Melody's Song and the City of the Voice Snatchers

"EIGHT YEARS in the making, and it's FINALLY HERE!"

When I read those words from Pathfinder Lonna Hardin, who I consulted with during the pandemic, when books were deemed "non-essential," my spirit leaped.

Based on how determined and intentional this person was when she came to me for professional literary guidance - not just to build a book - but to build a business and a movement with her book - I pretty much knew what was to come in her message. But I continued reading anyway for confirmation.

Check out Melody's Song on Amazon

"The Melody's Song app has officially launched! This journey began with a dream: to bring (children's book) Melody's Song and the City of the Voice Snatchers to life through film and animation, empowering children—especially those in underserved communities—to find their voice and understand their place in the world. I wanted them to understand the power they hold to live to the beat of their own drum and write their own stories," stated the author and creator, Lonna Hardin.

"From a book idea, we've built a global movement, impacting schools and organizations worldwide! YEA!

"We've created programs, curricula, train-the-trainer initiatives, and various products to support this mission, reaching places like China, Japan, South Africa, and St. Thomas!

"This Black History Month, we're taking it to the next level with our app launch! This will empower little voices EVERYWHERE to transform the world."

Can't you just feel Lonna's energy of pride, proudness, gratitude, and excitement in her post?

Anybody who knows me knows I always have to add my two cents. Yeah, most of the time it's unsolicited. But, hey, sometimes you can take that two cents, add it to the thirteen you have in your pocket, and make a dollar out of fifteen cents.

Joylynn M. Ross: "Yessssssss! You did it!!!!! I was just on a call with a literary consulting client yesterday sharing with her how over the years so many authors have shared with me their dreams, visions, and goals for their books: ones that go far beyond just building a book, but building an empire and a movement as well. How so many dream big and are full of fire to implement and execute, only for the fire to go down to a flame and then fizzle out. Some end up not believing enough to consistently put in the necessary work, time, effort, and money. But not you. You did it! You just changed my narrative. You did it! I can now share on my calls about the ones who do stay dedicated and committed. The ones like you. To God be the glory! You just blessed my soul."

Lonna Hardin: "You always bless mine. I'm in it for the long run and even if it takes me a little longer than most... I'LL BE BACK! You are appreciated and deeply respected. #Salute!!!"

Why am I sharing this with you today? As a reminder to not get discouraged with the work you are putting into building your audience, readership, business, and brand. Lonna waited eight years to see her vision come to fruition. Even when it looked like the work she was doing wasn't working . . . she still remained consistent in doing something every single day. She formed the necessary bonds and relationships with schools, her community, community leaders, and community organizations, the youth and their parents, etc. And then she waited. But while she waited, she kept working. But even more important than that, she kept believing.

So, I say to you: Keep working. And even during the waiting season, keep believing.

Amen!

P.S. Another update from Lonna since we drafted this newsletter and scheduled it to send out:

We’ve secured a 5-year partnership with Communities In Schools of Michigan!

We’ve been selected as a preferred SEL partner for:

- Oakland County

- Wayne County

- Additional schools across Southeast & Southwest Michigan

We’re closing out the 2024-2025 school year pouring into children across SE Michigan—reminding them they matter, they belong, and their voices deserve to be heard. 🎤📚💛 I want to extend deep gratitude and a huge "Thank you" to Tammy Fisher for making it happen. Relationship capital is EVERYTHING! 💃🏿

Amen again!

Anyone who knows me knows I teach every author who will listen how valuable connections and relationships are. It's not just about who you are and what you do but, instead, who you know and what they do.

Who do you have relationships and connections with that can get you in rooms—such as classrooms—that you otherwise might not be able to (easily) access? Who do you know in which you have relationships and connections with in which you can do the same for others? And remember, when someone believes in you enough to use their relationship capital to deposit into you, the least you can do is cash it in—like Lonna did—and maximize, optimize, and leverage the connection so that everybody wins, especially the community you serve.