Published by Rowman & Littlefield

My book, Helping Teen Moms Graduate, was published by Rowman & Littlefield (R&L). I have had a wonderful experience working with R&L--particularly with Tom Koerner, Vice President/Publisher, Education. Tom went above and beyond to make sure that Helping Teen Moms Graduate was published. I have had this book contract with R&L for seven years. Because of health challenges and single parenting, I just couldn't get it together, but Tom wouldn't let me give up on this project. He kept emailing and encouraging me to finish Helping Teen Moms Graduate; now I am so grateful for his continued persistence and encouragement. 

Overcoming Adversity

I needed to stay motivated. I struggled to finish Helping Teen Moms Graduate. During the second year [of working on the book], I took one of Lisa Tener's [self-study] courses, which was an invaluable resource. Still, as I said, the challenges with my health and single parenting, I couldn't get it together.

[Five years later, I worked] with a literary coach, E. (Emily) Claudette Freeman. Claudette held me accountable. I worked with her weekly. She told me I could do it. She told me to see myself as the expert and to stop trying to be perfect. "You'll never get the book finished," she said. Her advice to me was, "Instead of perfection, let your goal be to do your best".