Penning First Book 'Cathartic Process' For Deerfield Resident

DEERFIELD, IL — Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, many people have found themselves reassessing their lives and choices. Deerfield resident Mora Brinkman made the realization she had spent too many years focusing on what she calls "an idealized version" of whom she thought she should be instead of embracing who she is.

Brinkman, who is originally from Missouri, moved from Chicago to Deerfield four years ago. In May 2023, her first book, "A Little Off. Always On. Tales of Authenticity and Acceptance," published by New Degree Press.

"[The book] is a collection of personal essays that chronicles the everyday pitfalls and triumphs of a girl-turned-woman who reconciles the need to fit in with being her authentic self," Brinkman told Patch.

According to Brinkman, "A Little Off. Always On" covers a variety of topics — from mishaps in community theater to navigating mental health issues in corporate America and the challenges of starting a family. Brinkman is a big proponent of "finding the funny" in situations (when appropriate), while also being vulnerable and honest.

"[The book] can easily picked-up at 10:30 p.m. when you tell yourself you'll start reading before bed and 10:37 p.m. when you can't keep your eyes open any longer," said Brinkman, adding that the book is written in chronological order.

Brinkman said her heroes are women with multi-hyphenate careers who once followed scripts but are now drawn to creating their own content, including Casey Wilson, June Diane Raphael, Jessica St. Claire, Jessie Klein and Drew Barrymore.

During the creative process of writing the book, Brinkman learned a lot.

"There's a stigma that authors must be isolated and tortured people who battle with their own thoughts and deadlines," Brinkman said. "While there were times when I was forced to sit and write for several hours (often before my day job and on weekends), it was a very collaborative process."

Brinkman participated in Manuscripts, a community-powered author program that connects authors and helps them to develop their ideas and work with one another and editors to ideate and develop their books across genres. For Brinkman, this resulted in a social book-writing process versus solitary.

"More personally, it was a very cathartic process. I was ready to dive into a creative project after several years of managing life's stressors, including the COVID-19 pandemic," Brinkman said.

Since moving to Deerfield, Brinkman has fallen in love with the North Shore, so much so that she convinced her parents to move here from Missouri last year.

"In my book, I mention how I thought moving to Deerfield meant I would start a family, attend soccer games, maybe join a bowling league... you know, 'suburban things.' Life took different twists and turns, and life didn't look the way I had hoped," Brinkman said. "As a result, I was afraid I'd never 'fit in' or feel connected to the community because I wasn't a parent. But I was wrong."

Brinkman said that for herself and her husband, David, Deerfield has become a community where they feel like they belong.

"Our neighbors and friends on Oakley Avenue were our lifelines throughout the pandemic, supporting one another when we couldn't connect with our own families," Brinkman said. "We celebrate holidays, successes and support one another when we need help. We're a variety of ages and backgrounds but we just fit."

With the assistance of New Degree Press, Brinkman is hoping to spread word about her upcoming book. She's hoping to help cover the cost of publishing the book to ensure she owns the rights to the content through virtual and live events. Find out more here.