The weird place I wrote my book + the surprising benefit

I’m about to burst a big myth about the best place to write a book.

I wrote most of “In Search of the Pink Flamingo” in a steel panyard as I spent time with my friend, Sunshine, in Canada. My laptop and I had the time of our lives (cue the Dirty Dancing reference) as the Holy Spirit and island beats provided inspiration. I loved it so much that I dedicated the book to the Pan Fantasy Steelband. 😊

This was a far cry from the patio in my apartment complex that I imagined when my book coach encouraged me to find a dedicated spot to write.

I was traveling again when it was time to edit the book. I did the first round of editing on a late-night plane ride to Las Vegas. And early afternoons during a Vegas birthday getaway to celebrate my friend Nicki’s 30th.

I edited the final draft at Miami Airport as I waited for my flight to St. Kitts. Once in St. Kitts, I grabbed snatches of time before outings and the games nights I grew to love. I had the best of both worlds! I spent time with Nicki who I hadn’t seen in a decade + got the task God assigned me done.

The book process changed me. As it came together, I ditched my need to control everything and the mask & façade I wore for decades. I flowed with God and planted deeper roots in my friendships.

I told my close friends I loved them for the first time and had deep conversations about our past struggles and present desires. Finally shattering my “perfect image” even with the people I love was freeing. Finally releasing the need to plan and know everything was a breath of fresh air.

My friend, finding the courage to ditch people-pleasing & everyone’s expectations and live life on your own terms is one of the most freeing and life-transforming things you could ever do. My prayer is that “In Search of the Pink Flamingo” empowers you to embrace your voice and confidence as you dive into the real-life anecdotes, insightful reflections, and practical steps I share. I pray you’ll ditch the people-pleasing, mask, perfectionism and need for control like I did. If your friends are anything like mine, it will be well worth it.