Short Summary
I'm M.C. Therrien, globetrotter, author and part recluse. Writing is my passion and my life. My head never stops creating stories, it's a skill I have developed throughout years of intricate fantasies.
This book is a response to the current state of women in general. It started with a conversation I had with my friend about the men she was dating. They wanted the 'damsel in distress' and she felt more like a dragon sending all those princes running away from her in fear of her flames.
It wasn't that she didn't need their help, but rather that she had been hurt so many times it was hard to take off the dragon armour and let herself be vulnerable.
The troublesome thing is, those who act the toughest are often the most vulnerable. She wanted to be able to 'let her hair down'. In her case she was also in the sex industry which wrecked havoc on her ability to have a 'normal' relationship because she mistrusted most men.
I want to make this book available especially to the younger ages, because the sooner they get the message the better. Everyone asks themselves 'how do I fit in?'. The only people who 'fit in' as you call it are the ones who try to please everyone else by giving up who they are in favour of who others think they should be. Then people still dislike them because they're not real.
You are perfect just as you are. It's okay to be yourself.
The storyline explores what 'true love' really is, in different shapes and sizes and debunks the myths that fairy tales create about the prince who tells you everything you want to hear and magically fixes everything in your life.
But I do so by doing what I do best, telling a story. Because we learn from other people's experiences.
Here is a brief synopsis:
"Alexandra is a princess in name only. All she really wants to do is be herself but that seems unacceptable. Everyone always compares her to the 'ideal' princess Lisette, her cousin. When she feels everything is taken away from her she clings on to a tiny branch of hope. It is said that whomever drinks from the well in the Black Forest can become who they are meant to be.
She got more than she bargained for. A curse was placed upon her morphing her features into that of a part dragon, part human creature. Banished and ignored, she goes in search of true love to lift this curse. But what is true love anyway? And what really makes a Prince Charming? This is her story to find her place in the world as who she is, not who everyone thinks she should be."
Also, for every book sold part of the proceeds will go to the boys and girls club to help with programs that raise self esteem.
What We Need & What You Get
The reason I set the amount of 9,500 is because there is a self publishing package with a reputable company associated with a big publishing house that provides promotion, editing, cover design and a book signing kit along with other great bonuses. They have a wide distribution range, which will help me reach as many girls/women to pass on this story to.
The process takes up to three months from submission and payment.
I also factored in taxes and the percentage that this website takes to ensure I have enough and can follow through.
As for the perks, I have added special ones for each contribution. Keep in mind, these add up. That means if you contribute 50$ you get all of the bonuses for $10/$20/$30 as well.
These include the first seven chapters of the book, a free e-book version upon completion, a free signed copy of the book, a guest role for a character of your choice and a personalized short story (3000 words).
Of course every contributor will receive recognition on the Thank You page since you made this project possible.
There are two organizations that I am planning on donating to. Out of the 50% of my earning, 20% will go to Children of the Night at http://childrenofthenight.org. The other 30% will go to S.T.O.P. (Special Trafficking Operations Program) which assists victims of sex trafficking worldwide with Daniel Craig as Chairman of the Honorary Board at http://www.stopinternational.org.
* Of any additional funds raised over the goal, 50% will go to the above organizations and the rest will be used to further promote the book.
The Impact
This book will make an impact on women's self esteem around the world. I don't believe in sacrificing yourself to fit someone else's ideal but rather to wholeheartedly embrace your individuality. That is what makes you special.
I believe women have a right to know that they are free to be themselves in relationships (men too, of course!). They are also free to choose whether or not they even want to be in a relationship. It's a choice, not an obligation.
Overall I want to raise awareness for self esteem which is rooted in loving yourself for who you are.
The male characters in this book also play a special role. So often a woman's perspective of what a 'prince' should be is skewed. I want to show different kinds of men that are out there, and how your expectations meet reality.
Other Ways You Can Help
Every little bit helps, but if you can't contribute yourself please forward it on to someone you think who can.
Please get the word out for this campaign and together we will make this an unforgettable experience.
For those who share it with a person who makes a $50 donation or more, let me know (ask the donor to mention the referral) and you will get the first three chapters, along with the free e-book.
You can use the indiegogo share tools to get the word out.
For those who refer 3-5 paying donors, you will get a signed physical copy of the book especially adressed to you, thanking you for all your efforts.
For those who refer 5+ paying donors, you will get a special short story, crafted uniquely for you based on the theme of self-love.