Embracing our physical selves can be one of life’s toughest feats. My personal battle with low body image started at age 5 and lasted into my late 20s, and in my years of eating disorder recovery and the thriving that’s followed, I’ve encountered hundreds, perhaps thousands, of women whose battles run deeper and longer. It’s not fair or right that so many of us loathe ourselves, or that we’re taught to place our personal self-worth on factors as trivial as dress size, facial features or weight. But all of that’s too easy in today’s world.
If there’s one thing that my personal journey has taught me, it’s that the cliche holds true: True beauty really does radiate from within. When we strive to fulfill our hearts’ and souls’ desires rather than expectations set by diet trends, the media or the entertainment industry, we feel and appear more beautiful in EVERY way. LIFE becomes beautiful, and so does our place in it.
Anyone who’s overcome eating disorder will attest that coming to terms with this is the most difficult and important work one can ever do. Those who’ve found their way through darkness to the sunshine called full, forever recovery (I consider myself recovered) also know a special kind of glory that can be all of ours.
In honor of the beautiful folks who are grappling with eating disorders or related issues (disordered eating, depression, anxiety…), I’m running a freebie promotion of my novel, In Her Shadow, today through Saturday. Since my last freebie promotion boosted sales afterward significantly, I’ve decided to donate 10 percent of my profits for the month following to the National Eating Disorders Association. I’m so excited to support this wonderful organization.
In case you’re unfamiliar, here’s a glimpse at my novel’s story:
One woman locked in a basement, nearing death and longing for escape. Another baffled by the inexplicable symptoms wreaking havoc on her life. Both are lost and alone, yet somehow connected. And time is running out…
Near the tenth anniversary of her parents’ unexpected death, Claire Fiksen, a lovely young Harvard-grad and gifted psychologist in Minnesota, develops bizarre symptoms of an eating disorder that threaten her fledgling career, her relationship with a handsome young medical student, her grasp on reality and, soon, her life.
When her beloved grandfather reveals that there may be more to her parents’ death than she’s realized, Claire’s pursuit of healing becomes a desperate search for answers as she delves into her family’s sordid past. Meanwhile, someone is watching her every move, plotting to draw her into her own twisted web of misery.
Claire has something he needs, and he’ll stop at nothing to obtain it. Every step Claire takes brings her closer to the truth and danger. And her life, she discovers, isn’t the only one at stake.
“As McLaughlin, a certified nutritionist and health writer, slowly reveals the mysteries behind Claire’s illness, as well as long-hidden truths and snippets of memories, the novel’s darkness gathers like storm clouds. An engaging story with an inventive structure and an intriguing focus on body-image issues.” — Kirkus Reviews
To nab your free e-copy, visit IN HER SHADOW on Amazon.com today through Saturday, August 10th at midnight.
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SPECIAL EVENT! I’d also like to invite you all to a virtual party taking place on Facebook tonight from 6 – 8:30pm PST. I’ll be sharing an abbreviated live recording of my story, “Does Dirt Have Calories?,” sharing highlights from my recovery, taking and posing questions and keeping the virtual empowering drinks flowing! I hope you’ll stop by and join the fun.
For details, to RSVP and to join in once the party has started, visit BEYOND THE SHADOWS: A SELF-DISCOVERY/RECOVERY PARTY!
Thanks, all, for your ongoing support and overall awesomeness! You’re total bright spots in my day. ♥
Girl Boner 