A story, a little free library, & a phone call...

would you be willing to help?

Feb 03, 2025

Last November, I spotted a little free library 100 feet away from where I was parked. If you’re not familiar with them, a little free library is a small box filled with books. This one was wooden, with a clear hinged door on a wooden post. You could take a book or leave a book for free.

Maybe I should put one of my books in there…

I opened the cargo area to find two books— what luck! I grabbed both of them.

I listened to the nudge and placed my self-published memoir—My Road: A Runner's Journey Through Persistent Pain to Healing inside.

Last week, I received an unexpected call from a woman I'd briefly met while volunteering at a preschool last year. She had found and read my book—the one I placed in the little free library. She called to share how my story resonated with her.

As she shared her journey, I listened with tears in my eyes. I was touched by her courage to reach out and tell me how my words had helped her.

She's now writing more, moving more, and becoming aware of her negative self-talk patterns. She’s finding support.

I smiled.

When I published this book in 2021, I desired to help someone else who struggled with body image, disordered eating, self-sabotaging thoughts, and persistent pain. I’m grateful to know this book is creating a change in her life and she dared to reach out to tell me. God is so good.

One of my writing friends mentioned, “We seldom get to see the impact we have on others.”

I’m grateful I see.

I believe writing first helps us heal ourselves and then creates a pathway for others to do the same. When we share our journeys, including the messy parts, we create space for connection and healing.

Though traditional book sales have been quiet these past two years, sharing my book through little free libraries has opened a new path to reach people who need these words. I'm inspired to expand this approach in the coming months, placing more copies in little free libraries throughout the community and surrounding areas. I’m using this map to help me.

I’m curious, do you have a little free library near you? Would you be willing to help me by placing one of my books inside?

Please reply to this email—little free library and I’ll share the details with you.

Thank you so much for your help,

Julie

Last Monday’s write together. Pens ready!

You’re invited!

Join us for our community writing session today at 11 am EST! We'll gather in silent solidarity to work on our creative projects, starting with a writing prompt to warm up.

You're welcome here if you seek accountability partners, fellow writers, or a supportive community space. After the prompt, use this focused time to advance your project in any way you like.

Be part of our creative community! Click the button below to join our Zoom room.

Community writing session

Run to Write: Where Movement & Writing Meet

Discussion about this post