Lessons Learned During Self-Publishing by Lani Gonzalez – Guest Blog and Giveaway

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Lani Gonzales will be awarding a $20 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Lessons Learned During Self-Publishing

Before I self-published my first book, Rebirth of a Sage, I did my best to learn about the process of self-publishing. I took a helpful online course that explained the editing and publication process. The course also sought to manage the expectations of new self-publishing authors. The teacher of the course explained that that average self-published book will sell approximately 250 copies within the course of 2 years. Another course explained that less than 1% of self-published books will be sold in a physical store.

My goal was not to make money, but I was still disappointed and discouraged. Rebirth of a Sage is a labor of love, and my goal was to share my story of healing with as many people as possible: to share a message of hope, to spread love and light to those still searching in the darkness. Determined to make a difference in the world, I set my goal: to sell 500 copies within 2 years. To my surprise, almost 1,000 copies of Rebirth of a Sage were sold within the first month and is now being sold in a local store. I am humbled and grateful to share my story with so many people. Through my experience self-publishing my first book, I learned a valuable lesson: there are no bounds to our infinite potential if we believe that we are limitless and we honor the beauty and power of our dreams.

A TRANSFORMATIONAL MEMOIR OF LOVE AND LIGHT.

In Lani Gonzales’ intimate self-help debut, Rebirth of a Sage, readers meet the woman she was when she discovered ayahuasca and commenced her journey toward spiritual rejuvenation. Panicked, fearful, and drained, she hoped for an escape for both her and the lonely little girl she’d buried inside. Guided by the Shamans and supported by friends she made along the way, her cleanse progressed one ceremony at a time, culminating in a state of pure spiritual refinement.

Through eleven soul-stirring chapters enriched with enlightenment and healing, readers experience a kaleidoscope of emotions as they journey with Lani. A heartwarming chronicle ensues, traversing the blissful highs and devastating lows she faced along her way to rebirth. Unburying her darkest demons, she inspires us to do the same, gradually weaving threads of transformation and encouraging us to reconnect and reignite the divine flame within our souls.

Enjoy an Excerpt

I will not carry the weight of your sin.
It is yours to carry, and not my own.
When my innocent eyes looked to you,
You took your life, and I slowly lost my own.
But that is your sin to carry, and your sin alone.

I will not carry the weight of your sin.
It is yours to carry, and not my own.
You taught me that life was worthless,
Something that easily comes and goes.
But that is your sin to carry, and your sin alone.

You trespassed on my innocence, the pureness of my soul.
But that is your sin to carry, and your sin alone.

I will not carry the weight of your sin.
It is yours to carry, and not my own.
You told me to be silent. You told me to be still.
But something inside me rotted; something inside me grew cold.
But that is your sin to carry, and your sin alone.

I will not carry the weight of your sin.
It is yours to carry, and not my own.
You violated my body, using it for the needs of your own.
But that is your sin to carry, and your sin alone.

I will not carry the weight of your sin.
It is yours to carry, and not my own.
The weight I’ve tried to shed.
The weight I’ve tried to purge.
Deceived into believing it should be shed from my body, the vessel for my soul.
But the weight that should be lost is that of your original sin, your sin, and yours alone.

I will not carry the weight of your sin.
It is not mine to carry.
It is yours and yours alone.

About the Author:Born in the Philippines, Lani Gonzales immigrated to Virginia, USA, with her family when she was only two years old. Determined to emulate her parents’ discipline and ambition, Lani worked through college and law school and is now a practicing partner in a successful law firm in Tampa, Florida. A world-traveling, volunteering, energy-healing, aspiring hypnotherapist, Lani is committed to using her light as a beacon to help others find theirs.

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