Well, friends, Breathing Room is making her way out into the world. Here she is in NYC at my dear friend Joanna’s gorgeous apartment. What a life. That book has it good.

It was so very fun to see you sharing your photos of Breathing Room yesterday as some of you received your copies or spotted a copy in a store a bit earlier than expected! September 30 is still the official release date for the kindle version, and October 7 is still the official release date for the paperback, but it looks like she’s finding her way into mailboxes and bookstores already. I’d love to see your selfie with the book if you can manage that kind of thing. But, on the other hand, I can totally understand if your mental and/or emotional health do not support selfies. Believe me. I get it. On the off chance you’re feeling wild, we’re using #BreathingRoom.

Some of you have asked if there are ways you can support getting the word out about Breathing Room. So here are a few of my thoughts:

Write a review on a bookseller’s website (i.e. Amazon or Barnes and Noble), on Goodreads, or write a review on your own personal blog or FB page. Reviews help people understand the book better and they help people know how you experienced the material. Always good. You have my permission to be 100% honest in your review and to say that me taking a picture of my own butt and then writing about it was just too much for you. It’s fine. I’d rather you be honest.

Of course we all know the power of social media. It’s a huge engine that can get the word out about things in lightening speed. If you want to mention Breathing Room on your favorite social media outlet, then so be it. I won’t stop you.

I think a personal recommendation is still the most powerful way that a book gets passed around. If the content of Breathing Room resonates with you in some way and you think of someone you’d like to pass it along to, your personal recommendation will go a long way with those who know you and trust you. So, I’d invite you to recommend it to someone — again, if you can tolerate the fact that some people might not appreciate the story about me punching Steve in the ribs. You know, for example.

And, of course, with the holidays on the horizon, perhaps you might consider slipping Breathing Room in someone’s stocking. I mean, the cover DID turn out pretty, I have to say. You could put it with a delicious candle for someone you really love. Now that would be ridiculous.

Thank you so much for putting up with all the book talk during this season. You guys are truly a tender tribe.

I will do my best to not carb load my way through this entire book release. Please pray.

Love and chips and salsa,

Leeana