Jenn Sadai's Blog, page 2
June 16, 2017
The Power of Reading!
I'm constantly amazed at the impact my books have had on people's lives. I received a call this morning from someone I do business with, because my book inspired her to quit her job. She's not the first. Two of my friends left their day jobs to pursue their passion, shortly after reading Dirty Secrets of the World's Worst Employee. Too many women to count have messaged me that they ended a relationship or marriage after reading Dark Confessions of an Extraordinary, Ordinary Woman. I hope Cottage Cheese Thighs has inspired some women to break up with the scale.
A small part of me feels guilty or responsible for these major life changes in other people's lives. If their business venture fails, I would feel like I gave them false hope. I can only imagine the number of ex-husbands who cringe when they hear my name. Fortunately, I know that my stories are merely the final nudge in a certain direction. No one quits their job or ends a marriage based solely on my stories. The idea was always in their head. I just put it on paper, so they could see it right before their eyes.
A bigger part of me feels proud and powerful! Sharing my stories has inspired other women to pursue the life they've always wanted. That was my original intention and seeing the effects it has on people in my life only inspires me to write more!!
A small part of me feels guilty or responsible for these major life changes in other people's lives. If their business venture fails, I would feel like I gave them false hope. I can only imagine the number of ex-husbands who cringe when they hear my name. Fortunately, I know that my stories are merely the final nudge in a certain direction. No one quits their job or ends a marriage based solely on my stories. The idea was always in their head. I just put it on paper, so they could see it right before their eyes.
A bigger part of me feels proud and powerful! Sharing my stories has inspired other women to pursue the life they've always wanted. That was my original intention and seeing the effects it has on people in my life only inspires me to write more!!
May 24, 2017
Why do I do the things that I do?
I've been wondering that a lot lately. I've sacrificed my privacy and put my reputation on the line over and over again. I exposed my darkest confessions and deepest secrets in two revealing memoirs. I even showcased my dimply, plump thighs on a book cover. Then I published a fictional story that although it's suspenseful and inspiring, I knew it couldn't compete with the millions of other similar fictional stories you can order online.
Will I ever sell enough to do this full time?
Will my name ever appear on a best seller's list?
My childhood dream of becoming a famous author is not as obtainable as I would like it to be. I can write a dozen wonderful stories and still need to keep my day job. I'm lucky to sell a few hundred of each book. I need to sell a few hundred-thousand to pursue it full time.
So, should I stop working on book #5 and #6?
Of course not!
Although my goal to be a well-known author is a big part of my motivation, it's one of many factors that keep me going. Dark Confessions of an Extraordinary, Ordinary Woman has inspired people to leave toxic relationships and provided comfort to those who are trying to recover from abuse. Dirty Secrets of the World's Worst Employee has done the same for those struggling with workplace bullies and crazy career paths. Cottage Cheese Thighs has boosted women's self-esteem and Her Own Hero has proven that a woman can save herself.
This is my legacy. Whether I'm a small-scale Windsor success or a world famous author, my goal was to write books that made women feel better about themselves. I dissected all of my past mistakes, personal issues and irrational insecurities, so other's could see that no one is perfect. We're all flawed and just doing our best to survive.
I'm confident book #5, No Kids Required, will give a voice to women who've chosen not to have children. I can feel the impact it will have just by reading the responses of those I interviewed for it. Although book #6 will be fictional, it will revisit the topic of my first book, domestic violence. It will show how easily a confident woman can be turned into a victim and explain why leaving isn't as easy as non-victims make it sound.
I may be a crazy dreamer, but I'm not delusional. I know my books won't make me famous or earn me any awards. The rewards for what I do can't be measured in money or fame. Every time someone messages me that I helped them, I'm encouraged to continue. That's why I do what I do!
Will I ever sell enough to do this full time?
Will my name ever appear on a best seller's list?
My childhood dream of becoming a famous author is not as obtainable as I would like it to be. I can write a dozen wonderful stories and still need to keep my day job. I'm lucky to sell a few hundred of each book. I need to sell a few hundred-thousand to pursue it full time.
