Give and Get
By Guest | March 24, 2013 |
Today’s guest is Kimberly Brock. We asked Kim to guest with us today to share information about She Reads, a national online book club that advocates women’s literacy. When not at work on her next novel, Kimberly volunteers her time as the Blog Network Coordinator for She Reads.
Kim says,
After publishing my first novel I found myself compelled to find ways to give back and specifically became involved with She Reads national online book club. I have worked with our network of book bloggers and publishers to begin a literacy program that provides books each month for a homeless women’s book club out of Denver, CO. I’m very honored to be a part of this effort and others that bring hope to women who may feel they are without a voice. I hope to inspire others to seek out opportunities (or create them) to promote literacy within their own communities.”
Kim is a former actor and special needs educator, and is a Georgia Author of the Year 2013 nominee. Her debut novel, The River Witch, is a southern mystical work which has been featured on numerous reading lists and chosen by two national book clubs. More information about She Reads is available at the end of this post. Follow Kim on Twitter and at her Facebook page.
When I was a kid I gave everything away. Jackets, socks, watches, they all disappeared within weeks of my grandmother or mother bringing them in new, popping the tags off and lecturing me about responsibility. Once, I came home like a clown with a pair of shoes three sizes too large on my feet. My shoes were on the feet of a girl who must have gone through her day with her toes folded under, blissful to be in name-brand sneakers. In middle school, it was jewelry. In high school, it was friendship offered to those on the fringes.
I have a clear memory of a pale girl, the kind who existed in such a state of poverty that she was invisible to us, stumbling and dropping an armload of books on the sidewalk beside the buses. The kids on the bus laughed as she lay sprawled. I was appalled and embarrassed because some of them were my friends. I helped her gather her books. I don’t think we ever spoke. I didn’t know what happened to her after that day or if she graduated with my class. But I remembered her cornflower blue eyes. They really were cornflower blue. I’ve never seen eyes like that since. I wondered about her. I wished I’d had some sense of the life she was leading and the courage to do more than lift her off the ground and go on with my day, slightly uncomfortable in my skin.
So here’s the thing I’m getting at, and I’m not preaching, I promise. It’s just, I’ve published a book. It’s been almost a year since it was released and believe me it’s been dreamy. Anyone who tells you they don’t find satisfaction in having their hard work recognized and earning a place at the author table, is a liar. The support and pride of friends and family is really overwhelming. The readers letting me know their thoughts, blows my mind. Even the occasional negative review is something I’m grateful for. What it all boils down to is that my voice has been heard and honestly, that’s pretty incredible in any day and age. So I’m thankful. And slightly (if I’m honest) guilty.
Because (and maybe this is just who I am) I’m haunted by so many voices that will likely never be heard or recognized or celebrated or respected or even criticized. And I find myself looking at what’s been accomplished this year on my behalf and feeling compelled to do something more than tell a story. I want to give something back. I want to give what I have to someone else, some invisible someone. When I look at the characters in my work I realize it’s what drives me from my core. I want to give the greatest most profound gift of story – a voice. And that seemed such an intangible thing until recently.
I published a novel, but what really happened to me this year is that I became a part of a community and within that community there is a movement. I became aware of a quiet effort going forth from the individual book bloggers I got to know after I took on a small position with the She Reads national online book club as their Blog Network coordinator. In so many anonymous ways, they are promoting literacy within their communities and in particular for women. They donate books and time and they share their love of reading in hospices, shelters, libraries, prisons, day cares and more. They begin a conversation, first about the story and then about the lives of those reading them. And instead of guilt, suddenly I felt inspired and privileged to be a part of publishing!
This year, the publishers of our monthly selection agreed to not only send books to our bloggers, but also ten copies of the book to a homeless women’s book club outside of Denver, Colorado, who call themselves the Homecoming Queens. They meet once a month to discuss a book and support one another in their struggle to get back on their feet. It’s not much, ten books. The publishers don’t even feel it. It’s one email I send out. Certainly no great effort on my part. But here’s the response from their fearless leader and literacy advocate Alyce Urice, following the meeting where they learned what had been coordinated on their behalf:
In one year book club has come to mean more to them than just about anything they do. How they see themselves and one another differently than they did 11 months ago because they have seen themselves through the pages of these books.
I am supposed to tell you that if you are an author you should know that your books make people think and see things differently, feel and believe differently, and “want to try harder.
They are trying harder. They are reaching out to other women in the housing complex. Homeless women, finding they have something to give. Finding a voice. And the little girl inside me, the one giving away her shoes and socks and jackets recognizes something more is at work through our books. Whether we know it or not, a gift is being given, something larger than we imagined, larger than ourselves.
And one last thing if you remain unconvinced, a story for you to take away. That girl I wondered about, the one I lost in the flurry of life’s speed, the one I helped to stand, but felt I’d failed in the long run? On the night of my book launch, when I was full of self-doubt in the midst of a crowd that threatened to overwhelm me, I looked up into a pair of pale, cornflower blue eyes. “I bet you don’t remember me,” she said.
But I did. I do. And without even knowing it, she gave me the gift right back.
