It's Out There
Now what?
We did it.
My book is out in the world.
Have I thanked you for all the support and encouragement? I will say it again: “THANK YOU!”
Do you know what I’ve been doing in these weeks after launch?
Collapsing with a cold.
Spending a week out of state working and serving at our FCA all staff conference.
Prepping to head back out of state for work.
Curling up with Alfie at night and trying to memorize Eric’s face again.
Then, after I’m back home, entering into the quiet shift after book launch.
There’s this strange, quiet shift that happens after a launch. For so long, these stories and lessons were the private conversations I had with myself and with God in the middle of the mess. Now, they belong to you.
The View from the Other Side
Entering this “post-launch” season feels less like a finish line and more like a deep exhale. Man, I ran hard. But I’m learning that having a book out in the world isn’t just about sales or rankings (though I admit I’m a bit curious to see how it’s doing); it’s about the connection. Since the release, I’ve been struck by how many have messaged me and told me how it’s meeting you in your hard, and how you have purchased a copy to give to someone you know who is struggling.
That means the world, to realize we all carry hard things, but we don’t do it alone. Though I am looking to find peace that the work is done, it is released, and in God’s hands. : )
A Small Request
If you’ve picked up a copy and found a bit of light in it, would you consider doing one of two things?
Leave a Review: On Amazon or Goodreads, even a one-sentence review helps other “valley-travelers” find the book.
Pass it on: If a specific chapter made you think of a friend, send them a text or a photo of the page.
“Here is where we pile our remembrance stones, stack them one on top of the other, souvenirs from along the way that take us back to each place we’ve been.”
A Where Do I Go From Here?
Really, we’re just getting started.
But what is next?
Rest. It’s needed. And I don’t want to be on my computer all that much for a while. Maybe for basics, or for fun.
But I think I’d like to reach out to churches and offer All the Hard Things as a resource for their book clubs or small groups, with a soft heart-focused style of meeting and offer them a leader guide that gently moves women from a “study hall” setting to a couch or circle in a safe and informal format.
Please pray as I start reaching out to churches, that if this is something God wants for a next step, that He would open the right doors. If you think your church would benefit from this, please let me know; I’d love to connect with them.
Eric and I at my FCA all staff conference
Me, with Alfie, exhausted but happy after book launch
Reminder to myself: Savor this. Go a little slower. Connect a little deeper.
May this be your reminder, too.
There’s Always Grace,
Sarah
Congratulations to all of the giveaway winners throughout this whole launch process! It’s been such a joy to gift you a tiny bit of thanks for all of your help and support.
Guest Podcasts I’m On - Click the Names to Listen!
Proverbs 31 Ministries Podcast
The Redbud Hyphen Podcast
The By Words Podcast
The Good Day Podcast
Connect with Me
I’d love to hear from you - send me an email at sarahefreymuth@gmail.com to say hi, share a thought that’s on your heart, and let me know how to pray for you. You can connect with me on my social handles, as well:
If you really want to have fun, send me some snail mail! I may even write you back. :)
P.O. Box 149, Port Washington, WI 53074
Awesome, Sarah! Congrats!