The idea of The Value Economy was born out of my own frustration and exasperation with the “non-recognition” of my first novel, An Invisible Woman in Afghanistan, a labor of love which took fourteen years of my life to complete.

In the process of writing The Value Economy, I discovered that at least part of what I was doing was creating my own path forward from that place of not feeling valued to being at peace with my art and ways of self-expression.

As I wrote, I also began following my own suggestions. Redoing my resume, researching and learning about other paths I might pursue, encouraging friends and others I spoke to about this book in their own pursuits, remembering even when I didn’t have much cash to still be generous, and realizing I needed to be far more involved in my many communities.

A friend who was the first person to read this book also found herself doing something similar.

I may create a workbook for this. I may not. I’m not sure yet. I also like the fact that the book is less rigid and allows for you to create your own very unique path forward as you Value Yourself, Your Friends and Family, and Your Community. Good luck.

If you have ideas you’d like to share with me and others about creating a Value Economy, feel free to leave a comment. I am looking for a way to gather more of the comments, ideas, and thoughts I hear from people into one place so everyone can view and share them. Thanks.