Chasing Butterflies was published about a year ago today. This memoir had been sitting on my computer for a decade and was finally let out into the world. It’s been an incredible and surreal experience to watch from the sidelines as the book travels in and out of the hands of readers. The book is constantly relevant as the world spins and the anniversaries of September 11th continue. With its first revolution around the sun, here’s what I’ve heard the most.
Great comments from readers (From Australia to Switzerland, and England too!)
“I was able to relate to the book so much ever since I lost my brother / dad / mom”.
“I gained a different perspective of 9/11 through your eyes, thank you.”
“It’s the voice of a generation.”
“Your dad would be so proud.”
Interesting questions from readers:
“Was your family embarrassed when they read about your dating?”
I’m pretty sure the most intimate detail in the memoir was a kissing/cuddling scene. Very PG-13. Regardless, my family was so focused on the bigger picture. Topics of my dad, 9/11, fears, and triumphs. Anything other than that was simply silly to discuss.
“Whats next?”
Two Childrens books. One that I wrote on my own and another that I am co-writing with a friend who also lost her dad on 9/11.
“How was your experience on The Today Show?”
The Today Show was wonderful to me. They run like a well oiled machine. I felt so prepared and it was always clear that I was in the best of hands from the pre-interview all the way to the on air interview. Filming on the anniversary of 9/11 was very difficult but overall I’m so happy that I did it. And yes, Hoda and Savannah really are that nice!
“Have you thought about trying to get Chasing Butterflies made into a film?”
Yes , working on it slowly. It’s a process.
Any regrets?
I had an interview with The Wall Street Journal and was asked “Do you think people will dislike the memoir because it has moments of a fun and flirty tone? While also discussing the serious topic of 9/11.”
When the article was printed - it read as if I had said “ People may not like my memoir because of the fun/flirty tone.” That was a question asked to me - never something I would bring up on my own.
Overall, the WSJ published a beautiful story about perseverance but I wish I spoke up when I saw something that I felt was inaccurate.
Another regret, I misunderstood a question during an interview on Fox. There was no pre-interview which leaves room for error. Reporter Neil Cavuto asked what I would tell the younger generations about 9/11. How would I explain this to them? He was referring to his own teenage children. In retrospect, I should have answered - Tuesdays Children. It’s an incredible organization, giving back to families effected by mass violence. It was created because of 9/11 and the tremendous need for families to gain support and a helping hand. If a teen needs to gain perspective on 9/11, participating and giving back to Tuesdays Children is where they should start.
The big takeaways on Chasing Butterflies first birthday is that I’m proud to put my history and memories to paper so that my children will always have a piece of me with them. As hard as it was to be vulnerable, it was rewarding to put work into the world that was authentic and genuine. Especially during a time when so much on social media portrays peoples lives as perfect. It’s incredibly important to be real and allow others to relate to your story so that we all feel connected and uplift one another.
I’ll leave it at that - Happy Birthday to Chasing Butterflies. I can’t wait to see what another year in the world will look like for this memoir. Stay tuned…