My "Big Fish" Moment

Spoiler Alert: If you've never seen the 2003 movie "Big Fish" and you don't wish for the ending to be spoiled, I suggest you stop reading here.

The 2003 Fantasy/Adventure film "Big Fish" features Albert Finney as an ailing father, and Billy Crudup as the distanced son looking to reconnect and understand him.

The film features a series of what appear to be tall tales, only for the son to learn at his father's funeral that each of the fairy tales and legends were true.

I summarize this part to get to the part that truly moved me.

In the end, as they gather to see the father off, these characters all appear from his past: a bit older...a bit grayer...but still loving, loyal friends. And I always thought: "what an extraordinary life you'd have to live to be so blessed."

Personally...I never felt very likable. And I so wanted to be.

I wanted to cheer people up. To motivate, inspire, encourage. I wanted to support, and empathize with people, and strive to understand those I don't.

And so, I tried...

And tried...

And tried.

Until I burnt myself out and then...when I still felt I hadn't tried hard enough...I felt like a failure.

I've spent a many times feeling unlikeable and alone.

But then...I released Peckers: The Pact.

My Girl Scout Sisters, convention friends, networking friends, and beta readers were all in attendance. Some even coming from 2 - 5 hours away!

High school friends, betas and networking buddies have been shouting out the book online without prompting, and others have been private messaging me with pictures of the book in their hands.

Elementary school friends are writing their congratulations and Beta-readers-turned-friend-turned-agents are telling everyone they have to read the book. Family members are showing their support by buying copies and messaging me their well wishes.

And with every message, every post, every review, every picture of someone holding my book...

I found myself thinking about Big Fish.

Because suddenly, it felt like people from every chapter of my life were showing up.

This is my "Big Fish" moment.

And for someone who has so desperately wanted to touch the world...to change it in some small way...that achievement means more than I will ever be able to put into words.

I'm overflowing with so much gratitude that I fear it will come across as overwhelming, but to everyone who has already purchased a book, read the book, posted a review, shared on social media, spread the word, or simply reached out...thank you.

This milestone has been difficult without my parents here but...in some ways...your outpouring of love makes it feel like maybe they're here after all. <3