I work with a really talented group of guys. Guys as in, some-of-them-I’d-consider-REALLY-HOT-if-I-wasn’t-married kind of guys. Yeah. Those. But since I AM married (and rather enjoy staying that way), they’re just guys.
One of them in particular has made an incredible impression on me. We’ve worked together for more than a dozen years. I’ve watched him become a father, get married, suffer through his wife’s infidelity, and then forgive her only to have the marriage sadly fall apart anyway.
He easily accepted the responsibilities that come with being a single dad to two beautiful girls. He juggles a demanding work schedule in a difficult economic climate, right along with school sports and buying tampons.
And through all the turbulence, he continues to be optimistic, he continues to smile, and he always tells me he’s “living the dream.”
As a writer, I can honestly say I’m living the dream. I’m up at 4 a.m. (or earlier if I have to clean up cat puke), working through a manuscript before heading to the day-job. I sneak in a few more words at my desk during lunch (if I’m lucky it doesn’t involve a love scene – awkward!), then I come home and crank out a few more pages in the evenings after dinner. Five or six hours of sleep and the cycle repeats itself with variations involving a trip to the gym or . . . Ummm . . . yeah . . . that’s about it. (Note to self: that is so sad!)
The weekends are spent either with my fabulously talented critique partners (*waving* Hello, Angels!) at a local Starbucks or – surprise – sequestered in my home office working on a story. All of this in between loads of laundry and the occasional run to the grocery store because I’m out of chocolate.
And after nine years, I’m still writing in spite of editor rejections. I’m still chasing the dream of being a published author. But I figure I’ve got a couple of choices. I could shut down and give up, or I could keep moving, keep going to workshops and conferences, keep learning from other authors, keep pitching my manuscripts to editors, and keep honing my writing skills.
For me, it’s a no-brainer. Giving up is not an option. Besides, like my guy-friend, I honestly believe I’m living my dream.
So, I’m curious. How are you living yours?
-Melia
Visceral. I love it. I am living my dream. I have stories to tell and if no one wants to publish them, I can at least tell my Roses and my friends. It’s all about the story, whether it makes you any money or not. If you can stop writing, you should. It seems as though you can’t so keep on keeping on!
Don’t give up Melia. You’re almost at the 10 year mark, that’s when stuff starts happening.
Yes, I feel I’m leaving my dream. I love writing. It make me happy and it’s cheap therapy. It’s also a little mini vacation where I can step outside of reality and into a world that I created.
Hi, Gina! So great to see you again!!
You’re absolutely right — it’s all about the story. I had one “friend” tell me how one of my stories should end. I promptly told him that he should write his own *bleep* story and leave mine alone. (Who? Me, shy?)
Like you, I plan to keep on writing. At least, until the voices in my head quiet down. Or until the men in white coats come and haul me away. . ..
Hugs and happy writing,
Melia
Thanks for the retweet – I so appreciate it!
And, no worries, I’m not giving up! I love writing, too. Mainly because I love the revenge factor. . .. 🙂 so watch out all you meanies out there – you might end up in my story one day!
Happy writing,
Melia
Writing includes a “passion factor” and creating our stories that always have a happy ending – no matter how bad it gets – means all the blips in life are our research. We KNOW, passionately, that we all need the romance.
And what would you do if you weren’t hanging around romancelandia? Bingo? TV?
You’ve hit it right on the money, Terri! There’s something comforting about knowing that every experience can be mined for a great story – I love that! Makes some of the stranger things in life worth it, not to mention the characters we can create out of our relatives. . .. 🙂 But the best part truly is making the hero and heroine earn their happy-ever-after. Despite all the crap I fling at them — I’m rubbing my hands in evil contemplation even now!
Happy writing, dear friend!
Melia
I am happy you are continuing to write. People come into our lives at different times for different reasons. These people at times, really structure how we think and open our eyes to different perspective. These perspective can definitley be healthy, especially to write and share about.
Hey, bud!
So glad to see you here! Yes, people absolutely show up in our lives for different reasons. The trick is to figure out why and what we’re supposed to learn then do it so we can move on. Easier said than done. And until I master THAT piece of advice, I can always torture them in a story!
Hugs,
Melia (P.S. Keep living the dream!)
Hi Melia,
Has it really been 9 years since we met? Remember, you weren’t sure you were in the right place and I gave you directions to the meeting room? I’ll never forget the encounter. You were so happy, excited, and friendly which hasn’t changed. And, now, how you blossomed! I really admire your dedication in pursuing your dream.Something that motivates me to continue with mine. I keep getting sidetracked but I never give up. One of these days, we will both be published. Cheers to these forthcoming events!
I’m living my dream and I think any writer who finds the time to write whether they are published or not are living their dream because they are putting words to paper and filling a void in them that needs filled. My husband, back before I was published and always pushing myself to get the writing done, could tell by my frame of mind when I hadn’t made time to write and would tell me to let things go and write. I would not be me if I didn’t write.
And that’s why you keep writing and why you will be published.
Writing to me is sheer joy, chocolate, misery, and frustration all rolled into one. I can’t imagine a day where I am not striving to find the perfect way to describe the delicate touch of a hand or just the right word to explain what I see so clearly in my mind. It is the highs and lows we all experience and the optimism you expressed so well. Great post, Melia!
Melia,
I wrote for many years before submitting to an actual publisher. I certainly proved to myself that I write for the joy of it, not just the publication!
You’re trying sooner, so the rejections are part of the process I avoided thru sheer procrastination.
You are a writer, ergo, you’re supposed to be writing. Keep writing, keep learning, keep building your fabulous platform (like this) and your fellow romancers will enjoy watching it happen for you.
best,
Cathryn
Most of my dreams involve being late for an airplane, chasing/being chased by monsters, or looking for socks (wtf?) so I’m actually okay with not living my dreams.
LOLOL! Somehow, coming from you, I’m not surprised! 🙂
Thank you, Cathryn! I so appreciate you! Have I told you that lately?
I can’t not write (I hate double negatives) so I guess I’ve got no choice, huh? Rejection IS the norm in this business. So I guess this just means I’m not weird after all! 🙂
Hope to see you soon.
Hugs and happy writing,
Melia
Thank you, Kylie!
Words, when strung together just right, can evoke powerful images, huh? Maybe that’s why writers agonize over the perfect combination!
Happy writing,
Melia
Thank you, Paty!
For me, there’s something so satisfying about the entire process of creating a story. I know I’m happiest when I’m working on a project – even when the characters insist on telling the story THEIR way and I have to rein them in! 🙂 I wouldn’t have my life any other way.
Happy writing,
Melia
Vonnie, yes! It’s been that long! How time flies when life’s a good time, huh?
Happy writing,
Melia
Hi Melia, I’m a member of RCRW but I don’t think I’ve met you yet. I love your attitude. I’d write for free (royalties from my first published story proves this) but I can’t lie, my dream is to be able to give up the day job and write full time. It’s a dream so it doesn’t have to be realistic right? On my days off I’m living the dream. When I’m ringing up your groceries, not so much.
So glad you stopped by, Tammy! I don’t think we’ve met, but I do plan to be at the next meeting. Will you be there? I’m looking forward to seeing my Roses again!
As for realistic dreams, I recall one young lady (in her twenties, I believe), who was persistent enough to sell her stories independently to the tune of over a million copies before being picked up by a major publisher. Frankly, anything is possible — you just have to believe in yourself and keep on going for it! And think of all the material you get from the people who go through your lane when you’re at the day job! I’m telling you, there’s a gold mine marching by you every day. . ..
Happy writing,
Melia