Feminist, pagan, self-help, New Age, hippy...

These are some of the words that come up as people try to define my books...

And I always feel a little weird about them... cos none of them really fit.

Sure part of this is the creative ego yearning to be considered unique... but there is more...

When you write a book... or go about your life... you don't tend to spend too much time trying to fit yourself into categories... specially when you're not into dogma or clubs or labels by nature.

You just do your thing... and it all makes perfect sense. Because you're just being you... in fact you kind of presume that the rest of the world deep down thinks the same way... they've just developed a few strange surface layers which need peeling off before they get down to it.

Then the time comes when you have to try to use pre-existing labels in order to categorise yourself ... and your work... you know, when you do that thing called publishing a book.... or redesigning a website....if you don't no one will ever find you...

Life-changing, paradigm-shifting books by women, for women.

The industry says there’s no money in publishing. They talk about the death of books.

A visit to the London Book Fair tells a very different story.

There is PLENTY of money there. With a couple of thousand stands. Each manned by 2-20 publishers, editors and agents. Suited and booted to the nines. Talking with calculators in hand. Hunched over desks making hushed deals. There is plenty of money changing hands… what they mean is there isn’t much money for authors. All the money is being spent on staff. And offices. And glossy brochures. And dinners. And printing pretty books. And erecting huge stands. And lots of over fed middle aged white men and ladies with very expensive hair. That is where the money is. Not in the pockets of those who created the work. Who were having to grovel to get a place at a table to talk to a powerful editor.

As an author I can’t tell you how wrong this felt. Intentionally intimidating and phony. Corporate yuck.

Books for Mothers

“Motherhood can be one of the most intense experiences of a woman's life. While there are many books that offer the “dos and don'ts” of effective parenting, few offer guidance on navigating the tumultuous inner experience of being a mother, with all its joy, pain, change and uncertainty.”

Eden Steinberg, from Finding Your Inner Mama 

Like buses three wonderful books of motherhood have come along at once into my life...which I really want to share with you. So, being me I've gone the whole hog and am sharing ALL my favourite books on mothering to celebrate Mother's Day here in the UK and Ireland this Sunday.

Now I need to be clear here: I am NOT talking about parenting books, (usually written by smug nannies or doctors with willies... which tell you how to do it all -if you're perfect, have no feelings, aren't exhausted, are perfectly patient and have an angel child), and let's all feel guilty cos we're not doing perfectly enough - gah! How I hate those books...

No, I am talking about books of soul, written by mamas, for mamas. Books to nurture, support, inspire, to reflect back the myriad emotions of motherhood through the lens of words and images... and what I love most is that they are published BY women, FOR women - long live indie publishing, it's putting the soul back into books and giving authentic voice to women!

Feeling Guilty Cos You're Not Doing Enough?

People ask me all the time - "what's next, Lucy?"

Knowing, me being me I'll have something up my sleeve.

"Have you started another book?"

Ummm, yes. I have 8, yes eight you read that right, currently downloading into my brain. Each with a separate folder on my computer, and random sheets of paper floating around my bedroom... and backpack... and journal pages, and quotes highlighted and book pages folded over (yes, me too, I HATE it when people do that, books are precious... but needs must, otherwise I'll never find them again! My kids always run off with my little stickies).

So eight books. Three e courses... or potentially four.

A website redesign.

And a number of top secret, mega exciting, dream come true projects which I will reveal all in due time.

This is not to mention finishing up my JUNO work (ah, breathing space!), doing the post-pub proof for The Rainbow Way, various book promotions, two blogs and my consulting work...

And three kids. One of whom rode a bike by herself yesterday. The other two are turning into bloggers in their own right!

And you know what... I'm feeling guilty cos I'm not doing enough.

Yes, you read that right too.

I'm feeling guilty cos I'm not doing enough.

Or at least that I'm not focusing on one thing. Perhaps that I haven't finished a book by breakfast time yesterday. I do some of one project, and give myself a hard time cos I should be working on something else. What a prize nutter.

And breathe.

Essential Parenting Collection - FLASH SALE TODAY!

Just a quick post to share that there is a flash sale on the Essential Parenting Collection today. You may have spotted it on my side bar for a couple of weeks - and if you've been tempted then this is a great time to buy, as there's 10% off today.

This fabulous bundle offers a very wide array of eProducts, including eBooks, audiobooks, eCourses, workbooks, audio, coloring pages.... including Juno magazine and my book for girls - Reaching for the Moon.

There are dozens of valuable gentle parenting resources valued at over $750! Do head over to the site and see for yourself just how much is on offer.

