TA DA!
My newest book is finished. Well, actually, two books.
Stop. Open. Turn. Three Simple Listening Skills To Nurture And Grow Love In Recovery.
Anyone have time on their hands, and would like to help me out by being part of a focus group? I want to know if it’s well written. Does it do the job I set out to do, which is to teach the three simple skills? Do I come across as likeable or too confessional? Bottom line, if you read it, would you want to pass it on to someone else to read? (Is it marketable?) It’s 102 pages, but not many words per page. Quizzes, and quotes take up pages as well.
WATCH OUT! I share some of my benzo withdrawal in Stop. Open. Turn., so if reading about that will trigger you, please don’t volunteer. I want to be helpful, not hurtful to all of you in my benzo family.
Angel’s Cleaning Company is a short story. (24 pages) It’s not quite done as I still need to add a workbook after it, but I’d love for a few people to read and give feedback. (Disclaimer, It’s got a Christian bent to it. If that doesn’t appeal to you, you may want to take a pass on reading it.)
If you want to be a reader for me, (THANK YOU! THANK YOU!) please let me know which one (or both?) you want to read.
I want serious feedback, which means being truthful, even if you think it will hurt my feelings. It won’t. Trust me. I survived benzo withdrawal. I can survive a book that needs tweaking. (Even Hemingway needed a great editor. I’m far from his talent, so I need A LOT of them!)
I’m off to help out in a garden down the way. I’m decked out in my overalls, happy as a clam. Life is good. Very, very, good.
If you comment here, I will reply with an attachment of the book(s) this evening. (THANK YOU!)
I am willing to take a peek. I am far enough out to where I won’t be triggered. Congrats by the way!
Don’t know how good I am at giving feed back but would love to give it a try. So glad
you’re on your way to living again!
Sue
I would love to read it 🙂
I am coming out of a bad migraine episode but if I continue to feel better, I would love to this week.
What is the deadline?
Id like to read it. Don’t know if it would trigger me. I’m willing to give it a try and if I find it is not good for my recovery I will stop if that’s acceptable. I and thousands if others may the help your book offers.
Dear Jenn,
I would be glad to read both books. As I have stated before I am an atheist, but I can be very objective. I am not against believers just can’t believe myself. I’m happy for you! Your recovery helps spread the hope for us all. Happy gardening!
Ginny
Dear Jenn,
I would like to read both books and will give you an honest feedback. Thanks
Dr. Jenn,
I would love to read your books and give some feedback on them. Don’t know if they would trigger my symptoms any. You have helped me so much with your letters and this web site.
Sincerely,
Diane
Dear Dr. Jenn, How exciting. Yes I would love to read both. Love Marie Date: Sat, 12 Apr 2014 16:37:03 +0000 To: jonesie65@hotmail.com
Would love to read and comment
Love
Elizabeth
Amman
Jordan
maryandjuliana@hotmail.com
Dr. Jen, I am off of the taper, but still having withdrawal symptoms. Confusion is one of the symptoms I’m experiencing so unfortunately I can’t read for you as much as I would love to. I’m so excited for you also – and looking forward to reading both books and workbooks !!!!!
I would be very interested in both books. I’m so grateful that reading is something I’m able to enjoy again!
No worries! focus on your healing. It is happening every day. You will get better.
Hi Jenn, I finished reading your book. I relate to much of what you describe about yourself. It is easy to read. I like the quotes. The self tests help me to see myself in a realistic way. I noticed some typos in the second section. I want to go over it again and take notes to give you more specific feedback. I found everything to be helpful. Since I have some challenge focusing in my current withdrawal state I’m frustrated cause I want to give you a higher level critique. My brain can’t handle the task right now. Your book gets an A for helpful, practical strategies to deal with benzo withdrawal. You did a nice job with AA focus. Many will be helped by you through this book. Kudos! If and when I get organized with this task I’ll write again. I’m also following the mantra: I have enough, I do enough, I am enough.
Thank you Holly. Not sure how many people can use the skills in BENZO recovery. ( I wrote it mainly for people in recovery from addictions like booze, etc.) My brain was WAY too fried to use them when I was in benzo wd. That is why I waited until it had healed more to redo my old listening skills book and write this one. 🙂 thanks for the gift of your time to read the book. I appreciate it more than you know. Can you point me in the direction of the typos? I will take a look. I’ve read the book SO many times now to edit it, that things slip past me.
I LOVE YOUR MANTRA~ I HAVE enough, I Do enough and I AM enough. Amen sister!
Dr. Jenn, I read your book and love it. It is so me!!! I need to re read again as my sick brain would not let me grasp all that I read.. I think you are so spot on with the listening part as I have a problem with hearing, don’t know if I tune people out or I just can’t hear them. I need to try and be a better listener..with your advice I will not interrupt or talk about me!!
The self help quiz was excellent as it made me realize that all those things happened and I’ve never admitted it to anyone.. As you know we think we are isolated from the world and no one cares about us.
Such a wonderful book!! It will help all who are going through this horrible nightmare!! There are a few typos, but when you edit and proof read I’m sure you will find them….The dating part is great.. All rings a bell…..talented lady you are!
When I read over again I will respond and give more input.. My vision bothers me a lot so I tend to strain when I’m reading something interesting and don’t want to stop.
Would love to purchase a hard copy of your book. I’m sure you will let everyone know when it is ready…
Again your are a wonderful person to be able and admit all of your flaws and bad traits along with the addictions..
Sincerely,
Diane
Jenn, I am supporting my wife in this process, Send it over if you would still like another reader.
Thats great news! Like 2 proof it but im not so talented either. Sounds like good readings too. My heads a floaty-feeling..so much..read madinamerica n is supportive info on w/ds..just wish for a cup of coffee n cookie or..in early stage I guess..hard..
Concrats!
Ok Jenn I’ll get back to you with the typos. My dream job is to be a book editor! I used to review books when I was teaching and it was fun!
Holly, if you want to mark them through track changes, feel free. THANK YOU!! I appreciate it so much.
Hi Jenn. Here are the corrections I came up with. Hope this is helpful. Take what you like and leave the rest! 🙂
OPEN section
Par 6 Jane and me (instead of Jane and I)
Different than I (instead of different than me)
Par 11 word and concept were too foreign (instead of was too foreign)
kenosis is lower case
Par 12 Kenosis is upper case
Par 19 transgender people (instead of transgendered people)
Par 26 word missing How often have I spoke(n) angrily that
Par 41 I can listen to others without (instead of with out)
Edited with love
Holly you rock! Thank you So much. I will make the changes later today after work. Appreciate it more than you know.
I’ve been catching mistakes as I keep reading it, but I never see them all.
XOXO