On Writing a Book About Money

I’m just completing my book, Wild Money: A Visual Field Guide to Financial Wisdom, and I have to say the writing process has been exciting, challenging, illuminating, educational and downright hard work!

I started two years ago and had only the name—I knew that it had to be called Wild Money, though at that point I couldn’t tell you why.  As with many other creative projects in my life I have learned to trust the process even when the canvas is blank and the page is still empty.  I spent six months writing essays trying to determine the structure and focus of the book and learning to express my unique voice and thoughts about personal money matters.  I knew it had to be creative, emotionally rich, approachable, yet I didn’t have a map, compass or guide.  I was doing this while also launching Lunaria Financial, learning how to be the CEO of my new corporation and establishing a social media presence.  Why I can’t do one thing at a time, I’ll never know!

In February of 2011, I discovered my editor and book consultant, Jeffrey Davis.  Our meeting was serendipitous; I followed a link from one website to another, landed on his site and a voice in my belly said, “Call him now!” I hired him after our initial conversation, and within a few months my book began to take shape.  It was like witnessing a sculpture emerge from a chunk of marble, so mysterious and beautiful.  Jeffrey gently nudged me to find the wisdom he knew was inside of me, and believed in me when I questioned my ability, knowledge and stamina.

Creating a visual book about money takes a village.  Thanks to dozens of students who braved the murky waters of their own relationship with money, Wild Money has evolved into a stunningly beautiful book that is full of stories, exercises, illustrations and student artwork.  I have my dream team working closely with me to ensure that the design and artistic concepts are inspiring and easy to understand: Local artists Rebecca Owens and Rachel Dominguez-Benner, and designer Deandra Ellerbe.  Here is an image from the book (thanks Rachel!)

The book is currently in final global edit, and the design is 80% completed.  I will be publishing the Visual Glossary as an ebook prior to the print version of Wild Money being released.  Stay tuned and make sure you are on my mailing list, so I can keep you posted on Wild Money launch details.

Creating Wild Money is a dream come true and it’s forced me to refine my ideas, practice what I preach and most importantly, learn to trust my voice in the world.  I look forward to sharing this work with you!

In Gratitude,

Luna

PS. If you live in Portland and want to participate in my next round of classes. Stay tuned!!  They will begin mid-September.