Amy M. Schaefer
  • Amy M. Schaefer, Writer
  • Blog: From the Front Porch
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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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When You Can't Find a Miracle, Make One

1/13/2016

3 Comments

 
Picture
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.
3 Comments
Yvette Aldrich
1/14/2016 11:04:07 am

You got this Angel! You will have a fan in Hunter first thing and that grandbaby will grow up hearing your stories. We are all behind you and cheering you on!

Reply
Angela Miles
1/15/2016 12:00:48 pm

I believe in you. Now go do your thing and know you have a whole tribe standing behind you.

Reply
Amy Marie
1/15/2016 12:05:09 pm

I love you, my sisters! I hope you know just how much.

Reply



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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