If you would like to learn more about She Reads, contact Kim through the She Reads Contact page. Kim says, “We are just getting started and so excited to see where it takes us. We have plans to begin donating some of our blogger’s books a few times a year to shelters, etc, and build women’s fiction libraries for them. We believe putting a book in a woman’s hands empowers her and because of that, it changes families and communities for the better.” She Reads is a nonprofit organization.
Many thanks to today’s guest.
You can read more WU guest posts by visiting this link.
Simply inspirational, Kimberly. And the cornflower blue eyes girl story gave me chills. Awesome.
Thanks, Vaughn. I know it’s corny but I can’t tell you how touched I was to see that sweet face at my launch. I’m glad it meant something to you, too.
Over the last year and a half, I was so burnt out, I pretty much locked myself away and said “DONE!”- I didn’t give but I didn’t take, either – publishing and writing and being so “out there” had become exhausting! And when my father died, I thought, “Nope, not one more thing – I’m done!” I’d spread myself so thin, I couldn’t keep up with every request, every thing and everyone that/who I thought I could help or encourage or etc etc etc – I rarely said No – and in doing so I lost myself – exhausted myself to the limit! The last book reading I did happened to be with you, Kim, and all I could think about, instead of “this is awesome!” as I used to think, was “Omg, I am tired and overwhelmed and why am I here?”
Losing this joy of being a part of the community, of all the dreams I’d hoped and wished for, of sharing and caring, was awful. But, it also allowed me to step back and see things from a distance. We can’t be all things to everyone, but we can learn to say “no” when we need to, and love and enjoy those “yes!” times even more so. Finding our place in the community and giving of ourselves without losing ourselves – well, that’s what I hope for all of us in this business, and it sounds as if you have found that sweet spot.
A wonderful and encouraging, heartfelt, post, Kim. *smiling warmly at you fellow BB author!*
Oh, Kat. I know that burned out feeling. You were lovely the day of our event, as you always are. And thanks for sharing here. You’re right about saying no and about finding the right place for yourself. xo
It makes the yes’s so much more the better!
(you are wonderful . . . )
Sharing this link and she-reads!
Hugs to Kim and all the She Reads team. They’re amazing. <3
You are the Queen Bee, Tupelo Honey! xo
Simply wonderful! As authors, we should be on the front lines supporting literacy. Thank you for showing the way.
Thanks for saying all of this! I’ll share a link here to our She Reads Pinterest Board where Alyce Urice has shared so many wonderful and simple ideas to make a difference for literacy every day in your community. https://pinterest.com/shereadsbkclb/literacy-every-day-by-alyse-urice/
This is a wonderful way to help for those of us who, for personal reasons (CFS – and no energy in my case), can’t go out and DO something to volunteer.
When I’m done polishing the WIP, I’ll visit She Reads – and see what I can do to contribute to a literary campaign to empower women, a subject dear to my heart.
Thanks so much for posting.
I’m sharing out She Reads Pinterest Board full of wonderful & simple ways to promote literacy every day in your own community. :) https://pinterest.com/shereadsbkclb/literacy-every-day-by-alyse-urice/
So many pass through life without anyone noticing. Good for you for remembering the girl with cornflower blue eyes and reaching out to others.
This story deeply moved me. Thank you, Unboxed Writer, for publishing it on your site. Thank you, Kim, for writing it. I will hold this story in my heart as an example of how to truly fulfill my role as an author.
Sounds like a great thing you’re doing. I wish I was a more successful writer so I could help you with that kind of thing in my neck of the woods. Maybe someday.
I invite you to take a look at our She Reads Pinterest Board where we’ve started collecting simple and easy ideas from Alyse Urice to help folks make a difference for literacy every day in their own communities. :) https://pinterest.com/shereadsbkclb/literacy-every-day-by-alyse-urice/
I am awed and inspired by your post, Kim. I’ll be visiting She Reads and seeking similar opportunities in my own neck of the woods. As Eleanor Roosevelt reminded us, “Happiness isn’t a goal. It’s a by-product.”
Cheryl
One of my favorite quotes, Cheryl! :)
What a beautiful, inspiring post. You are doing wonderful work, Kim. Thank you!
Thanks, Cindy. The thing is, I do so little. I’m the one who is honored to be involved with my bloggers and a lucky girl to be inspired by their efforts every day!
Love it! What a great story.
This is a great post. This is a reminder to all of us who can to take some time and go read to some people who are in a nursing home or to some children in a day care. Or for those who can’t, we can contribute to organizations like Kim’s. Thank you Kim for what you are doing, and I do plan to check out your book.
Thanks, Peggy. We absolutely hope that you’ll find ways to share in your own communities. Check out our She Reads Pinterest Board where we’ve started collecting easy ways to make a difference for literacy daily from the brilliant Alyse Urice. https://pinterest.com/shereadsbkclb/literacy-every-day-by-alyse-urice/
Wonderful post, Kim – inspiring, humble and full of hope. You are a very special person in a world where many only care about themselves.