Topics include natural health in pregnancy and birth, attachment parenting and positive discipline techniques. Great for parents with kids of all ages!

If money is an issue, or you're just wanting to focus on the area of parenting you're at right now, it has also been divided into 5 age specific mini bundles which are available for $18 each today.

• Pregnancy and Birth
• The Early Years
• Child Development
• Resources for Parents
• Mindful Guidance

The  10% discount is for purchases TODAY ONLY - which means that the full collection is just $44.97 (offer is also valid for the mini bundles). Use code MONDAY10

#1 Best Seller on Amazon... Me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wow. Just wow.

You've been with me for the journey. From seedling idea. You KNOW how much this means to me! 

The Rainbow Way is currently #1 on Amazon.co.uk in 3 categories (Motherhood, Craft, Craft and Hobbies kindle)  and is #3 in self help behind The Secret and The Power of Now! I also have three top five places, including a number one spot, in the US Amazon Kindle store.

It is every writer’s dream, and it really does feel as good as I predicted! I am walking on air!

I have been thanking the muses and heavens all morning, that trusted me with this work.

My success is your success too, dear dreamers, dear creative mamas, dear soul friends and supporters.

Thank you for every act of encouragement when I was feeling scared. For everyone who contributed to the book itself. Or has bought a copy. Or left a comment. Or written a review. This one's for ALL of us!

It was so funny sitting up late into the night watching the rankings rise and rise knowing that not a single soul in the village knew what was going on.

I woke up this morning to an email from my old English teacher telling me to go check the rankings. It had hit #1 over night! I ran around the house screaming. But then it was life as normal – making packed lunches for my 3 kids and trying to find lost shoes before doing the school run!!

I am so excited to have knocked Super Nanny off her number 2 perch in the Motherhood section, replacing hard love with rainbows! And to have pushed The Artist’s Way out of the way too (for the time being!)  is beyond my wildest dreams!

Thank you for the part you have played in making this dream come true! I am so excited that my book is getting the opportunity to reach so many people! I have been humbled, honoured and tickled not just pink but rainbow colours with the amount of social media shares, lovely comments, and of course purchases. That so many mamas are getting their hands on the magic in the book that I was fortunate enough to have come through me brings me to tears.

Wow!

If you haven't gotten yours yet, Amazon Kindle versions of the book are currently 99p in the UK/ 99c in the US plus tax and apparently a ridiculous 87c in Australia JUST until the end of January – and the best price on paperbacks is from The Book Depository at 29% off and FREE worldwide postage.

Buy a copy. Tell your friends. Buy them a paperback copy. Leave a review!

Thank you!!!

Quick, grab The Rainbow Way for just pennies

I know many mamas are stuck for cash right now. I get emails telling me how much they want to read my new book, but it's just not affordable for them at the moment... I wish I could give every creative mama who contacts me a copy - as I KNOW how much transformation it's bringing to the women who have read it already.  Well, this is as good as I can do, and very nearly free!

The Rainbow Way is currently just 99p/ 99c from Amazon on Kindle... so grab your copy fast, and read it at your leisure, as this offer only lasts until the end of January. Grab it here Amazon.co.uk Amazon.com and regional Amazons around the world. And tell your friends!

If you have just got a new Kindle/ i Pad/ tablet/ android phone and are looking for great new books to feed it with, then snap it up at this incredible price... and please do leave me a review on Amazon when you've read it! (And if you don't have one, you should be able to download the Kindle app onto your laptop or desktop computer and read it on that!)

Not into e-books? Well the cheapest place to get a paperback copy right now is from The Book Depository - they have it at 29% off - so £11.32 and FREE world wide postage. There are also copies for a similar price (when you include postage) from Amazon marketplace in the UK.

Want to know what readers are saying about it.... then let me share some of the incredible reviews with you ...(PS If you've read it and haven't reviewed it yet, I be really honoured it you took a couple of minutes to leave a review on Amazon!)

I particularly LOVE this one from a very wonderful sounding husband...

"I ordered this book for my wife, since having our children her creativity has been stifled as she has devoted her time to being a mother. This book has re-energised her and re-ignited her creative spark, there is a twinkle back in her eye it is wonderful to see. A great buy."

         seamps, Amazon review 

"It is an amazing book with huge potential to change your life. It has dramatically altered by perception of myself as a mother ... The Rainbow Way is an exceptional experience to read and follow. I highly recommend it."

         Amanda, UK Amazon review

"I started your book last night, and I had a hard time putting it down.
I'm feeling a spark I haven't known in years bubbling to the surface- a drive that I buried. It's a feeling of recognition and relief that others feel this way, too.
It's fantastic! Thank you."

