Me, in February: Roaming Riley: A Delmarva Adventure is coming soon, in Spring 2020!
Covid-19, in March: Think again!
If you’re reading this blog right when I’m posting it in April 2020, then you’re right in the thick of it with me. Staying at home, social distancing when out in public (only for essential reasons of course), and starting to go a little crazy. Plans, such as mine, for publishing my book, have been put on hold indefinitely.
Perhaps you’re finding this much later, and it means you’ve read my book(s) and want to learn more.
Either way, welcome! I’m glad you’ve found me.
When I first decided to design a website, I simply wanted a place to showcase my books and give readers a chance to learn about me as an author. I created the pages, loaded my basic information, developed the “Pawsitively Precious Pets” page, and was ready to open it up to the world.
Then I started thinking: Who do I want to visit this website? Once they’ve checked me out, why should they come back?
Aside from the really adorable pet pictures, I didn’t have an answer.
That’s the story of how this blog started.
Why should I keep reading?
Writing a book hasn’t been easy, and it didn’t happen overnight. In fact, the process began over 8 years ago, when the story idea first popped into my head. I pushed it way into the back of my mind for years. I probably would have kept it there if it wasn’t for my husband who called from work one day and basically said, “What if you stay home and write?”
That’s why you should keep reading.
Have you ever wanted to do something, but talked yourself out of it? Have you ever had a dream?
“I have a dream.”
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. had a really big dream. I don’t even want to think about what life would be like if he had talked himself out of it. Was it scary? Of course it was! It took time. It took effort. But he didn’t back down, even when it got hard. Thank goodness!
My dream was to become a writer. The story idea began 8 years ago, but the dream goes back much farther than that. So, why did it take me so long to pursue it?
Easy. Following dreams is scary!
Typically when you have a dream, you have to sacrifice something to make it happen. It usually isn’t easy, and doesn’t happen overnight. It often requires other people’s help.
My dream wasn’t on the scale of Dr. King’s, and yours might not be either, but that doesn’t make it any less important.
What is your dream?
I’ve told you my dream, so I want you to think about yours.
What’s your dream?
Maybe it’s to travel, to backpack across Europe, see the world. Or do you want to make enough money to afford a beach house? Maybe you want to earn a promotion in your job.
For my younger readers, maybe your dream is to convince your parents that you’re responsible enough to take care of a puppy. That’s just as important as anyone else’s dream. Maybe your dream is to be a softball player, basketball player, dancer, or artist. Maybe you want to be a writer, just like I am.
If you’re reading this as I’m writing it, during the Coronavirus crisis, then you might be a teacher, dreaming of ways to see your students again. Kids, you are probably dreaming about life being back to normal, and being able to interact with people again. I have that dream right now too.
Are all of these dreams easy? Nope. Are they worth it? Absolutely.
If I hadn’t taken a big leap out of my comfort zone, I wouldn’t even be writing this blog. Life would have gone on the same way it had been going.
When I hold that published book in my hands for the first time, all of the time and effort will be worth it.
What do I have to offer?
If you’ve made it this far, hopefully you’re thinking about your dreams. My main goal is to inspire you to pursue them.
I will share my firsthand experience with exactly how I went from teaching to writing, and what I’ve learned along the way.
If you’ve ever dreamed of being a writer, or if you’re a student who is expected to write essays and stories in school, then you’ll find creative tips that I’ve learned throughout this process.
If you’re a parent or teacher, then you’ll learn how the writing process helped me turn this dream into a reality. You can use these ideas to help yourself, your kids, or your students.
It doesn’t matter if you’re 8 years old or 80. It’s never too early or late to try something new. Right now is the perfect time to start.
During this global pandemic, life is hard and different. Many of you with kids are trying to help your children with online learning, while also attempting to work from home. I hope I can alleviate some of that pressure by providing creative writing ideas and opportunities. Every blog post will include a question or writing prompt. Use it to get your creative juices flowing. I can’t wait to read what you have to share.
Thank you for being part of this journey with me. I hope I can motivate you to follow your own dreams and passions.
I’m 39 years old and my dream is to be an author.
What is your dream? Tell me below in the comments, and if you’re willing, share your age so people can see that following dreams is possible at any age.