A Room Full of Dreams

A girl that's going to be moving into my apartment soon made this sweet comment about my bedroom:

"It looks like a room full of dreams."

Her words have stayed with me and caused me to look around the space I call home. As my eyes drifted from one item to the next, I couldn't help but think my room IS a room full of dreams I HAVE made come true. Here's a wee list:

• My framed photos of the Eiffel Tower and various other wall hangings, art, and souvenirs from all over the world = I have fulfilled my dream to travel, but there's only more trips to come. 
• A bookshelf full of delicious stories = I am a book connoisseur.
• A couple photos of Jesus = I am active in my religion (far from perfect, though).
• A laptop = I'm a writer, blogger, and occasional Netflix'er.
• Some stuffed animals = I'm still a kid at heart.
• A wallet = I am able to support myself.
• A Precious Moments graduation girl figurine = I have a college degree.
• A pretty book lying on the nightstand with my name, the author, glittering its cover = I've published a book, my little Félicité Found.

With this said, I encourage you all to take stock of the dreams you've already made come true. Know that because you accomplished them, if you will, bucket list items, you can do anything you put your mind to.

So, my mind is set on writing and publishing and all sorts of other delectable goals. But the most important goal right now is to share my words through Félicité Found.

Send out the word to all the world about her. I'd love for you and the cats zoo (as Pat Hatt would say) to enjoy it.

Here's where you can buy Félicité Found and the Goodreads link:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Createspace

Goodreads

Oh, I have a Facebook page that you are more than welcome to "like". I hope to build up another social network platform there.

So, what dreams have you already made come true? What are dreams you are working toward? And if you haven't purchased my book yet, why the heck not? haha

Hugs

Writing Jewels

Insecure Writer's Support Group: 5th Edition

A couple weeks ago, I saw Orson Scott Card author of ENDER'S GAME speak. He brought up something that I'd like to share on this Insecure Writer's Support Group Wednesday. Granted, he was focusing his talk on education, but I think it will relate to writing, too.

He talked about credibility--the credibility that comes from gaining a university degree. After four years (or more, if you were me) you obtain a degree. A lot of work is put into schooling. I know far too well. I spent many hours sitting in the math lab. Lots of hours writing papers. And tons of hours sitting in classrooms. But I did it! Now I've got a piece of paper that says I have a Bachelor in Anthropology degree.

Well, how does this relate to writing? As writers, we want that credibility that comes from having one of our books or all of them published. But is that really where credibility comes from? Ok, yes it is...sort of. But, it doesn't have to be.

We are credible because we write! Just deciding to scribble down a story and finishing chapter after chapter is credible. Just because you're not published doesn't mean that you aren't an author.

Yet, obtaining publish-dom is a fantastic goal to keep you typing out words. Having a book on the shelves at the local bookstore or online definitely will make you jump up and down, giggling up a storm (ok, that's what I will do). By all means, don't let not getting that big six figure book deal keep you from thinking you are a credible.

Just keep going. Keep writing. And be happy along the way. You are writer and that makes you AMAZING! An inCREDIBLY amazing person.

PS: Orson Scott Card also said that it doesn't matter where you get your education, be it Harvard or a community college or through reading books or community classes. It's the fact that you have learned something that matters.

The fact that you write is all that matters! And by golly, I've learned so much more about writing by writing a book than I EVER did during my college degree. This time could very well count as a masters program. :D

I hope this has made sense. Perhaps, I've just been blabbing.

Anyway --> *hugs* Especially if you are struggling right now with your writing. :)

    Writing. Jewels.

Always Follow Your Heart

The heart is fragile. I'm not talking about the heart as in the organ that resides within the body, but the heart that makes the world go around. The heart that aches sometimes. The heart that jumps for joy sometimes. The heart that keep us going, following our dreams.

The heart is such a complex word when associated with feelings deep inside. I think I may have felt every feeling this little heart of mine can handle. The ups and the downs. And in the end, it's my heart that I try to follow to lead me to happiness. But it's a tricky thing following your heart. It can sometimes be painful, downright agonizing. On the upside, it can lead to immense joy that can't be measured in any earthly way.

Writing is my dream. It is what my heart is telling me to do. I want to succeed so blasted much. My heart is full of this dream. Yet, it can be so darn right sad sometimes. I've been led down a road I never thought I would take. That of being a writer. If someone would have told me at the very beginning just how hard this route would be, I'm not sure I'd have chosen it. I am glad someone didn't tell me that at the beginning, though. It would have kept me from growing in ways unimaginable.

Would I give up the last two and a half years of hard work? Nope. Never.

My heart is still driving me forward, even when it feels like its on its last beat. And it's taking a lot of patience. More than I thought possible. But as the saying goes: Patience is a virtue. One that I don't possess much of. Haha My patience is being tried in other parts of my life, so it's doubly hard. Argh!

I know I will be published one day. The patience will pay off. And my heart will be stronger for it. I guess what I'm trying to say is: Don't give up. Keep on typing away. Be proactive. And for heaven's sake, believe in yourself. Follow your heart!

Now, I have to eat my words. *gobble gobble gobble*

What is your heart telling you? Where is it leading you?

Writing. Jewels.

Submissions Time

It's official, my book, FÉLICITÉ FOUND, is on submission with publishers. It's a trip and a half. Not only am I super excited, I'm nervous, terrified, and extremely impatient. I thought that querying for agents was awful, but it's only been one week and I'm back in the routine of checking my email every three seconds. Ok, I'm not that bad, maybe every twenty seconds...

*coughs*

And I'm worried things won't work out how I'd like. Yet, I hope to have success in this leg of my journey to become a published author. Wish me luck. Cross your fingers and toes. Say some prayers... All right, thanks, friends!

This reminds me of something Joe Konrath said: “There's a word for a writer who never gives up: published.”

I had that quote on my blog description for a while. Giving up has never been in my writing vocabulary. I urge you to never, ever give up. Don't let giving up be in your vocabulary. I sure know I won't!

I will keep you all posted on the haps with submissions.

How's your progress going on your journey to published-ome?

I'm cheering you on!!! Keep going!

Writing. Jewels.