And the Race with Words Begins


I can attribute my writing journey to one thing...

Le Tour de France

My dad is an avid cyclist. He introduced me to Le Tour de France years ago. He taught me the ins and outs of the tour. I guess I can say he has a major role in my love for writing, too. Bless the man's heart. Willingly, he reads everything that I write, be it during the first draft, editing, or revising stages. He catches typos and things that don't make sense. I think he's read my books more times than he probably would ever desire to. I love him for it, though.

All this does have a point, I assure you. LOL

So, Le Tour de France commences tomorrow. Of course, for the full three weeks of racing, I'll be watching it from the comforts of my room on Versus  (a sports tv station).

Three years ago, for my graduation-from-university-present-to-myself, I went to Paris, France. I saw the tours traditional last day as they rode onto Champs-Élysées (a main road in the gorgeous city). Yes, I saw the cyclists fly past me at least six or so times, and (*giggles*) witnessed one of my famous crushes, Lance Armstrong, as he zoomed past me, too. *Swoon*
Anyway, this trip, of which included an excursion down to Italy, brought about the idea for my first book, FÉLICITÉ FOUND. I know it's totally cliché, but I fell in love with Paris so much that when I came home I dreamed about it all the time. One of those dreams turned into an idea for a book. 

I feel so grateful and blessed that over a period of eleven years (+/-), I was led to Paris through my love of Le Tour de France and traveling. These experiences were the catalyst to commence my own race with words. Otherwise, I really don't think I'd be writing. 

Over the next three weeks, you'll know what's keeping me busy--watching some wicked awesome cyclists and maybe, just maybe, their ripped legs. *blushes* Oh, and beta'ing some books, too.

So, how did you start writing? What initially inspired your writing journey?

Writing. Jewels.

Riders vs. Writers

Every July Le Tour de France is a sport I enjoy watching. Not only viewing it on television is fun, but two years ago, I went to France to see the tour ride into Paris. That was amazing! Even as I write this blog post, I’m watching the epic race’s third stage. Yep, I love it enough to follow it for a full three weeks.

One thing that impresses me about cycling is the active teamwork, even when the cyclists are racing with other team’s riders. If they don’t work together then none of them are going to succeed. Circuiting through different riders, they each take a little time at the front of the pack, allowing for all riders to have a break at the back, feeding off of the draft of those ahead.

With all this said, how does it relate to writing?

I’ve only actively been engaged in social-networking since January. That means for a full year I was alone in my writing efforts. Since then I’ve developed many great relationships with authors and avid readers. They’ve been a great support system for me. I know with full confidence that I wouldn’t be where I am as a writer today without this group of people. I rely on them to encourage me through the downs that come with being a writer, and applauding me with my achievements. And I’m eager and absolutely willing to offer them the same support. This is what is so great about the writing industry: there’s an amazing sense of unity between authors. We want each other to succeed.

If there is one thing I’d highly recommend, it is to build relationships with other authors and avid readers. Perhaps this is through critique groups or partners, or someone to talk to about good books. It’s even fun to talk with them about nothing that has to do with writing at all.

So, I say, “Writers are like riders—cyclists: we need each other to succeed. Some days you’ll be the writer at the front of the pack pushing the words forward. Other times, you’ll be at the back being fueled by the encouragement of your peers.”

I love writing, and I love my writing support group! You’re all priceless to me!

PS: Do you want to win a copy of Imaginary Girls or Hereafter? Enter to win them on my blog. Follow this link!