When I first learned to write, I loved to do it. I wrote on tablecloths and napkins at restaurants. I secretly signed my name underneath my family’s dining room table. When I visited my grandmother, my sister and I wrote stories, which we often gave to our parents as gifts. I liked reading the stories that I wrote out loud.

As I got older, school became more pressured and difficult. My fondness for writing dissolved. I became more judgmental, critical, and doubtful. I no longer had an interest in writing for pleasure. I worried a lot about what other people thought. Getting good grades became far more important than enjoying the process.

In spring 2010, as an undergraduate student in health promotion at American University, things shifted. I began writing on the notepad in my cell phone whenever I had to wait for the subway. I did this for several months. Then, I started a blog. I spent good chunks of time writing on my own again. Writing became a very important tool in my healing from the eating disorder anorexia nervosa.

By summer 2010, I knew I wanted to publish my work as a book to share my story and help others. I searched for independent publishing companies on the web and found one called Balboa Press that appeared to be a good fit. With the support of my parents and money I earned from my previous job working as a personal trainer, I was able to pursue my dream.

Thus far, I have had a positive experience working with Balboa Press. I have worked with a variety of different people in different parts of the company and know they all want the best for me. The people I have worked with always get back to me soon when I have questions. Sometimes I have trouble making decisions, and people at the company have been patient with me. They don’t get mad.

Throughout the publishing process, I spoke with other authors for advice. I contacted authors who published directly through Balboa Press and authors that published through other companies and wrote books on topics similar to my own. Taking the time to reach out and learn from others has made me a better author and helped me avoid potential pitfalls in the publishing process. Sandra Beasley introduced me to She Writes, where I have found a very supportive and dynamic community. Receiving input from people who read my blog (available at www.laurasusanneyochelson.com), as well as following other people’s blogs, has made the publishing process go smoother and helped me clarify my message.

The design of the book cover has been one of the most fun parts of the publishing process. Sending in the draft of my book and receiving it in galley form has been really neat to see. It is hard to believe that my hard work is really going to be published in the spring of this year! The book is called A Likable Girl…A Lovely Woman: My Story of Hoops, Starvation and Sexual Desire. I hope you will read it when it comes out. Until then, I look forward to getting in touch on She Writes. You can also e-mail any questions you have to lyochelson@gmail.com.