I hope it really moves people to seek out little ways to reach out to someone else, but I have to be honest, Sheryl. I think it’s the people who’ve been put in my path who are special and teaching me how easy it is to really make a difference just by being aware of more than the end of my own nose – which can be tough for me! lol I’m having a great time and I’m so proud to be a part of She Reads national online book club. They’re fabulous women, picking wonderful books each month and creating a welcoming and powerful community of readers that is growing for all the right reasons. :)
Books are magic and this post proves it. Reading does so much for the soul; it encourages, it inspires, it astounds, and it creates. I’m so proud to be part of She Reads and the wonderful people associated with it. Thanks you Kimberly for sharing this today. What a great example to llve up to! xo
Hallie, it’s the book bloggers at She Reads who are amazing me with all the ways they give back in their own communities. I’m so glad to be working with you!
This post was a great inspiration in reminding me about the power of the story. As readers, we all identify ourselves with the characters in stories. It’s amazing to see how powerful and profound can be to those people whose connections to others are limited. She Reads is a fantastic organization!
I think you just summed up the entire post! Love it! xo
You are one special woman, Kimberly Brock. I’m more impressed than ever. Love you and She Reads.
Oh, Lori, that’s so nice of you. I’m only lucky to be surrounded by special people who are inspiring me. You are one of them!
Kim, this is a beautiful post. I follow She Reads and
really enjoy it!
I love hearing this! We work so hard every day to bring books to readers and to support stories and writers we really believe in. It’s great to know She Reads is reaching women and putting books into their hands! xo
I have been writing for a number of years and the beat I march to is “The Little Drummer Boy.” I am working on memoir and a collection of essays and know the magic you speak of. I dream of being able to share my perspectives and experience, but I am a single parent that has to work everything around those demands. Congratulations on your accomplishments and the perspective you bring to the value of it.
Good luck and keep marching! xo
More accolades from this place, Kim. You heard the whisper, and you listened. How often we fail to do that. I hear what Kathryn says, because sometimes we do get worn down with well-doing. I know I have. And yet when we stop and look and listen to the whisper in our heart that points–as yours has–to the good, how many, many blessings we reap.
I love this idea of sending books to empower homeless women. Our church hosts women and children as part of a community program of churches that give space on a rotating basis. I think I’ll ask if they’d like to participate in something like this. And I know just the book to start them off–yours.
Normandie,
You always inspire me with your grace. Thank you so much for these kind words. I can’t say how much it means to me to be involved with the Homecoming Queens. Honestly, it’s so easy. Authors have so much at their disposal and it takes so little time to really make a difference in someone’s day with a book. :)
Oh I love this!!!! You’re awesome, Kimberly!
What a beautiful post. Thanks so much for sharing this with us :)
Thanks for sharing such a wonderful story. It reminds me of an old saying that even a smile can be charity. We simply never know how one small action may impact another and reading this was a great reminder.
It’s thanks to you, Kim, that She Reads is up and running and along with the reviewers it’s been a great ride and a great success. So many books that can take you place you’d never imagine being able to go to. Some of us are literal “armchair travellers” and with the top-notch writing of authors today, you already feel physically there through the pages of the books we read.
It’s been an absolute joy for me to be part of SheReads and I wish all of us much continued success!!
The story of the girl with cornflower eyes made tears come to my blue eyes.
Alyce is a very special woman, with a heart as big as Jupiter, and I’m honored to know her.
Alyse Urice has taught us A LOT about giving back and we hope to share the brilliant ideas she’s been offering up on one of our Pinterest Boards here: https://pinterest.com/shereadsbkclb/literacy-every-day-by-alyse-urice/
We’re also currently collecting links and contacts for anyone out there who is looking for ways THEY can give back! We hope to be good advocates and provide examples for ways authors and readers can give back in their own creative ways!
Kim, I knew you were a special woman the day we first met, and after reading your novel I knew you were a gifted author as well. Thank you for all that you do for others, you are richly blessed by for it. I’m so excited and grateful to be a small part of the SheReads blogging team!
Nicely done, Kimberly. So proud to have you so beautifully representing She Reads. Love love love the literacy effort…giving back some of the grace we’ve already received. Thank you.
What a beautiful journey, Kim. I could tell your were a giving spirit from the moment I met you. SheReads is blessed to have you. We all are….
What a wonderful piece Kimberly! Brought tears to my eyes, thank you for the inspiration!
Love this! And please don’t hold back… what happened to the girl with the cornflower blue eyes???? I’m dying for her backstory. And I have chills about the Homecoming Queens. What a great post, Kim!
Kimberly, I’ve had to take a break from the ‘net for a while. I’ve mostly been avoiding blogs and social media. But this post was exactly what I needed to read today. Thank you. The world needs more people who are unafraid of appearing sentimental or corny whilst getting good things done.
Thanks, Jan. Some days I let my Pollyanna flag fly. ;)
Great article!
Kim,
I love being a part of the She Reads Books Club for so many reasons we would be here all day if I was to expound. But you have just providced another by sharing this post. It just takes one person to make a difference and clearly you know this from the heart and those cornflower blue eyes.