When You Can't Find a Miracle, Make One

My Book Layout & Storyboard

I have been dragging my feet with my writing career. A long series of unfortunate events has been eating away at my motivation, and believe me when I say that being a self-published author is, at heart, all about motivation. I had no idea how much was involved in building a new career from scratch. Sure, there are a lot of resources available today that weren't around even ten years ago but that doesn't make putting the pieces together much easier. My marketing skills are sadly lacking, my book sales are slow as a sleepy turtle, and with my children's books, I have invested over six hundred dollars on legal fees for contracts that never got used. Frustration cubed!

When this new year began, my husband said to me, "I don't know how hard to push you, but you have to get back on track. I haven't said anything because I know all of this is a lot for you to take in by yourself, but I don't want you to give up before you even get rolling because you feel defeated." I didn't want to admit that's what I was feeling, but he was right. It totally was. I wasn't sure I could illustrate my children's books myself. I wasn't sure my books were worth reading on a mass scale (although I dearly adore those close to me who've read what I've done so far and enjoyed it). And the blog, which began as a sidebar for my career, has been the most successful part of my writing endeavor (which still amazes and delights me). Where could I find that mojo, my miracle?

Turns out it was right where I left it, inside of me. I remembered what my mother-in-law said to me before she died. She asked, "Sweetheart, what is your goal for this career you've been wanting to do?" I replied, "I want my words, my stories to make a difference." She smiled at me and said, "Well then, mission accomplished. They've made a difference to me. Everything else above and beyond that is just gravy."

I won't give up, mom. I won't! Whether my words are read by only one person or hundreds, I will NOT stop. Being a writer has always been who I am. It's not all of who I am, but it's a really big part of what makes me me. In keeping with that spirit, today I drafted all of the illustrations and page layouts for my first children's book, "The Dragon Egg." With a little luck, a lot of prayer, and a miracle I'm creating one line at a time, it will be ready for release by next month! I'll keep you posted.

Love,
A.