That's right, readers, this month instead of focusing on someone in Maine's past, someone whose accomplishments and contributions are already well-documented, I want to tell you a little more about me, specifically about my philosophy of life and how that relates to my writing.
You see, I am still early in my writing career, though the passion for writing has been with me since childhood. I believe each person is born blessed with special gifts that are all their own. What each person chooses to do with these gifts is a personal choice. But the most important thing is to believe in yourself. Believe that you can accomplish your goals and live your dream. Don't be afraid of failure. Those small setbacks along the way are intended to teach you little lessons that help you improve, become more committed to your goals, and achieve greater success and satisfaction in the long run.
Along with believing in yourself, setting realistic goals that will lead you progressively closer to your ultimate achievement is also mandatory. Do not expect to achieve overnight success,to reach the top in one great leap. Time allows each of us to grow, practice, and develop new skills. Savor each small success, as each individual step brings you one step closer to your dream.
For example, I have not yet reached the celebrity level of Stephen King--and definitely do not get paid in the six-figure range for my work. But I do work--and I do get paid for most of it. Each time one of my works is published, I am that much closer to achieving my dream of being published by a nationally recognized publishing house--to perhaps one day having a New York Times "best seller".
In 2000, my first full-length romantic suspense novel, Guesthouse, was accepted for publication by an online publisher, Awe Struck Books, which published and released my book in e-book format. To read an excerpt, visit their website at
http://www.awe-struck.net/AUTHORS10/gh.h... .
In addition, I have written and been paid for copy for websites, a radio ad, several book reviews, newsletters and brochures, and three course guides for Suite University.
My second book-length project, a young adult novel, Island Boy, was published in ebook and paperback format by Wings Press in February, 2004. For an excerpt of Island Boy go to
http://www.wingsepress.com/excerpts/Isla...
Though I hope to be able to write full time at some future point, right now writing is only part of my life--to be fitted in around family, work, and all of the other commitments that accompany life today. But for anyone who is serious about writing, and being published, my best advice is to WRITE! WRITE! WRITE! You will never improve, develop your voice and style, or have a portfolio of completed works, if you do not practice your craft.
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