Julie, USA, by email

"Wow, I got my copy of the book today and I'm so excited! It's so chunky and looks jam-packed full of amazing stuff! This is the first book I've read of yours Lucy and I've now read the first chapter and I think I'm in love with it already... I can't wait to read more!"
Catherine, UK, by email 

"I’m so f***ing glad Lucy wrote this book. I know that she wrote it because she was told to. I know it was dictated from the heavens. I know it because I can feel it when I read her words.

When I got it, I consumed it whole within two days. I just couldn’t stop reading it. It felt like such a balm to my soul. I wish I’d had it at the beginning. I’m so glad it’s here now.

Recommended for: Mothers. Every single one of them. Seriously. I mean it.

Leonie Dawson, Australia 

Also till the end of the month you can listen to my interview on Look and Feel Great for Mothers on Cultivating Creativity in the Midst of Motherhood - just sign up for free. And check out the interview with me on Jamie Ridler next week.

How Does it Feel to be Famous?

Well dear dreamers, I am practicing being famous - what with this double page spread interview feature in the regional paper... "She strikes me as a most magnificently enthusiastic, energetic and pro-active woman. She’d have to be."

And being involved with not one but two telesummits in the next two weeks...

A Look and Feel Great for Mother's Event January 11-20th.

And a Red Tent Summit for the month of February.

Do sign up and listen in - they're free - and hell you even get to SEE my pretty face in the Red Tent one! Priceless!

That's not to mention a few other really exciting collaborations big and small which I shall share with you over the next couple of weeks as they launch!

Exciting times!

I'm going to be spotted every time I buy loo paper now! I'll have to invest in some dark glasses... and a hair brush perhaps (no, relax, it's OK, I've got one of those... somewhere!)

So how does it feel to be famous?

I hardly know myself - the glitz and glamour and first class air-tickets and red carpet receptions... ah not really.

In the real world my head is so full of snot I'm amazed it's not coming out of my ears and so my brain is going snail paced, I only have one irreplaceable pair of trousers that are ripped beyond wearability, the kids have just had another dose our magic medicine for the unspeakables which means we had a girl up with tummy ache all through the night, however on the bright side I managed to bribe my way out of prinkle tantrums this week... and I'm famous I tell ya!

Same same... but different. How goes it with you?

20 and 1/3 Books that Rocked my 2013

I regularly get emails from women asking for book recommendations. They are some of my most popular posts. So here, hopefully just in time for last minute Christmas pressies, are my favourite books of the year.

This year I have bought myself not one but TWO books for Christmas.

First up is Leonie Dawson's 2014 Create Your Amazing Year in Life and Business Workbook I have used and loved this baby for three years now. And it has changed how I live my life and do business! Totally.

I remember doing the business one last year, and writing down figures for income and social media followers and teachers I wanted to work with that seemed so far out in dream land. I've done them. Almost exactly! WOW!

Its transformational life and business stuff carefully packaged behind girly pictures and gorgeous colours which make me feel so happy and safe whilst I'm doing it!

I get the wonderful printable PDF version free on her Life and Business Academy (you can buy the Life and Business versions individually for $9.95 here which is what I did last year). BUT I wanted a lovely bound copy to hold in my hands. And this year for the first year you can buy a printed copy of both versions together from Amazon. I ripped mine open last night and started the life planner the moment the kids were asleep, and continued whilst one came into me... and then first thing at work this morning I did some of the business part. I LOVE this book. I've spent the morning taking stock of the mammoth year of dreams that has been 2013 and looking forward to an even more glorious year next year - oh the things I have in store already!!

And second is food porn - Bill's Everyday Asian by Bill Granger, Ozzie food boy extraordinaire. The recipes take me back to my footloose pre-kid travelling days. And the photos... Look at the photos. I first set my eye on it whilst looking after 6 kids at a friend's house! Ooops!

My copy of it arrived whilst I was doing an interview last week. The interviewer immediately started oooohing and ahhing over it and noted down the title so she could get herself a copy. It is sumptuously photographed, and the recipes are the real deal... but doable. I am officially not cooking from it till after Xmas... just stroking it - it I said, not him!

The Mystic Cookfire: The Sacred Art of Creating Food to Nurture Friends and Family by Veronika Robinson is the opposite of cookery porn. It is food with soul and meaning. Words of wisdom about eating. And beautiful black and white drawings. And hundreds of vegan recipes. I got it for myself for my birthday as a treat having seen it at another friend's house - I do actually talk to my friends you know, not JUST eye up their book collections!.

