The book emerges


The Book

August 2026

Happy Sunday!

I’m headed off to paint with the “School of Imperfection” this afternoon. A casual painting of "Jimothy" (for those who've heard of the imperfect raccoon).

I’ll try not to overthink the fact that the founder of “School of Imperfection” told me I could teach there. (ha ha)

The way I use and share art is through play, not perfection. I'm going to take it as that, rather than me being a model of imperfection.

I hope your weekend is also filled with delight and connection.

I’ve shared a little bit about my book this summer - much more on LinkedIn for those who are also connected with me there. I’ve just launched my book campaign, and I hope you will consider participating this week!

I'll share a sneak peek inside the book tomorrow for those who want even more detail about how I've organized the information from 40-50 interviews, research and my own experience. Today, some details about the book campaign.

How is a book campaign different from a pre-sale?

A pre-sale happens once the book is 100% complete, going to the printers, and soon to be available on Amazon.

A book campaign is about

  • Shaping the book. The events and communication are two-way. I’ve done a lot of work, and have more planned: additional research and podcast interviews, revisions and editing. Your questions and thoughts will shape the book itself.
  • Building a community: people who believe joy should not be sidelined from work, people who are tired of the burnout, stress, and uncertainty that seem to derail us, people who are open to leading - in work and in civic society - differently. If that sounds like you, I hope you’ll join us.

Do you have a publisher?

I do. Manuscripts is my publisher. They’ve already reviewed the first draft and gave me a “green light” to publication. That means they see merit in the idea, they see the content as substantial, and they’ve even seen a bit of how I edit chapters to have confidence that the book will be of quality. I will work with several more editors and creatives at Manuscripts before it is final.

In what format will the book come out?

With the book campaign, I am planning for paperback, e-book, and audio versions of the book.

If I’m part of the book, will I be in it?

Yes! I will include acknowledgement of everybody who participates in the book campaign. You are part of the book process, and I am grateful for you. So if you’ve ever wanted to see your name in a book, without necessarily having to write one yourself, join for that!

I want more joy in my life; how do I participate in the book campaign?

I’m so glad you asked. 😁

Everyone deserves joy at work and in life!

First week supporters matter. It shows the beginning of a community that supports the ideas of the book. You’ve been with me for a bit on this email list, so it is all the more meaningful to me if you participate.

There are multiple “perks” I’ve set up to encourage, engage, and transform - based on the impact and engagement you want to have. They range from $50 to $5000. A few which might be of particular interest:

Support: $50 gets you the book when it comes out, your name in the book, updates and occasional sneak peeks along the way

Engage: $250 is my inner play circle. You get more involvement in shaping the book along the way, more conversation with me.

Transform: If you want to shift your own experience through individual or group engagement, these include participation in the inner play circle AND specific play for you:

  • $425 brings you an experience with the transformative powers of play for navigating uncertainty: a breakthrough coaching session utilizing LEGO Serious Play methods
  • $625 gives you the 6-week cohort program Permission to Play - with the book this time!
  • $1000 lets you bring the ideas to a group, including a book talk with me and 10 copies of the book to share. This could be your work colleagues or a collective of friends.

If you aren’t in a place to support the campaign financially right now, you can still participate by sharing the campaign. Tomorrow's sneak peek email will be a good one to share.

Every endorsement matters. I appreciate your sharing the book with friends, family, or colleagues you think could use a new framework for navigating the challenges life throws at us.

If you’re interested in talking about the book, any of these opportunities, or the process of writing a book send me a quick reply. I’m happy to jump on a call with you!

Thanks for being part of my community,

Mary

7845 Westside Dr. #152, San Diego, CA 92108
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Mary Hendra

Mary Hendra brings curiosity, creativity, and compassion to individuals and teams through Move with Grace. Redefining “play” for the modern, busy adult, her workshops and cohort programs foster self-reflection and build clarity so that you can take action.

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