Kim MacGregor is the author of Be... a Woman, a beautiful book combining photography and prose to celebrate woman of all ages and shapes. Here, Kim talks about writing, publishing, and finding inspiration.
Urban Muse: Tell us about your inspiration for Be…a Woman. Kim: That's a loaded question – my inspiration comes from so many sources. My mother and my three little girls are definitely at the top of my list. My mother battled breast cancer at forty-two and lost her battle with colon cancer at fifty-three. Her courage, encouragement and unconditional love through all of life's challenges gave me a marvelous foundation. My little girls teach me about the beauty in the world, about non-judgment and about love and acceptance. My husband has inspired me to believe in the power of forgiveness and friendship found through love. I am deeply moved by the way life's tribulations force me to look for the lesson - the truth in what's happening and to grow through it, rather than resist it. I see beauty in the face of every woman, at all the various stages of evolution in each woman's journey. My friend and business partner in this book, Arline Malakain, inspires me through her visual genius and her spiritual quest. I am inspired by a smile, a hug and understanding – by the complexities we create and the simplicities we discover, along the journey of life.
UM: Did you find an agent or a publisher first?
K: We had a fabulous literary agent in New York who loved our book concept. She pitched the heck out of our proposal. We got two great bites but turned both down. In the first deal, the publisher wanted to sell it exclusively to one corporation. In the second offer, the publisher wanted to turn it in to a Mother's Day book. The rest didn't think it was sexy enough or quirky enough and they were right. We were creating something that shows women what makes them ALL beautiful – it wasn't supposed to be out of a magazine – it was supposed to be TRUTH. We self-published and have a new lit agent now.
UM: What was the best writing advice anyone has ever given you?
K: My mentor, Dave Chilton said, "Writing is rewriting!" He also said, "The success of a book is directly linked to your passion for the topic." Arline and I are extremely passionate about this topic!
UM: What other writers inspire you? K: I love Marianne Williamson, Maya Angelou, Mitch Albom, Paulo Coelho, Charles Dickens, and William Shakespeare, among others. (ed. note about Mitch Albom: the bf and I watched the movie version of Tuesdays with Morrie this weekend, and I cried the entire time - such a moving story!)
UM: What's next for you? K: Creating awareness about Be…a Woman is my primary focus. The effect the book is having on women is so powerful. It feels great when women "get" our message and look at themselves and each other with a softer gaze, increased confidence and acceptance. We are working on creating a way to honor extraordinary, ordinary women every month. Not for MBA's, CEO's or Pulitzer prize winners only – it is for any woman who is amazing in that quiet, modest but powerful way. We are also working on jewelry, t-shirts, and a web show. Lots of exiting stuff. Thanks so much for asking!
Thank you, Kim! For more information, v isit www.be-awoman.com or contact Kim MacGregor .