A Revelation (or more specifically, a cover reveal)
On telling the same story, a very different way
This week I’ve got an exciting announcement for you.
TL;DR: My Audible Original memoir is officially available for pre-order, and it’s coming December 12th!
You Will Not Recognize Your Life is a quick, light memoir-in-storytelling, about joining a women’s group in my 20’s— and the urge to chase perfection, when you just want to be loved. You can read the description and pre-order it on Audible here.
This story is for anyone who’s read a self-help book with a highlighter; longed for an instruction manual for life; or ever wished they had a different [gestures vaguely at self].
And here’s the gorgeous cover! It’s a cover reveal!
Behind the scenes: The Secret Life of Your Third Grade Teacher
The origins of this project are onstage. 8 whole years ago, I debuted my solo storytelling show, The Secret Life of Your Third Grade Teacher, at NYC Fringe. It was about the time I taught third grade while enrolled in a pretty sexy, very unorthodox women’s empowerment course.
I knew that my former third graders (who were all teenagers and in their 20’s by then) might see the show, not to mention my actual parents would be coming. So I made it as PG as I possibly could.
Sure enough, two of my former third graders came to see it! I was relieved that I’d cut the “racier” bits. These girls might be 18, but they still felt 8 years old to me.
Fast forward a bunch of years…
In 2021, I got an incredible opportunity: to write an audio memoir for Audible about that same time in my life. But when I went back to my journals and notes, I realized this wouldn’t be the same story at all.
We change over time, right? So do our stories, and how we see our stories. And third graders grow up. So of course I’m telling a different story now, than I did in 2016. It’s less tidy, more honest actually, and it’s definitely not PG.
I’d call it Not Safe For Work (or for my specific parents— sorry guys! I love you!). But it’s still very silly. I hope you’ll have fun listening to it.
Later on I’ll share some “behind the scenes” stories and director’s cut exclusives. I’ll also explore what I’ve learned from the challenge of long-form memoir and audio storytelling, and how we can apply those ideas to all kinds of stories.
I’ll be honest: this is unexpectedly vulnerable, announcing my big project to the world like this! I’m glad I’m sharing it with you first. Thanks for being part of the trip.
Respectfully and enthusiastically yours,
Micaela
I’m an award-winning storyteller and educator, and I offer coaching, workshops & keynotes about storytelling and voice. Want to work with me? Find out how at micaelablei.com!
So exciting!!
Congrats!! So excited to listen to it!