Saline's Scarlett Authors a Book About Bouncing Back

April Scarlett has something important to say for anyone who has been bowled over by the crummy Michigan economy.

The Saline writer and media personality shares her advice in her new book,  Off the Couch, Back to Business! A Guide to Success After Setback.

"My mantra throughout the book is that everybody has a 'next great thing,' no matter where they are in their lives," said Scarlett, who will be at , 101 W. Michigan Ave., for a book release party from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Monday.

Scarlett writes from experience.

In February of 2008, Scarlett opened a Saline business called Beanstalks Play Cafe. It was a storybook-themed indoor playspace for kids with a full coffee bar and wireless Internet for adults. Michigan's tough economy turned lethal and in January of 2009, Scarlett's business was a casualty.

The experience sapped the energy out of the normally energetic Scarlett.

"We lost everything. Our house. Our car, our credibility," Scarlett recalled.

More than a financial blow, it was a blow to her pride, too.

"I was completely embarrassed to show my face. I had become so involved with the Downtown Merchants Association and Chamber of Commerce, and was really the only one in town that year to crumble," Scarlett said. "It was mortifying."

After the initial shock, Scarlett looked at her husband, Jim, and sons Sam, 9, and Stone, 15, and knew she needed to get off the couch and get back to business.

"I knew I had to bounce back for my family and find a way out of the mess I created. I always had their support, my husband Jim never blamed me but I blamed myself enough for the both of us. Mostly, I knew that the couch wasn’t what my life was supposed to be. I want to do giant, great things!" she said.

So Scarlett did what she advises to others to do in difficult straits.

"Take a little time to absorb what has happened. For me it was the couch for three weeks. Then think about what you dream of doing," she said. "I ask people, if there was one thing you could be that would make you super happy, what would that be? Once a person knows that, they can figure out how to make it a career."

For Scarlett, the answer was writing.

"Writing has always been my true love, all of my elective college classes were always some kind of writing and literature, so I decided to make a go of it," she said. "I know, eventually, I can do great things with my writing."

Scarlett writes five blogs, has completed her first book with two more on the way, writes for Patch.com, AnnArbor.com and the . But that's just the start. She also hosts an Internet program called The Business Spotlight for WDEE TV. She serves on the PTA board at . She's on the Saline Area Chamber of Commerce board of directors and serves on Saline's Arts & Culture Committee. She's also a volunteer for many events.

In other words, Scarlett's couch is getting lonely. And it's only going to be lonelier.

This year, she also plans to start a nonprofit organization. The Front Page Project will bring international awareness to women's oppression and help give a voice to women in the world, Scarlett said.

Scarlett said she hopes her book will help other people get back on their feet. In her book, she uses the example of a stay-at-home-mom who dreams of being a brain surgeon but believes it is impossible.

"Being a brain surgeon starts with one call to a community college, or even a GED office. Do just one thing, and you’ll be motivated to do the next," Scarlett said. "Obstacles are just stepping stones to the next great thing."

Scarlett's book, published by Plymouth-based HMSI, is available at her website, or at Amazon, Borders or Barnes & Noble.