I’m not sure what has happened the last two months besides saying it feels like I’ve lived a lifetime and I was just thrown out of a washing machine. And that whirling machine spat me out emotionally, mentally, and physically exhausted.
So, I am looking forward to winding the year down with no additional self-induced pressure.
But before I dive right into the madness that has been my reality the last two months, I’ve got a free tip for you:
Looking to learn something new or level up your skills for free?
Check out Discover Fest 2021 from my Geotraveler Media Academy partners at Teachable. It’s a week of free live workshops from November 15-19 designed to help you learn new skills for your life and your business. Instructors will teach you everything from the best practices for online course building to podcasting to food photography and more! Even if you can’t make the live events, replays will be sent out daily – REGISTER HERE
Book news
Yeah… so about that book… Where do I begin?
I honestly don’t know besides lifting up thanks to God for such an incredible journey so far.
In Every Mirror She’s Black has been getting incredible press and reviews – from New York Magazine’s Vulture and Good Morning America to being both Amazon and Apple Fiction Book Picks. The Independent UK crowned it the 2021 “most thought-provoking” book on its list of 2021 Best Books by Black Authors.
We’ve signed on a German publisher (our fourth) and have also received TV adaptation interest from production companies which our film/tv agent, the mighty UTA, is negotiating.
Since my last update, I’ve been on a book tour in Lagos, London, Brighton, Bath, and Bristol.
There have been podcast appearances and radio interviews in Lagos and London including Times Radio (UK), festival appearances, book club events, articles, print coverage, and more.
Heck, my book was even photographed behind J. Lo. As in THE Jennifer Lopez!
I knew once we got over all the gatekeeping within the publishing industry and all those rejections, readers would connect with this book in profound ways.
My heart is full.
All I can say is follow @ineverymirror on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook to stay abreast of all the news because even I, as the author, can’t stay on top of it all.
Thank you to everyone who has supported this incredible journey so far!
Visual storytelling
I run my own agency, Geotraveler Media Sweden, which recently won a Travel Media Innovator 2021 Award. We didn’t even know we were nominated so it was a pleasant surprise. Yes, I am still a travel photographer and have several contributions in current issues of National Geographic Traveller (UK) and Nat Geo Traveller UK Food Issue covering Denmark, Seychelles, and West Sweden. I’ve also contributed written pieces to other publications.
I have been working on some commercial projects which I can’t wait to share more about once ready.
Here’s a sneak peek of one below.
I have photography appearing in an upcoming high profile cookbook (more soon) and a piece of writing I did for British Airways will appear in the upcoming anthology, Best British Travel Writing of the 21st Century.
Local Purse
The last few months have inched slower than we would have liked, and that’s because we are currently fundraising for Local Purse. We have been bootstrapping to date, and to expand and accelerate the way it deserves to, we’re looking for the right investors and partners.
That is why I am incredibly honored to be presenting on behalf of our wonderful Local Purse team (Sara, Michael, Axel, Shangesh) at the prestigious Phocuswright Conference next week on its Innovation Stage!
We will be running a couple Local Purse events in early December and I’ll share more details soon.
The Academy
My Geotraveler Media Academy is still alive and well, and we’ve got 400+ students taking my self-guided courses (most of them are taking my free courses, so don’t make mental financial calculations :-)). I will be dedicating more time and resources to the academy in 2022 and I’m really looking forward to expanding our offerings in the new year, starting with the one below.
Personal Updates
My focus word for 2021 was RELEASE, and boy did I release so many things in so many ways. Now I’m realizing why I also need more routines the older I become as I transition into this next stage of my life.
For once in my life, I am finally craving discipline. Being an ENFP-A (Campaigner), this may very well be my biggest mental challenge to date.
My focus word for 2022 is beginning to materialize in some form as I wind down (at my own pace) for the rest of the year.
The pandemic hasn’t been easy for all of us in many ways. Personally, I am working hard to cut off time-consuming projects that no longer serve or align with my purpose. I crave every opportunity I can to be with my family both near and far.
If you’ve read this far, thank you for your continued support!