MEETING IN THE LADIES ROOM ~ Reflections Of Women In A Room Of Their Own

Almost two years ago a dear friend told me about her new book idea. California based authors, Linda Woods, and her sister, Karen Dinino, already had two bestselling books under their belts. They had been featured, worldwide, in magazines, and on TV shows such as THE VIEW. The new book would be a departure from their first two: No Rules How-To guides to creating art. This new project would feature women from around the world. It would be a photo art book of women in bathrooms.

I immediately LOVED the idea and suggested a few people they should approach for the book. I also offered to connect them with a few fabulous Canadian women. I figured that was that. My involvement would be a few contacts. Also, if there were Photoshop issues I offered to lend a hand (I also offered web guru and digital art master, Joey Wargachuk, to back me up on the technical stuff that was beyond my knowledge ~ Thanks Joey). As time went on my involvement morphed into hands on photo shoots, contacting lots of women: famous and non, and whatever the ladies needed me to do.

Life throws all of us surprises. Karen found out she had cancer. I was being tested for cancer and a number of things after a year of continued, escalating, illness, and Linda also had health issues. While we all faced our own “junk,” we continued to work on the SECRET PROJECT. It was delayed and took far longer than expected, but it was a positive collective endeavor that kept us laughing and focused. The distraction was a blessing to all of us.

We were thrilled by the rejections we got! Sounds crazy, but it was cool that we had gotten through the gatekeepers and in touch with some pretty famous women. Two of our favorite rejections were from Senaid O’Connor, who was “too shy to do the photos, but wished us the very best with the project.” Then we got through three levels of assistants to Maya Angelou; her personal assistant told us Ms. Angelou was very busy with speaking engagements, but thanked us for thinking of her. She also wished us success. We were elated that we were getting replies. They were as good as getting told: “Yes.” We knew we had something when people bothered to reply. Truth be told, we never expected Dr. Angelou to agree to being photographed in the shitter.

Linda and Karen have recounted the journey on their blog. I suggest you get the whole story there in parts 1-3. It includes the illness, the B.S., the cracker-jack publishers, how perseverance pays off, and how an independent publishing company got its wings:

PART 1 PART 2 PART 2.5 PART 3

About the book:

What do you see when you look in the mirror?
What do you think about when you are alone?
What’s the best ladies room you’ve ever been in?

Whether you are an idolized celebrity or a struggling single mother, the ladies room is where you create your make believe, and where you face your reality. Join 68 brave women from around the world for an empowering look in the mirror and a meeting in the ladies room.

Featuring Jann Arden, Amanda Palmer, Rosie O’Donnell, Jen Foster, Sarah Bettens, and SHeDAISY

Click: PREVIEW & BUY THE BOOK

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