To The Aspiring Writer

One of my favorite “mental” things is when I experience a “paradigm shift.” Right behind that is when I have a sudden insight. They are similar, I know, but for me paradigm shifts turn me into a completely different attitude or view point. Those sudden insights tend to expand my understanding–and sometimes lead to a paradigm shift.
I had an expansion of my understanding this morning. But, before I share it, let me give you some background. I had my first “book” idea about 35 years ago. I decided to write it down???? It was double spaced on EZ-Erase (sp) paper and by the time I reached the bottom of the first (and only) page I was in chapter two. Go figure. Fourteen years later I was talking to my sister on the phone and she mentioned that she was taking a correspondence course (from The Institute of Children’s Literature–highly recommended for everyone who wants to learn more about writing for children). I applied to take it shortly thereafter. I took it and enjoyed it, even though I struggled with each and every assignment. And an interesting thing happened.
Have you every read any of Napoleon Hill’s book? I recall once reading that when you are ready for something, it puts in its appearance. As I neared the end of the course in writing for children, they modified the program. One could either use the last two lessons to submit short stories or one could write a short book (8,000 words or less).
Wow! Here was the opportunity of a lifetime! (As I look back, some 20 years later, I am certain had I not had the opportunity to write that book with a personal tutor, not only would it never have been written, but none of the five books I have written since would have been written.) Of the six books I have written, three are in print and the fourth is scheduled to be released in June 2011.
So, this brings me to the insight I experienced this morning.
First: Thirty-five years ago I dreamed, longed to be a writer
Second: After writing Tivoli’s Christmas I longed to be in print.
Third: After Tivoli’s Christmas was published I could say, “I am in Print.” It felt good, but not totally satisfying.
Fourth: After The Mystery of the Grinning Buddha was published, I saw myself as a writer.
Fifth: After The Mystery of the Ugly Bottle was published, I saw myself as an author.
Sixth: Yesterday evening, after visiting with the husband of someone I had recently sold my books to and upon hearing that his wife just loved such-and-such book, I began to realize than in a wayIpart of me now belonged to my readers. I suppose the next experience will be when my readership is large enough I will, in a way, belong to my fans????
My point is that for the aspiring, learning, trying, coping, discouraged-one-day-and-enthused-the-next-day, student of writing…hang in there. The future you dream about and want so much is out there. Don’t give up. And, as I often write in my books when I autograph them: Dream Big. Work Hard. Be Grateful. Joy in the Results!