We sat down with Meraki Press's newest debut author, Shelbi Zimmerman, to ask her about writing, pregnancy, and her book!
Tell us about yourself!
I grew up in a typical small town in Pennsylvania where everything was predictable – just as I liked it. The same year I got my dream job, I also married my “after” high school sweetheart. Right away, we began planning for our family. Everything was perfect until our journey took an unexpected turn. We were diagnosed with a high-risk pregnancy amid the chaos of a global pandemic. Since then, we've grown and learned a lot. Now we have two precious, healthy babies.
What inspired/led you to write Born For This?
I shared my journal during a Covid quarantine with my aunt and thought-well if she found it interesting then maybe it would be worth sharing some more? Then the idea just flowed and I went for it.
What did your writing routine look like while writing this book?
A routine? HA-Umm I tried my best with that but most of the time I would have a thought through the day, make a note of it in my phone and then once my son was in bed I would type away. To say I had a “routine” wouldn’t be fair- I used what time I had and prayed that my creative juices would be flowing at that designated time of before bed or early in the morning. The deadline of my manuscript was 2 days from the birth of my daughter. I made it work, thank goodness!
What was your biggest obstacle going into this book?
The back and forth in my own head on how in the world I would make this work time -wise but I am so glad I prayed on it and took the leap!
Your favorite part of writing?
My favorite part of writing is that when I am doing it it’s the only thing on my mind. I am so focused on it that nothing else around me takes my attention. Normally my brain has 42 task bars open but I never thought of laundry or getting bottles ready or honestly anything besides the task of writing. And I love that.
What was the easiest and most difficult part of publishing?
Easiest? Gathering all my ideas up and writing them out for the manuscript. Most difficult was when I was “done” and realizing it is going to be ALL OUT THERE. I had a mini “Oh crap” moment when it hit me that this was all happening. I was beyond nervous but so much excitement behind it all.
If you could go back to the beginning, is there anything you would’ve done differently to get this book published?
I would have done it sooner- I had this idea since my sons birth because I knew how amazing the entire journey was I wanted to share it but just didn’t know exactly how to.
What was your biggest takeaway going through a high-risk pregnancy?
There were so many notable takeaways like God is so so good. That it is okay to have faith in humanity. But my biggest takeaway is that I am capable of anything as long as I believe in myself.
What is one piece of advice you'd give to new moms struggling with high risk pregnancy?
Find someone who went through it and connect. I would not have survived if I didn’t have my fellow Omphalocele moms. No one gets it like someone who once was knee deep in it. Find a fighter like yourself.
Are there any resources you recommend for new moms with a high risk pregnancy?
Yes! I encountered several wonder organizations on our journey. I recommend: UCSF Health (https://www.ucsfhealth.org/)
March of Dimes (https://www.marchofdimes.org/)
MOO -- Mothers Of Omphaloceles (https://www.facebook.com/groups/omphalocele/)
Grady’s Decision (https://www.gradysdecision.com)
Do you have a piece of advice for someone who wants to write a book?
Just do it, however long it may take, you owe it to yourself to not have any regrets within your own life that you can control. This is something you can control so share what’s on your heart. You don’t ever know who is out there that would benefit from reading it.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
I want to thank you for finding and reading this blog. I believe that divine intervention is a thing and that each of us has so much power for good because God has intended us to do so. I hope that my book lands in the hands of those who need it and I look forward to writing more.
Before you go, give us a book recommendation.
One of my absolute favorite books is “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*** (you know what) it’s a self help book about focusing on your values and ignoring the rest.
And Lastly, where can readers find your book? Or learn more about you?
Born for This is available online everywhere books are sold: Barnes & Noble, Walmart, Amazon, & Target!
I'm not super active on social media, but if anyone wants to shoot me a message looking for more info on high-risk pregnancies, I'd be happy to help!
Thank you Shelbi Zimmerman
for sharing your time and
insights with us!
If you would like to follow along with Shelbi's book and further updates, you can find her on social media at: Shelbi Zimmerman.
You can preorder her debut book here:
Available everywhere March 3rd, 2024!