Veronika is the editor of The Mother magazine and a whole lot more alternative than me. But I love her writing and her soul. And I love that she is a real creative rainbow mama too AND an earth mama at the same time! This is self published, as are all her diverse books, and I love that too!

Haha! I've just realised that my top three books so far are all by Australians! Go Ozzies!

Obviously The Rainbow Way has been the book I have spent most time with in every way this year. (I am so honored that Leonie named it one of her top 20 books for 2013!) I am VERY impressed by all the mamas who have emailed me to say that they have received their copy as a gift to themselves or from their hubbies, and ARE WAITING TILL THE BIG DAY! You are made of stronger stuff than me ladies! I was SO excited to see that it is number 10 on Amazon.co.uk's most wished for book in the Motherhood genre at the time of writing!

The Gift - Poems by Hafiz the Great Sufi Master is not a pretty book at all. In fact that's one reason why I haven't read it until now. Gosh what a superficial bibliophile I am! It has sat next to the fire in my father's house for years. I know the cover well, but never picked it up, it looked too dull for words. Then I was checking out one of my favourite artists' new websites (Mara Friedman Berendt), and she kept quoting it, so I headed straight over to Amazon to check it out. Ordered and devoured it. And now nibble on it about once a week. It is like praying. Magical, mystical, laugh out loud hilarious, light bulb, deeply sad words. All in the space of one short poem. Written almost a thousand years ago in a different language. Mindblowing! I quoted it quite a few times in The Rainbow Way in my final edit, as I was TOTALLY in love with it!

One Zentangle A Day: A 6-Week Course in Creative Drawing for Relaxation, Inspiration, and Fun (One A Day) This book is only incredible. It takes you from "what the flip is a zentangle any way?" to seriously proficient, and totally addicted, if truth be told, in a matter of days. I did it . My kids did it. My mum did it - and we all LOVED it.

Women Food and God: An Unexpected Path to Almost Everything ,
When my mum was over she brought this book with her and it resonated strongly with me. All about overcoming over-eating. For god here read whatever you see god as... but the title would have put me off buying it myself. Don't let it! It is basically all about mindfulness and eating, with great compassion and humor.

Overcoming Underearning: A Five-Step Plan to a Richer Life
This is a very American business-money-self help book that I wouldn't normally recommend. BUT she has a few GREAT exercises in it, and I am very grateful for having done them.

Sweetening the Pill: or How We Got Hooked on Hormonal Birth Control
Is rather wonderfully published by my publishers - I am very proud to be associated by default with this book. For me this and The Pill by Alexandra Pope should be required reading of all girls on their 16th birthday. This is a superbly researched and written examination of the Pill, how it is marketed, why we swallow it and what it does to us. First class.

And on the topic of my publishers, one of their 2012 titles has been on my to-read list for ages, Body of Wisdom and I just took delivery of it last night (I came home to a veritable mountain of books, all in the name of research you understand!!) and I have read the first few pages and WOW! it the the book of women's wisdom I have been yearning for every moon time... I am SO excited about reading it.

Alchemy for Women: Personal Transformation Through Dreams and the Female Cycle
This has been my book of the year. I have learnt SO much about how my dreams are affected by my cycle... and so many blood mysteries which no one speaks of. This is a follow on title from the same authors as the class The Wise Wound: Menstruation and Everywoman (Paladin Books) - it is much smaller, but equally as valuable, though it never really made it as a book. It is a funny mix of the scientific and esoteric written in quite a bitty way - almost like a notebook of discoveries many of which have yet to be fleshed out. It is influencing my ideas for my next book and comes highly recommended.

And talking of woman-craft books, I got a number of really interesting ideas from Wild Feminine: Finding Power, Spirit & Joy in the Female Body (don't you just LOVE the cover!) I found the exercises in it a little repetitive (I have a short attention span!) and it's a long book - but if you're looking for a book to help you get in touch with your female body and especially the pelvic bowl, Tami Lynn Kent is a loving insightful guide.

My Mother, Myself
This is a classic, written in the 70s, before it was even acknowledged how much power on a girl's psyche her mother has. It is a book that I have bought for myself three times, but never gotten past the second chapter. The same happened again... so I skipped a few and got great insight from it. In truth I'm not mad about her writing style, and it feels a little dated as she is talking about the previous generation of mothers and daughters. But ouch her insights cut like a knife. She says what is now a classic took a while before really taking off, as women admitted to throwing it across the room or hiding it in cupboards before taking it out and finishing it, then recommending it to their friends, or buying a copy for their mother. So I guess I'm not alone! I have just ordered her other classic My Secret Garden: Women's Sexual Fantasies which arrived last night and is an eye-opener - it both documents hundreds of women's sexual fantasies as well as reflecting on the how and why of female sexual fantasy in our patriarchal culture! I think it probably qualifies as porn-porn!

