True Nature: Igniting a Re-Evolution with Dignity and Purpose for All
Is this worth pursuing? Nervously sharing a draft book proposal with you before I put out to the universe ...
Howdy,
One of the creative ways that writers use Substack is to solicit their readers’ input on works in progress by publishing draft chapters. I have been working on a book proposal for … ugh … at least a year and a half. Many of you gave me valuable feedback when I asked a few months ago for Writing From Higher Ground, and I thought I’d share my draft Letter to Literary Agents/Editors before I fire it off.
If you are inspired to give your input, there is a short poll at the end, or you can leave feedback and honest criticism using the comment button or by replying to this email.
I keep this little saying from Laurie Anderson above my desk as a checklist before sending my words into the world.
Keep these questions in mind ~ Thank you in advance!
Is it complicated enough?
Is it simple enough?
Is it crazy enough?
Is it beautiful enough?
Is it stupid enough?
Will it make the world any better?
Here goes:
Dear [Agent, Editor]________
Thank you in advance for taking the time to consider my query. I came across your profile in ________ and thought it might be a good fit due to your interest in __________.Â
I’m excited to introduce you to my creative non-fiction book: True Nature: Igniting a Re-Evolution with Dignity and Purpose for All. For readers seeking deep fulfillment in an increasingly complex world, True Nature challenges the notion that freedom alone is the pinnacle of human aspiration and posits that realizing human dignity, with its innate sense of responsibility and interconnectedness, can serve as a bridge between seemingly disparate worldviews, a guiding light in uncertain times, and a legacy worth leaving for future generations
Despite dignity being recognized in virtually all ancient philosophies and traditions and central to the United Nation’s 2030 Goals for Human Flourishing, the concept remains obscure and, frankly, embodied by only a fortunate few. True Nature unfolds a paradigm where cultivating our dignity becomes a radical act of resistance to cultures of superiority and sameness and the foundation for enduring societal change.
True Nature weaves together the luminous threads of dignity within all the world’s traditions, particularly emphasizing Buddhism, Indigenous Wisdom, Systems Thinking, and Gentle Action Theory. As readers seek guidance for navigating an increasingly complex world, this book will resonate with those seeking holistic well-being, mindfulness, spirituality, sustainable living, cross-cultural understanding, and incorporating ancient knowledge into modern living. True Nature will appeal to fans of Héctor GarcÃa’s Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life, Robert M. Pursig’s Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, Glennon Doyle’s Untamed, and Brené Brown.Â
In a landscape where virtually all books on dignity are academic, I bridge the gap between the scientific and the spiritual, making profound ideas accessible to a broader, intellectually curious audience. Drawing on my expertise in simplifying intricate ideas by curating relevant stories, poetry, and quotes, I aspire to create a road map for inspiration that is as raw and fun to read as Matthew McConaughey’s Greenlights, as packed with resources for further exploration as Guy Kawasaki’s Think Remarkable, and as artfully written as Maggie Smith’s Keep Moving.Â
I've published freelance articles, essays, recipes, and poetry for over 25 years. My platform, Teton Strong, brings to light the mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual practices of people living wild, peaceful, resilient lives. My Huffington Post personal essay, My Gentle, Intelligent Brother Is Now A Conspiracy Theorist, went viral in 2022, approaching 2 million reads for addressing the subject with compassion and equanimity.
I have been one of the fortunate few to live an "untamed" purposeful life since graduating from Stanford and choosing a life and career in outdoor adventure over a boardroom almost forty years ago. After traveling and guiding around the world, I settled in Teton Valley, where I currently serve on Idaho’s first all-woman City Council, am the Executive Director of the Teton Leadership Center, and am a Communications Specialist for George Washington University working with a team to create community-driven Destination Stewardship Plans for iconic places like Jackson Hole, Taos, and the Choctaw Nation.
Previous entrepreneurial successes include being the founder and co-creator of Teton Family Magazine, the non-profit Slow Food in the Tetons, and the Treetop Adventure at Snow King Mountain. As I embrace my "crone" years and release my children to adulthood, I dream of writing full-time and returning to a vagabond life while caravaning with my sweet pup, Willow.Â
You can find my portfolio and read my Substack at suemuncaster.substack.com and my social links at linktr.ee/tetonstrong.
May I send you the book proposal and a chapter or two?Â
This showed up in my inbox this morning … the timeless question I want to answer!
I appreciate each one of you who follows this page. Thank You.
The relevance of this at a time when the world is seemingly losing its collective mind could not be more perfect. I know several book clubs that would put this at the top of their list!