March 27, 2017
I once told my younger son that I’ve had to work twice as hard and wait twice as long for the things to happen in my life. While I appreciate achieving my goals, the wait time has been frustrating. I’ve persisted and finally achieved one of the most important items on my bucket list – to see my name on the cover of my book.
It’s not easy. I got lots of rejections when I first started out. If you want to write, you have to believe in yourself and not give up. You have to do your best to practice and get better ~ Rick Riordan
This is so true. I have enjoyed writing as long as I can remember. My mother used to say she looked forward to my letters from Girl Scout Camp and Madison College (now JMU) because they were so descriptive and “busy.” I guess I just like “telling it like it is.”
After college, I discovered reading for pleasure again. My genres expanded to include romances. As I read, I found that my imagination kicked into overdrive. I wondered “what if.” Before long I put those “what if” ideas on paper.
I took advantage of the kids’ nap and play times and completed my first novel in 1984. By then I had started the library and a close friend who loved romances and believed in me came to the library and spent the afternoon reading that manuscript!
Believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy. ~Norman Vincent Peale
I finished my second book in 1985 but as the kids grew, my writing time diminished. At one point Wayne and I were spending five days a week at the little league ballpark. I desperately wanted to write but could never find quality time to do so. I often regret not pushing myself harder but family was important and like most mothers, I put my dream up on the shelf. I dusted it off when I retired.
Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conqueror fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy. ~ Dale Carnegie
I want this blog to be about my journey to getting published. There have been other achievements, and setbacks but I believed in myself and persisted. It took me a long time but I finally achieved it.
Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence. ~ Helen Keller
This blog may be short but I hope that my journey and the quotes will motivate you to pursue your dream. I love hearing success stories and hope you will share yours!