Lisa Rose Bauer

TEAPOTS, now 10 years old, continues to inspire and connect with multi-generational audiences. What a decade it has been! But how did it all begin? In life, if we are watching and listening, there are signs abound. My first children’s book, TEAPOTS, BUTTONS, MEMI and ME is a small book, with a big heart. TEAPOTS is a story filled with signs both internal and external; past and present.  If we really listen, the signs give us messages.  In the months before my decision to independently publish TEAPOTS, signs were presented to me were everywhere. The Universe was begging me to give myself permission to launch, to usher this book out into the hands and hearts of young and old readers alike.

As a writer I held a vision to publish a children’s book for as long as I can remember. I actually always knew I would somehow publish TEAPOTS with a blessing from somewhere, someone. But what I didn’t realize was that the route to publishing my first book would be very different than I originally “planned.” I always thought publishing my first book would go something like this: have an idea, write a draft manuscript, edit, revise, edit, rewrite, rely on trusted writer friends to review, attend children’s book retreats, rewrite, revise and then, finally, send the completed manuscript to editors at children’s book publishing houses.

Here is where the original plan started to veer off.  In early 2013, I began to hear and learn a little bit more about independent book publishing or “indie” publishing. Simultaneously, I was sending the completed TEAPOTS manuscript to editors in NYC and Boston. Little by little editors from several publishing houses personally connected and wrote thoughtful and encouraging notes TEAPOTS. Though they declined the opportunity to publish TEAPOTS, they did so with such care and with inspiring words. While editors  liked the theme of the story, they wrote that their current lists and marketing needs meant they could not take the chance on the little book.  Their carefully prepared words and personal notes truly made me feel that I could take the chance myself and launch.

In November of 2013, I attended an author’s book talk at the Brookline Booksmith to hear Mitch Albom, the well-known author of TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE,  et. al.  He was invited to introduce his, then, new book THE FIRST PHONE CALL FROM HEAVEN and offered attendees a met and greet/book signing at the end.  At the table, now finally my turn, I introduced myself and with my iPad in hand pointed to it and shared that I had a story “in here” and that I was thinking of publishing independently.  Mr. Albom asked kindly and curiously, “What hinders you?”  and I replied with one word – “Pride.”  He paused and kept his reply short as a line of people were still waiting for their moment with him.  “If I let pride get in my way, there’d be no TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE.  Think of all the other independent outlets such as YouTube and the artists who have been found!”  And there it was. Someone else’s truth, and my final push.  That was the last sign I needed. There was no turning back.  I walked out into the chilly November Boston night and knew without any doubt that I was going to publish my book. I carefully explored independent publishing sites and the opportunities.  Today, it is so important to note that independent publishing is much more widely understood, appreciated and accepted as a way to publication.   

In January 2014 with my own permission to launch firmly rooted, I started the process of publishing TEAPOTS!  The entire process covering about three months, from the very first call to CreateSpace (now known as KDP Publishing) to the day I received my first copy of the published book in the mail, was an amazingly professional and supportive experience. The professional team at the other end of an email or phone call, everyone from project managers, coordinators, editors, designers, all helped me to bring my own book vision to reality. I was the general contractor, so to speak, in creating the book. I was a part of the whole process from the approvals for editing and design to the marketing and press materials. My background in children’s book publishing and my MA in Children’s Literature were definitely called upon during the entire process.

On March 21, 2014 I pressed the PUBLISH button on my CreateSpace dashboard.  I was with mother who had just completed cancer treatments from her battle the year prior. The decision and timing to publish TEAPOTS came with a very powerful realization. A dear poet friend shared that it was no longer necessary to wait for my book to be “chosen.” What if I waited for my original plan to play out? What if I waited for permission from someone else?  What if my mother never saw the published work? (She died in 2017 after her four year battle. She loved TEAPOTS!) What if Tommy, my beloved friend since we were 5 years old, didn’t see TEAPOTS and his shout out as Thomas, since his battle with ALS was a daily and tenuous one? (Tommy passed in September , 2022.) What if Aunt Nellie, who passed in 2015, a significant influence for the character of Memi never got to hear or see my book?  Seeing my signed copy of TEAPOTS on the table near her sitting chair in her lovely quiet room the last time I saw her…what more is there?  Well, there is one more thing, actually.  What if I never saw TEAPOTS on my own book shelf?  What if I never listened to the signs and followed the path each one set forth?

I have no doubt that my courage has been rewarded.  Not in blockbuster sales, but by readers I know and many I do not know, telling me how the story helped them, changed them, moved them.  This is why we write!  The story must be told one way or another.  The Universe gives a gift to each of us.  I’ve long known mine.  And I believe I honored it the day I published TEAPOTS, BUTTONS, MEMI and ME.

Ten Year Anniversary passage: July 21, 2024

Original passage: January 27, 2015