Mothers of the World: It’s Time to Get “Wild”! (By Cheryl Strayed)

Every once in a while, good things happen to good people. And whenever this happens, I think it’s a cause for celebration. And, I don’t know about you, but I kinda feel the urge to grab my drum and join the circle.

You may have noticed that I used Cheryl Strayed as an example of tech-savvy writer in my recent post on how to be become a tech-savvy writer for #AWP12.

That’s because she planned the big reveal of her identity as “Dear Sugar” from the Rumpus’s Dear Sugar column just before the launch of her forthcoming book, Wild (publication March 20, 2012 from Knopf).

I thought this was a very smart move on Cheryl’s part. And I’m not going to take that back. It was incredibly smart. I want her to have full credit.

But let’s not forget about the power of traditional media. I have said this before and this seems like a good time to say it again.

While flying back and forth to Chicago, it seemed like I could not crack open a magazine (I cracked open many, it’s what I do when I’m flying) without seeing plugs for Cheryl’s new book splashed, Wild, across the pages in full color.

Was I envious?

A tiny bit. Who wouldn’t be? I think it’s only natural. But that little pang passed quickly. I got over it about two minutes after I saw her spread in The Oregonian, before I’d even left home for the conference.

After my two minutes of self-pity were up, I felt jubilant for Cheryl and for her family. I was pumping my fist in the air chanting, “Go, Cheryl!”

I gave Cheryl a big high ten in the lobby of the Hilton when I saw her at AWP. I am excited not just for her, but because traditional publishing still manages to work despite all the odds against it. This feels like something of a miracle. Especially when it works for someone you know. Especially when it works for someone who is also a mom. Especially when there is no trace of ego.

Cheryl is  a mom, and when a mom writer wins, that’s a win for the whole tribe.

So, go mom writers! Go, Cheryl. Rock those bestseller lists!

I predict that Cheryl's book is going to become the Eat. Pray. Love. of 2012. Mark my words.

I predict that Cheryl’s book is going to become the Eat. Pray. Love. of 2012.

Mark my words.

I could not be more thrilled for Cheryl. I am full of hope for her and all of us.

I hope her book is big. I hope it’s huge. I hope it blows the roof off all the bestseller lists.

I hope you will stop whatever you are doing and pre-order it right now.

There is power in the sisterhood of mothers. We may not always feel the power or act on it.

But when someone is worthy and hardworking, like Cheryl, we have the ability to add our vote to a mom’s rise to success.

Cheryl is very humble and deserving. She won’t be changed by the success. I hope you will jump on board on help me cheer her on.

Here are all the ways you can order.

Thank you for adding Wild to your pile of must-reads.