E-Squared: Nine Do-It-Yourself Energy Experiments That Prove Your Thoughts Create Your Reality
So the basic premise of this book is that it is 9 experiments that prove the existence of God - however you envisage that force. It's funkily written, very accessible, funny and easy to follow. And it works... In the sense that when we are looking for answers... we usually find them!

Healing with the Arts: A 12-Week Program to Heal Yourself and Your Community
This is a book I've been meaning to write about for months, I was mapping out a whole post dedicated to it - and then the launch of The Rainbow Way took over - but it gave me huge insight into using art to heal mind and body. Not coming from an art therapy background I admit ignorance on this topic and this book really opened my eyes. It was holistic and really inspiring book and gives a 12 week step by step programme to use yourself or with others to heal through art which, when life is a little calmer, I fully intend to try out.

Mind-Body Workbook for Anger: Effective Tools for Anger Management and Conflict Resolution
Has given me major new insight into how and why anger works, and what I can do about it. I was REALLY enjoying this book, and got 5 chapters in, then life got busy and it disappeared off my e-reader app, which is a shame.

Kiddies books we've loved this year include...

You're a Bad Man, Mr. Gum!
This is pee yourself funny whether you're 8 or 38. Seriously funny. My son could not put it down - the first time he has ever been like that about a book, and read whole chapters aloud to let us join him in his snorting and hoots! The whole family now quotes some of the absurdities from it including our favourite - "The truth is a lemon meringue pie!"

Little House in the Big Woods
We have been reading the Laura Ingalls Wilder books aloud since June-  lord half a year, and counting - on the recommendation of a couple of women who heard how much Merrily loved making butter. I wouldn't have thought of sharing them with her till she was 7 or 8 but she has been really enjoying them, and the whole family reference them regularly. The first was my favourite as a girl, and remains so. We have also watched a couple of the series, and have started watching the film. All our kids are just fascinated about how life was then.

Blueberry Girl
A dear friend gave this very special book to Ash for her third birthday and it is SO beautifully written and illustrated. It is through this that I discovered Neil Gaiman - sometimes I wonder if I live under a rock to have not come across him before! Watch the beautiful animated reading of the book here. Whilst you're there you might as well check out another reading by him of Instructions.

Reaching for the Moon
This was my first book release of the year, and is, of my three self-published books, the quickest seller. It seems to really resonate with mothers and daughters and is spreading like wild fire. My 5 1/2 year old begged to be able to read one of my books, brandishing this one in her little hands, knowing that it was for girls, but I have put her off for a couple more years! I was so honored to hear that it is being taught in a local school and have been invited in to talk to the girls on the topic.

You still here? Any book recommendations for me? What have you read and loved this year?

Once in a Lifetime...

We are really in the Christmas spirit here in the Pink House, and experiencing a lot of firsts...

First yule log I've ever made. Thanks Nigella. I still love you. It was so good.

The first pony ride either girl has ever had. They were SO patient waiting their turn. Yes, they are bare legs! Prinkles!

Me and my book baby. And my real life babies. In the biggest bookstore in Cork City. Withmy book on display. Signed by the author! The Rainbow Way is still pre-order only on Amazon, and has been their Hot New Release all week in the motherhood genre on Amazon.co.uk, where it reached #17. It was outselling The Artist's Way 5 to 1 on Kindle this morning on Amazon.com, And has been in the top 40 in Crafts too! I am simply blown away! I have heard that Leonie is going to feature it as one of her top books of 2013. And the publishers have had enquiries about foreign rights! 

I was also sought out by a regional paper for an interview. There will be a feature on  me in the Evening Echo next week.

As we were leaving the shop we saw my dad's book in the FRONT WINDOW of Waterstones!

Then off to the Ferris Wheel. Another first for our kids. I've not been on one for many years. It was superb fun.


A once in a life time experience, he said...

The city lights were coming on below us...

The girls loved it too!

Then off to the Winter Wonderland in the park next door, done by the truly wonderful Doutcha theatre/ puppet company. Fairy doors in the walls, the trees lit up, live elves and fairies hiding behind trees. 

Truly magical.

 This is the stuff that dreams are made of!

Merry Christmas...  we're celebrating already!