So, should I stop working on book #5 and #6?
Of course not!
Although my goal to be a well-known author is a big part of my motivation, it's one of many factors that keep me going. Dark Confessions of an Extraordinary, Ordinary Woman has inspired people to leave toxic relationships and provided comfort to those who are trying to recover from abuse. Dirty Secrets of the World's Worst Employee has done the same for those struggling with workplace bullies and crazy career paths. Cottage Cheese Thighs has boosted women's self-esteem and Her Own Hero has proven that a woman can save herself.
This is my legacy. Whether I'm a small-scale Windsor success or a world famous author, my goal was to write books that made women feel better about themselves. I dissected all of my past mistakes, personal issues and irrational insecurities, so other's could see that no one is perfect. We're all flawed and just doing our best to survive.
I'm confident book #5, No Kids Required, will give a voice to women who've chosen not to have children. I can feel the impact it will have just by reading the responses of those I interviewed for it. Although book #6 will be fictional, it will revisit the topic of my first book, domestic violence. It will show how easily a confident woman can be turned into a victim and explain why leaving isn't as easy as non-victims make it sound.
I may be a crazy dreamer, but I'm not delusional. I know my books won't make me famous or earn me any awards. The rewards for what I do can't be measured in money or fame. Every time someone messages me that I helped them, I'm encouraged to continue. That's why I do what I do!
April 13, 2017
This surreal life I'm living now.
People call me brave, but I'm sure some secretly think I'm crazy. I overshare, over-care and over-expose myself in a world of social media chaos. I tweet every thought that comes to mind, confess my dirtiest secrets in revealing memoirs and randomly reach out to strangers who I think might be struggling. Sometimes I make a positive impact, sometimes there's awkward silence.
There wasn't a plan in place when I wrote Dark Confessions of an Extraordinary, Ordinary Woman. All I had was the idea that my story could help others in similar situations. People started reaching out to me on my Facebook page and it blossomed into something bigger than I ever imagined.
That's when I came up with my plan, or better yet, my purpose. Prior to the first book, my life was controlled by my insecurities. I was a needlessly jealous wife, a weak employee, and a constant dieter. I didn't love myself the way I should and it stopped me from living a truly happy life.
So, I wrote Dirty Secrets of the World's Worst Employee, dissecting all of my work struggles and the obstacles I overcame. I knew others would relate and hopefully be inspired. Then I wrote Cottage Cheese Thighs, with the intention of learning how to love my flawed body enough to display it dramatically on the cover. Definitely a success! Quite a few women have messaged me that the book helped them overcome their own insecurities.
That's my real motivation! I'm willing to overshare, over-care and over-expose my mistakes, my flaws and everything that makes me human because I know I'm not the only one who felt the way I did. We're all human!
I might be crazy, but I have a solid plan now. I will continue to publicly analyze all the things that hold me back in my life and hope others find value in it. I no longer fear judgment and am not worried if someone doesn't appreciate what I'm doing. I know there's enough people benefiting from it to keep me going!
There wasn't a plan in place when I wrote Dark Confessions of an Extraordinary, Ordinary Woman. All I had was the idea that my story could help others in similar situations. People started reaching out to me on my Facebook page and it blossomed into something bigger than I ever imagined.
That's when I came up with my plan, or better yet, my purpose. Prior to the first book, my life was controlled by my insecurities. I was a needlessly jealous wife, a weak employee, and a constant dieter. I didn't love myself the way I should and it stopped me from living a truly happy life.
So, I wrote Dirty Secrets of the World's Worst Employee, dissecting all of my work struggles and the obstacles I overcame. I knew others would relate and hopefully be inspired. Then I wrote Cottage Cheese Thighs, with the intention of learning how to love my flawed body enough to display it dramatically on the cover. Definitely a success! Quite a few women have messaged me that the book helped them overcome their own insecurities.
That's my real motivation! I'm willing to overshare, over-care and over-expose my mistakes, my flaws and everything that makes me human because I know I'm not the only one who felt the way I did. We're all human!
