Hi Friends, Fans, and Passersby,

 

If you’ve read prior posts, you’ll know that something big is happening to me this year. And, I want to share it with you.

 

I’ve written a storybook for kids to help them with the same issues I’ve been writing to you about since 2009. I posted my big cover reveal a few weeks ago.

 

Now, you can be a part of the story itself.

 

I write this sentence with shaky hands and a lump in my throat. I’ve never been prouder (or more frightened) of anything I have done in my professional career.

 

Here she is…

 

 

Seraphina Does Everything! is available for pre-order on Amazon. Right now. Oh, my goodness.

 

What’s the book about?

 

Seraphina wants to do it all. And she does! From soccer to ballet to French club, her schedule is jam-packed. There are so many options and doors to walk through in life, and Seraphina doesn’t want to miss a thing.

 

If I don’t open every door

to see what lies within,

I’ll miss an opportunity,

that might not come again.

 

I stay busy day and night,

through winter, fall, and spring.

I crush my fear of missing out

by doing EVERYTHING.

 

So, if Seraphina is doing all the things she wants to do, then why does she feel so blue? With some help from her dad, Seraphina discovers that in trying to do everything, she is missing out on some of her favorite things, like playing hide-and-seek with friends or playing catch with her dog.

 

In today’s world, kids are often as over committed as adults. They feel pressured to participate in every activity from sports to dance to social clubs. And none of these things are bad until they begin to steal our children’s joy. Seraphina Does Everything! helps children understand that life isn’t all about doing. It’s also about being! And when we let go of some things and choose what we enjoy most, it makes everything way more fun!

 

As you can see in this video, I can hardly contain my excitement.

 

I’m doing the best I can, folks, I promise.

 

 

My First-Ever “Hard Ask”

 

For those of you unfamiliar with Amazon’s algorithm, the long-term success of a book depends greatly on pre-order sales and verified reviews (among other things).

 

So, for the first time in 10 years of writing this blog…I am presenting you, my cherished reader, with a “hard ask.”

 

Please, click here to go on Amazon right now and pre-order Seraphina Does Everything!

 

The book is geared toward kids in grades 3 – 6. But there is a message in the story for all of us who are overscheduled and overwhelmed.

 

From April 2 – 8, 2019 only, there is a pre-order bonus!

 

If you are an educator, parent, summer camp leader, after-school-care facilitator, or anyone who would like some resources to help kids learn about life balance, my publisher and I have constructed an 11-page set of downloadable activities to accompany the book.

 

To get the downloadable packet of resources you must:

1. Pre-order the book on Amazon before 4/8/19 at midnight EDT. Copy your order number from Amazon’s check out page.
2. Go to this page and fill out the Pre-Order Form. Paste your order number and enter your email here.
3. Check your email immediately for the download link. The message will come from the National Center for Youth Issues (NCYI).
4. Receive your book after it ships on April 9, 2019

 

Bonus step: Please go back to Amazon after reading the book and write a review! Verified reviews (i.e., from folks who Amazon knows ordered the book) are so important.

 

That’s it for now, friends (I assume the “Fans and Passersby” have stopped reading by now).

 

Thank you for your support. I hope you fall in love with my Seraphina.

 

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Melissa Gratias (pronounced “Gracious”) used to think that productivity was a result of working long hours. And, she worked a lot of hours. Then, she learned that productivity is a skill set, not a personality trait. Now, Melissa is a productivity expert who coaches and trains other businesspeople to be more focused, balanced, and effective. She is a prolific writer and speaker who travels the world helping people change how they work and improve how they live. Contact her at getproductive@melissagratias.com or 912-417-2505. Sign up to receive her productivity tips via email.