I was in the second grade when I decided I was going to be a writer. My first full-length novel featured Princess Tina and Prince Val who managed to overcome all obstacles (like whether it was okay if Tina liked macaroni and cheese and Val didn't) to marry each other and live happily ever after in a castle. The people of the kingdom were so besotted by the young couple they declared a national holiday and called it Valentine's Day. The handwritten and self-illustrated (with crayons) book was a best-seller among the girls in the second grade, while all the boys held their noses and said, "Ewwwwwww."
The second grade passed and so did the years. My love for writing remained, but I explored other things. I was a cheerleader, played the flute and bells, and tried girl's basketball and ice hockey. I volunteered on political campaigns, learned several different languages, and had an extended stint on my college newspaper. My love of writing and travel landed me a dream job in international journalism, which was fantastic until I had kids. Then it was time to move on to something new. It wasn't until my 10 year high school reunion, when I was filling out a questionnaire (that I happened to have written), that I had an epiphany. I stopped when I came to the last question ... "What is it that you always wanted to accomplish, but haven't yet?" I sat back and realized my dream of writing a novel hadn't ever materialized. So, I decided to bring the dream to fruition.
I took a very practical approach and researched the publishing landscape. At the time, over 50% of the mass market paperback was in romance novels, with all other genres making up the other 50%. Based on those calculations, I decided that I would have the best chance of breaking into the market by writing a romance. So, what started with Princess Tina and Prince Val, ended with the release of a Scottish historical romance FLEETING SPLENDOR, my first published novel.Today I am celebrating the release of my fifteenth novel, a geeky humorous mystery titled NO WOMAN LEFT BEHIND. The release is a true milestone and one I built on love, sweat and tears. A lot of tears. But I wouldn't change a thing. Because I went for it. I stretched out a hand. I planned. I worked hard. I brought my dream to fruition.
So, if you have a dream, what are you waiting for? If you want it, go for it. If you wait or wish without action, then you will only ever wonder whether you could make that dream come true. By chasing that dream, you may be surprised how quickly you can reach it.
11 comments:
Just imagine if you hadn't reached for that dream! (A lot of readers wouldn't have had your series!) Writing a book was my dream as well. My latest dream is trying to write a new series. ;)
Congratulations on the new release!!!
Thanks, Anne Marie!! It's been a fun ride so far and I'm happy!! :)
Congratulations, Julie! What an inspiring story -- thanks for sharing it.
Congratulations Julie! They should let you illustrate Lexi in crayon! :)
Hahahahaha, Maureen. I've never graduated from anything BUT crayons in the drawing department! :)
You could have a fallback career illustrating children's books, but with Lexi's success, I don't think you'll get to test that out!
Your kid written stories were great. Mom took one look, showed one to me and we KNEW you'd grow up to be a writer.
As the above Mom in question, I must say ALL my children, including their brother are superb writers. What a wonderful gift no matter what occupation you pursue. And as a former teacher I know absolutely it all really begins with READING!! To your children, with your children, borrowing or buying books for your children, encouraging them to read and being a good example for them by reading yourself.
Mom: You are so right! I'm a reader first! Thanks, Sis, and to everyone for commenting!! Hugs to everyone.
Julie I always wanted to have a sister, and Sandy's remarks above reinforces that wish. Lucky you! And lucky Sandy!
Congratulations on your 15th(!) release! So glad you went after that dream.
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