Since my prior post, I have accomplished several things. After completing my book, I uploaded it for sale on the blurb website -- with all/any profits to go to NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness). More importantly, I ordered 7 copies of my book, and received them more quickly than I had expected :) Lately, I have reached out to local elementary and middle schools, including: Alanton ES, Lynnhaven MS, Trantwood ES, Linkhorn ES, Thoroughgood ES, and I am planning on reaching out to a few others -- as well as ordering a few more copies of my book. Yesterday, I had the chance to deliver my book to Alanton's guidance department, and I met with their guidance counselors. Their response and reaction was a million times more rewarding than I ever expected. The counselors absolutely loved my book, and while I was there even went back to find the "Alanton Guidance Department Property" stickers to place on the book. We talked in depth about the research paper and process, and about senior project as a whole. Both asked for the link to buy my book, and offered that they would give my contact information to the head of their department, with the funds to buy my book. I was incredibly honored to answer their questions about my entire writing process, senior project, etc. Originally, I was unsure of what to expect -- i never intended on the guidance counselors reading my book in front of me, but she insisted! I was so pleased to hear such positive, kind, and hopeful feedback on my work. This makes me all the more excited to continue reaching out to departments and making trips to donate.
This process was truly much more rewarding than I ever thought. In writing a story myself, I honestly did not think counselors and professionals in the field would take me seriously. I was wrong, and was so glad that they understood my message and the impact I was intending to create with my project. I hope to reach out to them to receive evaluations, or anything they are willing to respond to my work with. Ideally, I'd love to hear any positive feedback from children themselves, as I do hope my book is used as an actual resource for kids dealing with parental mental illness in their lives.
This process was truly much more rewarding than I ever thought. In writing a story myself, I honestly did not think counselors and professionals in the field would take me seriously. I was wrong, and was so glad that they understood my message and the impact I was intending to create with my project. I hope to reach out to them to receive evaluations, or anything they are willing to respond to my work with. Ideally, I'd love to hear any positive feedback from children themselves, as I do hope my book is used as an actual resource for kids dealing with parental mental illness in their lives.