The publishing date for my book, MAYA BLUE A Memoir of Survival is May 20th, a month away. I never dreamed there was so much involved in getting PR lined up and scheduling a book tour. Each day, my to-do list grows longer, and I’m forced to slide some of the things on today’s list to the next day and the next. And smack dab in the middle of many of these days, I’m in the recording studio working on the audiobook, but it all needs to get done, regardless of whether I’m exhausted or not. If you could have seen me a moment ago, I was facing my bookcase and bowing from the waist in honor of all the authors who’ve come before me. Simply put, they are warriors, and I draw from their strength and determination.
My good friend and NYTimes and USA Today bestselling author, Laura Munson, is a week into the book tour for her new book, The Wild Why, and May 19th, she’s coming to interview me at an In Conversation event for one of the three book signings I’m having here in San Antonio. Now I understand why she asked if there was a great local spa where she could spend the day. Laura didn’t use these exact words… she didn’t have to… but I know she’s going there to surrender her body and to put her brain on hold.
If a day is all Laura needs to recuperate, then she’s stronger than I am, because at that point on my tour, I may be on an IV drip.
I hope each one of you know how much I love, value and appreciate you. Long before I started writing this book, you were my cheerleaders, and because you’ve encouraged me, I thought I’d give you a sneak peek from MAYA BLUE: one of the most terrifying days of my life.
The trail we’re on looks like a green tunnel hollowed out through the middle of the jungle. I know from exploring the jungles in the Yucatán that without foot traffic, it won’t be long before parts of the jungle grow back as though the trail never existed. In places, the canopy arches just above our heads while in other areas the trees are like skyscrapers, too tall for me to see the tops. Sometimes I can see pieces of the sky, but it’s the opposite of Tulum and Sian Ka’an, the Maya words for “the place where the sky was born.” This is not where the sky was born.
The commandos are all wearing boots while I have on my white Keds, still wet from the saltwater on Ambergris Caye. Under my feet I’m aware of the layers and layers of rotting plants, the place in the jungle where dead things go. From experience I know there are snakes in the jungle. Some are harmless while others, like the deadly fer-de-lance, are well-camouflaged, impossible to see until you’re almost on top of them.
The commando behind me has his hand on my back and each time I hesitate to take a step, he shoves me forward. Walking here isn’t easy. The tree roots in our path are sometimes two feet high, and I’m forced to watch every step. I know from exploring the jungle: if you get lost, there’s a chance you may never find your way out.
Hard-Ass and the commando in front of me haven’t stopped since we started walking. I turn to see if Estéban is still behind me. He’s breathing hard, and his face and shirt are wet. With a quick movement, the commando behind me jerks his head up and back—a sign for me to turn around and keep walking. Like Estéban, my shirt is wet and sticking to my skin, and small tendrils of wet hair have plastered themselves to the side of my face.
Overhead, the jungle’s alarm system continues to announce our presence. The loudest warning is the cacophony of howler monkeys, and the sound they make is frightening and unnerving. A combination of wild barking dogs and angry hooting gorillas. Up ahead a large bird screeches, together with lots of high-pitched tweets from smaller birds, and there are rhythmic sounds I can’t identify. They remind me of the rain sticks the Native Americans use to summon rain from the heavens, but rain isn’t the problem here. It’s the other commandos who are waiting for us somewhere up ahead.
31 thoughts on “A SNEAK PEEK FROM MAYA BLUE”
This book has been on my Amazon TO BE DELIVERED in May list and I’m excited it’s next month. Your writing style appeals to me, flowing and vivid. Your life story is fascinating. I’m just done w planning and executing son’s wedding rehearsal and welcome party and the to do lists went on and on. You’ll be on the other side of this and will look back with pride at a job well done (with IV drip, drip as needed.)
Carol, IV drip, drip as needed! That’s funny, but I’m hoping it won’t be needed. You know all about choreographing big events and what it takes to make them come together. I bet it was amazing! Thank you for ordering Maya Blue. xoxox, Brenda
I am SO EXCITED for you, and for myself to get to read this, Brenda!! Turk sends a “Hello Brenda, good job” message. I know what goes into the writing, but not the promo part – I can only imagine. You’re built of strong stuff, gal, you’ve got this. Yay, you!
XO Donna
Thank you, Donna, and I send my thanks to Turk! I don’t remember having another nonstop race/project that even compares to getting a book launched. It’s crazy, girlfriend!! xoxox, Brenda
Wow!
You can make it!!! There’s a light at the end of the tunnel!! 🙂
My books are on order as well!! I’m anxious to learn your signing dates other than May 19, so I can save the date! Can’t make it on the 19th!!!
Connie T.
