Becoming My Best Self ⎯ Memories & Reflections

By Michelle Halprin

The goal to write and publish a book hovered in my consciousness for over twenty years. I admit that the goal was daunting. I started stories set in Pacific Rim cities that I felt had the making of a political thriller and a more recent one about spiritual development mixed with fantasy. About 18 months ago, I realized that there was an easier way to achieve my goal. At that time, I had already written nearly twenty autobiographical vignettes while participating in Barbara Smith’s GAB courses. I loved exploring my personal journey so much that I started and led two autobiography writing groups and joined another group of writers, many of whom had completed Barbara’s class. Looking back, I had been writing vignettes for nearly ten years. Through the painstaking work of distilling, editing, and rewriting about my deepest and sometimes most painful life lessons, I found my voice and gained the courage to share some of my memories with a wider audience.

I was also lucky that my youngest sister, a graphic designer, specializes in book layout and now earns her living helping people like me who want to publish books. She and I set to work to create this book, Becoming My Best Self ⎯ Memories & Reflections, and she helped me learn the ropes of self-publishing. The outcome of this effort is my nearly 100-page book, published in December, and in print and available on Amazon in January 2026. I asked friends to beta-test my manuscript, which led to more rounds of edits, and also painted a self-portrait in acrylics. I am now a retired woman who makes and sells fused glass objects – plates, bowls, and wall hangings. It was a long journey⎯much longer than I anticipated. It was worth the effort and has encouraged me to return to finishing some of the stories that have been dormant – including at least one political thriller and one spiritual fantasy.

I recommend that anyone who wants to publish their work find a loyal team of coaches, editors, and seek out a professional, like my sister, to help. It truly takes a village to transform your thoughts into a polished book.

Michelle Halprin
805.750.7032 (mobile)