I might be crazy, but I have a solid plan now. I will continue to publicly analyze all the things that hold me back in my life and hope others find value in it. I no longer fear judgment and am not worried if someone doesn't appreciate what I'm doing. I know there's enough people benefiting from it to keep me going!
December 14, 2016
Nervous Excitement!
I just finished writing my first fictional story and I'm over-flowing with nervous excitement! I shouldn't be this nervous since it's my fourth published story, but it turns out that writing fiction is even more nerve-racking than publishing revealing memoirs.
The only thing I had to fear with the first three books was being judged for my past indiscretions. The stories themselves were rated for their positive impact on others, so my abilities as a writer weren't thoroughly evaluated.
There are millions of fictional authors, billions of fictional stories and no saving grace for the emotional impact the story had on me personally. Her Own Hero will be compared with countless others and rated according to how it stacks up.
Will my Vegas showgirl who manipulates men to her advantage capture the reader's attention? Will women want to read a story without a knight in shining armor saving the day?
To be honest, I have no idea if this book will sell as well as my first three. Fortunately, I'm very comfortable facing my fears and putting myself out there despite uncertainty and insecurities. I'll never know if I can be a successful author of fiction if I'm not willing to try.
For those who are intrigued, Her Own Hero will be released April, 2017!
The only thing I had to fear with the first three books was being judged for my past indiscretions. The stories themselves were rated for their positive impact on others, so my abilities as a writer weren't thoroughly evaluated.
There are millions of fictional authors, billions of fictional stories and no saving grace for the emotional impact the story had on me personally. Her Own Hero will be compared with countless others and rated according to how it stacks up.
Will my Vegas showgirl who manipulates men to her advantage capture the reader's attention? Will women want to read a story without a knight in shining armor saving the day?
To be honest, I have no idea if this book will sell as well as my first three. Fortunately, I'm very comfortable facing my fears and putting myself out there despite uncertainty and insecurities. I'll never know if I can be a successful author of fiction if I'm not willing to try.
For those who are intrigued, Her Own Hero will be released April, 2017!
October 20, 2016
Starving Artist!
Any new author understands the challenge it is to find readers willing to give your books a try. It's especially difficult in the self-help genre. I'm an advocate and my stories are an extension of my real passion. I'd rather listen and offer advice when someone needs helps, than push my books. I know my publisher wishes I'd put more emphasis on sales, but she understands why I started writing in the first place.
Fortunately, my inability to sell is no longer hindering sales. When I received my second quarter sales report, it was the highest I've seen in nine quarters (34 books). The third quarter report came out today and it was 39 books, which is amazing considering summer is usually slower! That may not sound like much, but it's pretty respectable for online sales. I've also sold over 150 paperbacks locally in the last three months...
Maybe, I'm not that bad at sales?
Either way, I finally feel like my passion and my purpose are uniting to form a career as an author. I could not be more grateful and excited for the future!
Never give up on your dreams. Never.
Fortunately, my inability to sell is no longer hindering sales. When I received my second quarter sales report, it was the highest I've seen in nine quarters (34 books). The third quarter report came out today and it was 39 books, which is amazing considering summer is usually slower! That may not sound like much, but it's pretty respectable for online sales. I've also sold over 150 paperbacks locally in the last three months...
Maybe, I'm not that bad at sales?
Either way, I finally feel like my passion and my purpose are uniting to form a career as an author. I could not be more grateful and excited for the future!
Never give up on your dreams. Never.
September 20, 2016
Embrace Change
Many people in my life, including me, are venturing into new territory. Some physically, like new homes and new cities. Others are getting married, having babies or starting new jobs. This seems to be the season of new beginnings.
Considering my crazy career history, marathon running and revealing memoirs, you wouldn't think I'd shy away from new adventures. I'm brave, I'm bold, and certainly capable of embracing change. Right?
I'll confess there are days when I think I've experienced enough ups and downs, and that I've earned some stability. I'm very comfortable and happy with my personal and professional life right now. Why change it?
