As a writer and creative, I sometimes need to remind myself of how ideas sprouted and things grew.
Let’s face it, long before I was ever a writer, I was an auntie. Those special relationships flourished, grew, and continue to this day.
I’m now at a point where getting past personal expectations and self-imposed limitations are key to moving forward.
What am I talking about? I’m actually thinking about my entire “Auntie Says…” world.
I was always the cool auntie (still am!). I’m the one who made the time and answered the tough questions. That has been part of the joy of life.
Auntie Says… started as real life, morphed into a popular newspaper column, and then into a blog covering various topics with a strong point of view. Now a pinnacle has been reached and the next chapter is beginning to take shape.
While I’ll continue to blog and post, I recently made a decision to move forward with publication of my first Auntie book. This is huge for me because it’s something that’s been many years in the making.
The idea and concept of the book has been shopped through industry professionals.
The concept is one of Auntie being in a mentorship role to younger people–whether related by blood or not. Here are some of the comments I’ve received over the years:
- the idea is too niche
- we wouldn’t know where to put it in the bookstore
- what makes you (meaning me) special?
- the term “auntie” is too cultural… (seriously? I have no frikken idea what this even means! but it’s insulting as the term imho is endearing and universal)
- no one cares
- no one would buy it
- Aunties and their relationships to their younger peeps isn’t interesting
- I even had one publisher say to me…“I don’t get it…” (the entire concept of an Auntie/youngster bond was completely foreign to him. This made me sad for him because he obvioulsy missed out on one of the most special relationships in life)
- and the list goes on… 🤦🏻♀️
I’m over it.
Finally.
The book is in the process of being written and will be professionally edited, formatted, and published.
This book is a gift from Auntie to their niece/nephew/nibling in order to build, maintain, and nurture their special relationship. It is a book of communication, trust, and mentorship.
I’m curious to know whether or not you’ve ever had a special bond with an Auntie (or someone like it) and how it impacted your life? Do you have young people in your life that you mentor and guide? Let me know your thoughts.
Oh… and tell me what you think of the word “Auntie”… You’ll never change my mind in it’s appeal, but I’m curious to know what you think.
Have a great day.
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I never had an “auntie” like you growing up. I wish I had. I did have three family aunties in town and they were lovely people but I wouldn’t have gone to them with something personal. But when my kids were little, I referred to every important woman in their lives as auntie. I think that was good for them as it did give them people they felt safe with. I am now an auntie myself to many young people, by birth and by choice, and I love that role.
Hey Michele. I know what you mean. My aunties all seemed old and stodgy… they’d never have jumped into the deep end of the lake with me… I love that you’ve foraged “aunties” into your children’s life. The relationships really are priceless. ox
I have adult nephews & nieces who still call me auntie. It makes me happy every time I hear it. When I traveled in India & Thailand, I was often addressed as auntie by the locals as a term of respect. My aunt Rose is the most memorable one, not often fun but always hard-working, bossy, and determined at a time when the men were in charge. Yay, Auntie Rose!
I love this Aggie. Auntie is a title of respect. I so agree. Yay. Auntie Rose!
I love this. Thanks Auntie Aggie!🥰
I have a special Auntie who has been a beautiful role model for me and has shown me how to live life to the fullest. I can talk to her about almost anything and even though we only see each other once or twice a year, we have a very special bond. We continue to be close even though I am now in my late sixties and she’s in her seventies.
Thank you so much for sharing. I love this. It sounds similar to some of the relationships that I cherish.
Oh I love this…. Thank you so much for sharing. ❤️
I’m so glad you’re going to finally write that book! Can’t wait to see it 🙂
Me too…