Amy M. Schaefer
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From the Front Porch

I am an "accidental blogger". When I launched my writing career in March of 2014, one of the things that I decided to include was my journaling, which I have always found to be a comforting and therapeutic endeavor.  It was a big risk to open myself up in such a public forum, but it has taught me that, for the most part, we share far more experiences than we think. It's comforting to know I'm not alone!  (*the "Button Text" is the link to my first novel)
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Screw The Safe Zone

6/23/2014

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"I write to make peace with the things I cannot control. I write to create fabric in a world that often appears black and white. I write to begin a dialogue. I write to imagine things differently and in imagining things differently perhaps the world will change." --Terry Tempest Williams from "Why I Write" article in Northern Lights magazine

With the release of my first novel merely a few days away, I've been thinking a lot about what it means to chase a dream. It is a huge risk putting a somewhat "stable" career (i.e. teaching) on hold while I devote my time and attention to this wild idea of mine to become a writer. Technically I've always been a writer at heart, but I've never taken the plunge of putting myself "out there." And I never imagined that I'd be sharing my deepest thoughts, fears, hopes and dreams with the whole world--mostly I thought I'd keep all of those things private, tucked away in some inner closet inside myself where I wouldn't be subjected to censure, judgements, rejection...the "Safe Zone"...isn't that where most people live? Insulated from conflict, criticism, and closed off...protected? It is where I've lived for most of my life, but what I've learned in the short time I've been doing this is that the "Safe Zone" is an illusion. We are not safe from anything, including ourselves because while we can minimize all of those things down in our lives to some quiet roar, they're still there, they still happen. People judge us all the time--stand in our way and demand we conform--hold power over us by way of a paycheck, an opportunity, or emotions held hostage until our behavior conforms to their expectations.

What do I really have to lose by chasing this dream? Nothing! I have already gained so much of value that there isn't a way to convert it into simple dollar signs. In a little over a week, I will join the ranks of becoming a published author! My greatest hope is that people will read Desperate Measures and enjoy the characters, identify with them, and delight in the ride from start to finish. It will be pure joy to hear, "When is the next one coming out?" Regardless of what happens with this or in the future, I'm still going to wildly pursue and enjoy my passion and hopefully people will bask in it with me!

*Image from www.unm.edu.

1 Comment
MIchelle Paramore
6/23/2014 11:45:20 pm

OMG!!!!! It's almost time....woo woo woo woo!!! I am so excited for you and can't wait to open the pages of your First Novel....yay, yay, yay....I told Mikey about it and he is soooooo waiting to see it, too. You are an inspiration, a fighter, a momma and a devoted wife and NOW...a published author...congrats, girl....here's to watching all of your dreams come true!!! <3 <3 <3 .... "When's the next one coming out?" Love ya!!!! Michelle

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    About The Author

    I grew up in rural North Carolina. When I was only nineteen, I moved away and became a military wife. My only aspiration at that tender time in my life was to create an adult life that "fixed" all of the "injustices" of my childhood. Secretly, however, I wanted to reach for the sky! I wanted to be a writer and find ways to "save the world" (my mother used to say, "You have Save the World Syndrome".). Mostly, I wanted to matter.

    Since then, I have learned to reach well beyond what I ever dared to think was possible. I've learned not to allow fear to stop me from whatever future I want to create!

    What keeps me grounded? My Tribe! What provides the wind beneath my wings? A well of reserves filled with unstoppable passion!

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  • Amy M. Schaefer, Writer
  • Blog: From the Front Porch
  • Novels
  • Short Stories
    • Children's Books
  • About the Author
  • Contact
  • Photo & Art Gallery