Let's Do It

Last summer, I was inspired to write a novel and within three months it was all on paper.  All of my life there have been a million good reasons—and just as many bad excuses—why I couldn’t succeed as a writer.  Now it’s time to do something.  This is the era of the Indie Author, and I may as well jump on the band wagon. 

I’ve decided to publish through Amazon Kindle.  I’m working with a graphic design artist on a book cover, and I hope to have it available for purchase very soon.  Now, if you are like me and prefer a paper copy, please let me know as I am in the process of making the decision about doing that as well. (Yes, for those who remember, I did enter my novel into a contest.  But the winner isn’t announced until February, and I don’t really expect to win.)

All I know is that it’s time to do something.  I’m tired of sitting still and dreaming.  I’m tired of listening to the voice in my head that reminds that every time I’ve ever tried anything, I’ve failed.  Maybe so.  But maybe this time will be different.  Maybe not.  At least I will know I tried.

When I was in college, I wrote about an artist whom I described as lacking that “final burst of courage” necessary for him to succeed.  And as I wrote it, having a moment of self-revelation.  That was me. 

I don’t believe you can force open a door that God has held closed, and it’s important to remember that it might be closed for a reason.  Timing is everything.  But now I feel that I’m being urged forward.  Last year I prayed for the story and God gave it to me.  Now I am praying for it to have a life of its own. 

I’ll never know if I can succeed as a writer if I never produce that final burst of courage.  And so I’m going to prayerfully move forward and see what God has in store for me.

My One and Only Life

On my birthday this year, I attended a funeral.  But it actually wasn’t a bad way to spend the afternoon as the man whose life was being celebrated had used his time on earth wisely.  Birthdays and funerals are both great opportunities to reflect on one’s life.  On how it’s been spent and on the direction it’s headed.

I’ve had birthdays with smaller numbers that have made me sad, not because of the age itself, but because of where I was in the journey.  This year (although the number isn’t my favorite) I feel good about where I am in life.  Prayers have been answered.  Healing has come.  Hope is alive.  I’m grateful.

I’m grateful for God’s work in my life, for never giving up and leaving me where I was.  I’m grateful for a loving, supportive husband, and for a sweet and precious daughter.

To quote Holly from the movie, P.S. I Love You: “This is my one and only life. And it's a great and terrible and short and endless thing, and none of us come out of it alive.”