Self-publishing Petals of My Heart was an emotional and transformative journey. It wasn’t just about putting words into a book; it was about turning years of personal experiences, growth, and healing into a tangible piece of art. Here’s how I made it happen, step by step.
The Inspiration and Writing Phase
The journey began with scattered thoughts. I spent years jotting down feelings, reflections, and poetry in notebooks and on my phone. These moments of vulnerability became the foundation for the book.
It wasn’t until I found the courage to organize these pieces into a cohesive collection that Petals of My Heart truly began to take shape. Writing this book was not just a creative outlet but a way to process my emotions and begin healing. The process took me roughly a year—a period filled with self-reflection and growth.
The Design: Bringing the Cover to Life
With my experience in tech and AI, I turned to MidJourney, an AI-powered design tool, to create the book’s cover. Crafting the perfect prompt required deep brainstorming because I wanted the cover to resonate with who I am and the book’s themes.
The inspiration came from my childhood self—a little girl yearning to be seen and understood. This vision led me to create a prompt that brought the cover to life:
"Generate an illustration of a little Black girl holding a flower, walking with her back facing the camera… on a blank canvas."
The result was a stunning representation of innocence, vulnerability, and hope—a perfect embodiment of what the book stands for.
The Financial and Marketing Journey
Self-publishing isn’t just about writing; it’s a business venture. I invested $1,919 into production costs, including editing and printing. The book’s production cost per unit is $11, and it retails for $26.99. However, I knew that marketing would play a significant role in the book’s success, so I factored those costs into my pricing strategy.
Building an online presence through my website, HawaWho.com, and social media was crucial. I shared snippets of my poetry and behind-the-scenes moments to connect with readers and build anticipation for the book’s release.
Lessons Learned and Advice for Aspiring Authors
Self-publishing taught me patience, resilience, and the importance of believing in your vision. Every step, from writing to marketing, required dedication and creativity.
If you’re considering self-publishing, here’s my advice:
Be authentic. Your story matters, and readers will connect with your truth.
Invest in quality. From the writing to the cover design, ensure every aspect reflects your best work.
Plan for marketing. A great book won’t sell itself—you need to get it into the hands of readers.
Ultimately, self-publishing Petals of My Heart was more than a financial investment; it was an investment in myself. It allowed me to share my story, heal, and connect with others in meaningful ways.
For more insights into my journey or to grab your copy of Petals of My Heart, visit https://www.hawawho.com/product-page/pet

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