Thanks for being my cheerleader, Connie! I appreciate your encouragement so much. Perhaps we can make something happen closer to you. I’ll let you know. xoxox, Brenda
Birthing a book sounds like birthing a baby except the gestation period is much longer. I had three sons, and was tired all the time and you hope and pray they’re healthy and when the world meets them, they are loved. I already love you and your book. It’s gonna be fine mamma. Xo, Barb
Oh, Barb! What a delightful note! Thank you, sweet lady! Thank you! xoxox, Brenda
Brenda! I’m here for you in all its iterations – hardcover and kindle preordered. I’ll be queuing up the audio once it’s available, too. Thank you for putting yourself out there showing us resilience, courage and hope, knowing that we can keep going, too.
And I have no doubt that all of you can survive what life throws at you. I believe somehow we’ve all found one another here on 1010ParkPlace, members of the same tribe. Thank you, Joyce! Love, Brenda
Brenda, I applaud you for all your hard work. It’s exhausting work but it will be worth it. I admire and appreciate you. Can’t wait to read your book.
Then we have a mutual admiration society because I appreciate you as well, Yvonne! Thank you! xoxox, Brenda
OMG Brenda! Hurry Maya Blue! I can’t wait to read your book. I know it will be powerful like you.
Thank you, Arlo! I love that!! xoxox, Brenda
Just this excerpt tells the strength you have! You will make it … and the memories can be used in a second book!!! The framed picture is beautiful!!! Does Annie get to join you for parts of the tour? ❤️
Hi Linda, No, Annie stays home, but she does play a feature role in a video I made over the weekend. Can’t wait to show it to all of you. Sending you and your Annie love, hugs and kisses. xoxox, Brenda
Hi there Brenda
I know I will be reading this book 24/7! I have it on order. I wish there would be a ZOOM interview with you.
I used to read/record at the university for the visually impaired students.
Hi Rosemarie, I am planning some zoom interviews I hope all of you will attend. More when I know more. If I’d known you had experience reading/recording, I would have called you for advice. I’m in the process of recording the audio book for Maya Blue. xoxox, Brenda
I have had Maya Blue pre-ordered since November! Stay strong!
YES!!! Thank you, Lee! xoxox, Brenda
You are such a tease! May 20th can’t get here quickly enough. When will the non-SA dates for your book tour be available? Dallas-Fort Worth area please! (We have some great spas here.)
Hi Diana, I have two Dallas/Ft Worth area events on my book tour. Yay!!! I’ll give you more info about them soon, but for now, I’ll tell you they’re in Dallas on Thursday, May 22 and Friday, May 23. Would give anything to meet you! Fingers crossed you can come to one. Great spas! LOL! I know, but unfortunately Dallas will be the beginning of my book tour, so there’s no time to schedule a spa. Maybe later. xoxox, Brenda
Hi Brenda,
Thank you so much for the sneak preview of Maya Blue. I can tell from the little you shared it’s going to be a page turner.
I can imagine how exhausted you must be because as soon as you cross off one “to dos” five more are added.
You are the epitome of “Girl Power.”
The framed picture of you is very good one, serene and pretty.
Ms. Moxie, you will power through this difficult time, just like you have in your entire life. Yes, of course this is a different kind of pressure and stress. As we advance in age that is another big piece.
You remain in my thoughts.
You’re right, Katherine. The to-dos keep coming, so I’m never without a long list. I love that photo of me as well. I was in my early 20s with no clue what was ahead of me, or how difficult and unexpected things would be, but then we all experience these, don’t we? And you’ve hit upon another key factor: As we age, life seems to requre more of everything from us, but we continue to press on ahead. Thank you! I appreciate you. xoxox, Brenda
So profoundly elevated for You!!
Please know there are so many of us with our arms around you in support and love for this journey you have made. Don’t forget to bask, and enjoy the little things as you run the gamut ahead. You did this Girl!! Well Done Brenda
You’ve made me tear up, Susan. Your support and kind words are like a soothing balm, and they’re so appreciated. You see why I call you my cheerleaders? How blessed am I? Thank you! xoxox, Brenda
Hurry May 20th!! I’ve always loved your writing and can’t wait to read more of what we all knew was an amazing story and life. So excited for you! Yes, plan for refreshment on your tour. I’m so glad you have a friend to learn from! Keep knocking out those lists. The release date will be here soon! Thank you for taking time to share a snippet with us! Can’t wait to get my copy! Enjoy every minute. You’ve worked so hard for this, and we’re rejoicing with you!
Thank you, sweet lady. I always love seeing your name here, and your support means everything! Love, Brenda
I NEED A GOOD BOOK!
WAITING WITH BATED BREATH!
GOOD JOB!YOU DID IT……………….XOXO
Thank you, Sweet Friend! I appreciate you. xoxox, Brenda
I purposely didn’t read the book excerpt because I’m waiting to receive the book and it’s almost time! Really looking forward to it. Hang in there! You are one tough cookie and can do it!