Author Spotlight: Molly Carroll

When Molly Carroll, a therapist in Bend Oregon, decided that she wanted to share her story of overcoming the obstacles that were keeping her from the life she wanted to have, she faced the same challenges that many indie authors have—but she didn’t have to go it alone. She knew that she wanted both a printed book and an ebook in order to reach the broadest audience possible. She leveraged the Dream Team, a vetted group of experts who can help you get your story into print and onto iPads, to make her book a reality.

Molly tells her story beautifully…

How did your book begin?

My book began eight years ago when I was pregnant with my second child. I had recently moved from San Francisco to a small mountain town in Oregon. At this time, I was feeling confused and lost around motherhood, and missing the inspiration, friendships, and beauty of San Francisco. I wondered if we had made a mistake to leave the city I love for small town living.

So I did what I always do, I put pen to paper, and began to sort out my story. I wrote about being lost, or not feeling seen, about having adventure in my life, as a mom of small children, and about about waking up to all that was in front of me, even if it was scary and uncomfortable. And from writing about my own personal story I created Cracking Open. A book that could resonate with all people’s emotions and stories.

What was the purpose of the book?

I wanted to show readers how once we uncover the truth about who we are, we will shift from working so hard to keep up facades to actually living an amazing life. I wanted to share a process for inviting others to be themselves. The purpose is to trust that we are not alone, and it is in our most vulnerable moments we can crack open to who we really are. I wanted to offer a new perspective on the power of shining light on the insecurities and fears we work so hard to cover up.

What did you want to do with the book?

I know this sounds like a lofty goal, but I wanted—and want—the book to change people’s lives.

Since I have published with Blurb, I have seen the book help individuals make monumental life changes, such as leaving friendships that were not serving them anymore, or speaking up to their families from a place of courage, not fear.

I have seen the book support organizations such as our local center for sexually abused children. The center bought copies of Cracking Open for each of their therapists to support their work in healing the trauma these children and families are recovering from.

How did you find Blurb?

I discovered Blurb through a friend who worked at Apple. He heard I was interested in self-publishing, and led me to Blurb’s website. When I saw Blurb’s website I was impressed by its creative platform, rich photos, and unique layouts. From the moment I landed at Blurb, I knew I was home.

What made you decide to go with Blurb?

After I thoroughly browsed Blurb’s website, what came through was Blurb’s warmth, excitement, and energy around supporting authors and self-publishers sealed the deal that Blurb was the place to create my book.

I also decided to go with Blurb because I trusted my intuition. I have always followed my intuition with big life decisions such as to live in Barcelona, marry an atheist, even though I was raised a Catholic, or travel to India where I was fortunate to have a private audience with the Dalai Lama. It was by following this intuition that led me to Blurb.

How long did it take you to complete your book?

It took about 6 weeks to complete my project. I have a book that has many dimensions. Between choosing several fonts, customizing the art, and placing everything in the Blurb format it took my designer and I some time to make it just right. The Blurb support staff was very accessible, helpful, and kind. They made the process run smoothly around helping these “first timers.”

What was the hardest part?

Working with the Blurb format was not hard, but figuring out the layout, and making sure we did not compromise any of my art, was at times challenging. The paintings are such an important part of the book, and I wanted to make sure the art was clear and precise.

Was there anything that surprised you about the project?

I was surprised that through Blurb and their Dream Team, I was able to find the right people to help me create a beautiful ebook that I could sell on the Apple iBooks Store.

What would you do differently next time?

Not much, even though Cracking Open is more complicated because of the different fonts, and artwork, I have learned the more challenging the project, the better the rewards.

How did you promote the book?

I have done everything from posting on social media, including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to cold calling Powells Books in Portland until they agreed to sell Cracking Open.

I have sold my book out of the back of my car to strangers, to my fellow moms on the playground at my kids’ school. It’s as though I’m a Mary Kay Cosmetics saleswoman. I also reached out to organizations, schools, hospitals, and therapists because I deeply believe this book could help anyone in the private and public sector.

The main purpose of Cracking Open is to help as many people as possible, so selling and giving away Cracking Open to local bookstores, friends, and family is my main purpose to help promote its distribution.

How has the feedback on the book been?

The feedback for Cracking Open has been incredible, inspiring, and encouraging. I have heard everything from, “I finally don’t feel alone in my struggles,” to “Cracking Open allowed me to have the courage to leave my job, and finally take charge of my life.”

I have some great responses from fellow authors including Richard Blanco the first Latino, openly gay man who read a poem at President Obama’s inauguration. After he received my book, he wrote me a handwritten note to say how much he was enjoying Cracking Open. The feedback is humbling and the drive that keeps me moving forward in the self-publishing world.

Was distributing the book to places like Amazon something that you wanted to do?

Yes, I wanted to have as wide of a distribution as possible.

Do you have another book project that you’re thinking of making?

Cracking Open is a series, so yes, I am currently working on two more versions. Cracking Open for Kids, and Cracking Open:A creative journal for the mother-daughter relationship. I want to encourage all relationships to go deeper in order to live healthier lives. Let’s just keep them coming.