Wednesday, June 15, 2011

REFLECTIONS

I’ve been reflecting today. 
 
Today I remembered the woman who told me, “Out of all the writers I know, I thought you would be the one to make it.” A backhanded compliment or a blatant put-down? I guess whatever I want it to be.
I remembered the woman who looked at my Silhouette Romance and said, “You mean they have book signings for those kinds of books?” We romance writers put up with a lot.

I remembered the organization that turned me down for a volunteer position because they wanted someone who was more involved in mentoring and encouraging other writers. My writer friends and I had a good laugh. They know how busy I stay doing just that. I guess the lesson here is to loudly toot my own horn though I'd rather not. A nicer way of putting it is--have a platform. :-)

Many of my writer friends/critique partners have gone on to grab multi-book contracts. I’ve been thrilled for them. I’ve critiqued them, brainstormed and encouraged, and promoted them to the best of my ability. I’ve wanted them to succeed, prayed for them to make wise choices and achieve their dreams as if they were my own children. Today, after so many years of multi-book contracts, some of them are retiring from writing because they want to finally settle down to enjoy holidays with their families—with no deadlines.
Thinking back on the good, the bad and the inconsiderate, I’m amazed at how full and satisfying my writing life has been. And believe me, my writing life definitely spills over into my personal life. I told my husband the other day that I’m so content, I can hardly stand myself. I have everything I want. A good, supportive husband who encourages me in everything I choose to try—even though he discouraged my getting a private detective’s license! A beautiful creative daughter who is always laughing and happy. A handsome stepson who calls just to talk to me! How blessed can one gal be?

 Sure, there are a lot of things I still want to do: sell another book, continue to freelance and teach, go back to Boston and spend a month, become an agent, paint a picture, become an editor, own a publishing company, write and sell a bunch of ebooks, own a cabin on the beach, publish a chapbook of poems, find a lost child . . .  become a detective!
But even if I never do any of those things, I have to say: Any more good God chooses to give me will be akin to chocolate sprinkles in a cup of fat-free, cake-batter yogurt from Swirll.

Now share some things you'd like to do.

4 comments:

Unknown said...

Cheery and make me smile type of post. I love it.

Charles Gramlich said...

I've been feeling very good about my own writing lately as well. Sometimes things go well.

Angie said...

You're the most encouraging person I know and I thank you for that. I'm so happy you are content. That, too, is encouraging. So, when do we get one of these Swirl places in Lake Charles?

Hey, I miss you!

Anonymous said...

Great post, Jess. As a romance author, I feel your pain. I think you should go for the private detective license. Just think of the material for your writing!