August 30, 2017

I write because I enjoy writing, especially when the muse flows. I love creating a story for two people who are looking for love.  Weaving the words and developing the passion on each page.  But it’s especially nice when a reader compliments my hard work.

The other day I happened to be with one such reader who had read Spicer’s Challenge and made it a point to tell me she thoroughly enjoyed it.  “I don’t normally like romances” she said, then went on to talk about how she liked the story and the mystery I wove through it.

“I’m going to read the second one (Dreams Fulfilled) because I want to find the girl.”  I chuckled and said she would have to wait for the third one (Key to His Heart) which I am determined to complete in the next week.

Her simple compliment stimulated me to return to the keyboard later that evening.  Encouraged me to take one last look at a scene and polish it.  Key to His Heart has been a challenge because I’m trying to wrap up the mystery, leave clues and give Randi and Trevor their special story.

Acclamation leads to inspiration, motivation, sometimes emotion.  Have you ever told your children how proud you are of them, then watched them smile and walk with a little pep in their step?  Or complimented your spouse or sweetheart and almost watched their hearts swell.  Or received an award for something you worked hard at and couldn’t help but stick your chest out a little further.

Last night I watched a Nationals baseball game.  One of the players had hit a grand slam and the TV cameramen frequently zeroed in on his smiles and joking with teammates when in the outfield.  He put his team ahead and deserved to be happy.  If he had been my son, I would have been crying tears of happiness.

Praise, admiration and appreciation motivate people to do a better job.  Sometimes it just brightens up their day.  I try to “pay it forward” each day with a compliment to someone that has just made my day so much better.

Two days after I saw my reader, I got a phone call.  The first reader had lent her Spicer’s Challenge to this person to read.  “I don’t usually read romances but I recognized a lot of our county in the story.”  She said she looked forward to reading the second one.  I must say, I had a big smile on my face when we finished our conversation.

Have you ever had this happen to you?