! I don't know if they want ME to read it...I think Shonda Rimes would be better lol!

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  9. Congratulations! You're rocking it, girl!

    Can't wait to read it.

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  10. Can't wait for my signed copy! There will be some book signings right?

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  11. Congratulations!!! I am so happy for all of your success, and I cannot wait to get your book in my hot little hands!

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  12. When can we pre-order (no pressure, there, just good wishes)!

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  13. I hope you do some book signing events. Please come to California. I'd love to meet you.

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  14. Congratulations Mirna! I hope you will do some book signings in California. You are truly an inspiration.

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  15. Congratulations! What an amazing few years you've had :)

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  16. Congratulations! You are such an inspiration to so many!! Thank you!

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  17. Well done you. You must be so excited with the way your life is going right now and you have totally inspired me, thank you.

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  18. So awesome! It's going to be fabulous I'm sure and inspire so many! If you need reviews from others let me know!

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  19. How awesome! And an audio book of your experiences and insights while I'm chugging along out there would be the best!

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  20. How awesome is that! I am excited to read it when it comes out!

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  21. Congratulations! I am excited for you and am eager to read more of your work.

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  22. Can't wait! Preordering the minute it shows up on Amazon :)

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  23. So many congratulations, Mirna! You deserve it!

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  24. Congrats! I can't wait to read your book when it is available! That is such exciting news. :)

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  25. Congratulations on the book deal!! From one published author to another, it is a pleasure and joy that cannot be fully put in words to write a book that helps others in their journey. I am looking forward to your book :)

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  26. Congrats! You deserve it, you're such an inspiration to so many of us. Can't wait to read it.

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  27. That is soooo cool! I just read a back article (Aug 2015) in Runner's World and came to your blog to see this announcement! So excited for you! You are a true inspiration. Thank you!

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  28. So awesome! Can't wait to read this!

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  29. I also can not wait to read your book! Stay Blessed, keep going!

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  30. It would be fantastic to get an audiobook for treadmill runs that following Winter when it's too icy outside. Congratulations!

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