I am elated to share that my essay titled “Unlocking Level L” was selected for publication in the anthology Straightening Her Crown: Encouraging Words from Sister to Sister, published by Cheryl Barton Publishing, LLC.

My essay began as a scribbled post earlier this year to celebrate turning fifty years old. When the universe led me to the submission call for Straightening Her Crown, my instincts told me to submit it, and I always listen to both the universe and my instincts. A few days later, I received the acceptance email from Cheryl and I cried. Many other women would now read my words, and I hope each celebrates the milestone of turning fifty instead of dreading it.

From the Amazon description of the book, Straightening Her Crown is “a testament that not all women see each other as competition, but as a means to a smile. This book anthology is a symbol of love and devotion to seeing all women soar. Helping a woman keep her crown straight is not about self, but about being selfless with your heart. What is her crown? It’s not just a jeweled tiara on her head. It’s her self-esteem, her wealth, her health, her well-being; it’s her life. It’s everything that a woman is that, at times, may not represent her at her best.”

My work appears alongside the words from nine other sensational women, including Cheryl Barton, Treesa Boyce-Gaither, Nichole Wallace, Terry Beamon, JoAnn Wilson, Sally Quon, Michele Mekel, Shannon Scott, and Tamara Harvey.

You can order your copy of Straightening Her Crown: Encouraging Words from Sister to Sister from Amazon by clicking here. I’d be happy to sign your copy!

I’ve been wildly treading water the past few weeks but barely have kept my head above the waterline. The finish line is in sight, though, and I look forward to sharing more updates and more of my writing with you over the summer.

Thank you for joining me on my journey. I’m glad you’re here.

With gratitude,

Jill

“Straightening My Crown Alongside Nine Fantastic Women Writers” was posted on jillocone.com and on soulseaker.com on June 19, 2021. Views and opinions expressed in this post are solely those of the writer, who was not endorsed or compensated in any manner by any entity; views do not represent any employer. Copyright 2021, Jill Ocone. All rights reserved. Contact jillocone@gmail.com with reposting, licensing, and publishing inquiries.