Then there are days where I'm itching to experience something new. I think about all the lifelong friends and valuable lessons I've gained along the way, and suddenly all my fear fades away.
That's how I'm able to take life as it comes. Even when it scares me, I always say to new adventures. Opportunities arise for a reason; embrace them when they're offered. It won't always be easy, but it's usually worth it.
Considering my crazy career history, marathon running and revealing memoirs, you wouldn't think I'd shy away from new adventures. I'm brave, I'm bold, and certainly capable of embracing change. Right?
I'll confess there are days when I think I've experienced enough ups and downs, and that I've earned some stability. I'm very comfortable and happy with my personal and professional life right now. Why change it?
Then there are days where I'm itching to experience something new. I think about all the lifelong friends and valuable lessons I've gained along the way, and suddenly all my fear fades away.
That's how I'm able to take life as it comes. Even when it scares me, I always say to new adventures. Opportunities arise for a reason; embrace them when they're offered. It won't always be easy, but it's usually worth it.
September 14, 2016
My Weight is Irrelevant!
Last week, I had the chance to find out what I weigh. The nurse weighed me at the hospital before surgery. I will confess that I was tempted to look down. I still wonder sometimes if I've gained weight, lost any or stayed the same. Thankfully, I don't think of it often and it has no affect on how I enjoy my life.
The last time I saw my weight was April 1st (to write the conclusion to Cottage Cheese Thighs) and I truly appreciate living without the scale. I'm proud of myself for resisting it when I could have easily peaked and no one would have known about it. Fortunately, I've already realized that I'm better off not knowing.
I know I'm healthy and active. My weight is irrelevant to my happiness, my capabilities or my value as a person. That's all I really need to know!
Cottage Cheese Thighs
The last time I saw my weight was April 1st (to write the conclusion to Cottage Cheese Thighs) and I truly appreciate living without the scale. I'm proud of myself for resisting it when I could have easily peaked and no one would have known about it. Fortunately, I've already realized that I'm better off not knowing.
I know I'm healthy and active. My weight is irrelevant to my happiness, my capabilities or my value as a person. That's all I really need to know!
Cottage Cheese Thighs
July 25, 2016
Strong Women United!
I spent the weekend with an eclectic mixed of strong and sassy women. They ranged from mid-20's to late-50's and each had gained their strength by overcoming a diverse spectrum of ordinary obstacles. Some were challenged with physical illnesses like cancer and MS, others tragically lost loved ones, some conquered addiction and quite a few suffered through varying degrees of abusive relationships.
What I loved and appreciated about this weekend was watching these wonderful women interact with each other. Every woman put aside her own personal struggles and just enjoyed the chance to bond with other like-minded women. They eagerly complimented one another and made sure to include anyone who wasn't already actively participating in all of the fun.
Women have a reputation for being catty and competitive, but I didn't see any of that this weekend. No one complained or criticized. No one sulked or tried to steal the group's attention. The purpose of our gathering was to celebrate our womanhood and that's exactly what we did!
I was considerably quieter this weekend than usual, because I was soaking in all the uplifting conversations. It's amazing what you can learn about life just by listening to others. One lessons that was very evident this weekend is that strong women support other women. They know that we can achieve a hell of lot more when we work together.
My goal now is to pass along that message to every woman I meet!
What I loved and appreciated about this weekend was watching these wonderful women interact with each other. Every woman put aside her own personal struggles and just enjoyed the chance to bond with other like-minded women. They eagerly complimented one another and made sure to include anyone who wasn't already actively participating in all of the fun.
Women have a reputation for being catty and competitive, but I didn't see any of that this weekend. No one complained or criticized. No one sulked or tried to steal the group's attention. The purpose of our gathering was to celebrate our womanhood and that's exactly what we did!
I was considerably quieter this weekend than usual, because I was soaking in all the uplifting conversations. It's amazing what you can learn about life just by listening to others. One lessons that was very evident this weekend is that strong women support other women. They know that we can achieve a hell of lot more when we work together.
My goal now is to pass along that message to every woman I meet!
June 28, 2016
Proud of Myself!
Some women have a hard time complimenting themselves or recognizing their worth in society. I used to be one of them. My expectations of myself far exceeded anything I would ask of anyone else. I would critic my appearance and abilities as if I was worthless. I was my own worst enemy.
Not any more! Writing Cottage Cheese Thighs reminded me that I am beautiful, inside and out. I've never felt more confident and capable. I'm delivering copies of my book, with my dimply thighs on the cover, and beaming with pride. I'm not ashamed of this body. More importantly, I'm proud of my journey and thrilled to be sharing it with the world.
I truly believe this book will help other women see their real beauty. That has been the response from those who've finished it and it feels incredible. My stories are having a positive affect on other people! I'm so proud of how far I've came in the last few years. There's no stopping me now!
Not any more! Writing Cottage Cheese Thighs reminded me that I am beautiful, inside and out. I've never felt more confident and capable. I'm delivering copies of my book, with my dimply thighs on the cover, and beaming with pride. I'm not ashamed of this body. More importantly, I'm proud of my journey and thrilled to be sharing it with the world.
I truly believe this book will help other women see their real beauty. That has been the response from those who've finished it and it feels incredible. My stories are having a positive affect on other people! I'm so proud of how far I've came in the last few years. There's no stopping me now!
June 13, 2016
Dangers of Doubt!
It is so easy to doubt yourself. I've gained a lot of confidence in the last few years, but I still battle doubts daily. Every time I take a new risk, I start to wonder what will happen if I fail. What if no one likes my latest book? What if no one reads it?
The ebook for Cottage Cheese Thighs was released on Thursday and the paperback is available today. I only know of one person who downloaded the ebook. I have pre-orders for about 80 paperback copies, but that's just supportive family and friends. They say they love my stories, but their love for me makes them somewhat biased.
Will strangers be inspired by my journey? Will it teach other women to love their bodies, flaws and all? Will I have the impact I'm intending?
I really don't know anything for certain and the slow start regarding sales opened the door to doubt. I sold 16 copies of my Dark Confessions of an Extraordinary, Ordinary Woman ebook in the first week. I sold 22 copies of my second ebook within 5 days. Selling only one copy in 3 days has me a little worried.
Will that stop me? Hell no! I believe in this story. I think every women needs to read it and a slow start is not a reflection of its potential. I just need to work harder to spread the word.
I've spent the last few years, pushing past doubts and proceeding regardless of the risk. So far, I've sold hundreds of the first two books (which is not bad for a local, unknown author) and I'm going to assume the same or greater success for Cottage Cheese Thighs.
I can't expect others to believe in me if I stop believing in myself. It took me a long to develop the confidence I have now and I refuse to let doubt destroy it.
The ebook for Cottage Cheese Thighs was released on Thursday and the paperback is available today. I only know of one person who downloaded the ebook. I have pre-orders for about 80 paperback copies, but that's just supportive family and friends. They say they love my stories, but their love for me makes them somewhat biased.
Will strangers be inspired by my journey? Will it teach other women to love their bodies, flaws and all? Will I have the impact I'm intending?
I really don't know anything for certain and the slow start regarding sales opened the door to doubt. I sold 16 copies of my Dark Confessions of an Extraordinary, Ordinary Woman ebook in the first week. I sold 22 copies of my second ebook within 5 days. Selling only one copy in 3 days has me a little worried.
Will that stop me? Hell no! I believe in this story. I think every women needs to read it and a slow start is not a reflection of its potential. I just need to work harder to spread the word.
I've spent the last few years, pushing past doubts and proceeding regardless of the risk. So far, I've sold hundreds of the first two books (which is not bad for a local, unknown author) and I'm going to assume the same or greater success for Cottage Cheese Thighs.
I can't expect others to believe in me if I stop believing in myself. It took me a long to develop the confidence I have now and I refuse to let doubt destroy it.
