This Side of Sunny

The courage to dream

Photo credit: I Do Candids, Kim Schneider

“All our dreams can come true – if we have the courage to pursue them.” –Walt Disney

At almost 300 blog posts, this space, my little blog, has changed these past few months. No longer do I feel the need to create blog posts that other people might find helpful or amusing, or both. Although I still find myself composing blog posts in my head... weird I know.

This blog has taught me a lot about the craft of writing for an audience and the discipline of writing frequently. So I will no longer write in this space as much, I will continue to document my family's life here. This blog started out as a way to keep family up to date and will keep doing so. 

Why the change?

“Use what talents you possess, the woods will be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best.” -Henry van Dyke

I've always wanted to be a writer, ever since I wrote a story with an surprise ending in 6th grade. I remember shocking everybody and realized the power that words can have over people. Just like the quote, I decided to use my talents, whatever meager ones they are and put those words to use to make my dream come true.

“Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I’ll try again tomorrow.” -Mary Anne Radmacher

The little voice in my head dreams of becoming an author. I will still be writing but instead of hitting the publish button on my blog, I go to a writer's group once a month, write a page a day for my comic script, revise, revise, revise and let the dream roar in my head.

“20 years from now you will be disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the one’s you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” -Mark Twain

Rejected

I am so excited- I received my first rejection! I know I'm in good company, Jake said Dr. Seuss got rejected at least 150 rejections and we all know how well that turned out.

I knew the story wasn't that good but it was a case of process vs. product. I learned how much effort and research goes into getting a piece ready to be stuffed in the envelope (quite a bit!).

Last time I discussed my writing on my blog, I wanted to be putting something out once a month but for this season in my life, once every six months might be more like it. I'm okay with that- I have little people who need this daydreaming mama too. After all, most of the time, they inspire my writing.

As I was reading the cute little rejection card, I kind of felt a little like this:

 

I mean, a professional read my tiny little story about animals! They read it and here's the proof that I will post on my wall to keep me motivated:

In the mailbox

I was a few days over deadline but the point is my first submission is out there.  It was hard to stuff the papers in the envelope and let it go- I kept saying, oh, well I can do this to it and it's not done...

too late now!  With the help of my little mailman it is stamped and sent out.  It's only a 125 word simple pattern picture/board book but it's a start.

 

Taking flight

I'm on my way to following one of my life's dreams...

As in getting published, hopefully as a children's author.  I have a slight major obsession with kid's books.  Some of the best books I've read have been children's literature. I'd love to join the ranks of those authors that have touched my life as a child as well as an adult. 

Knowing that I work better under pressure, the hubby gave me my "homework assignment": submit one story this Friday and another next week, and so on.  So being the overachiever I am, I'm looking at all my writing stuff and looking to see what is submittable now.  Also, being the procastinator, I am just starting this project at 10 pm.  Although in my defense, I have been taking care of three beautiful, energetic children (one of whom just got her shots) all by myself tonight.

There is bits of writing everywhere- in a spiral bound notebook I carry in my purse (for those kid conversations that just come out of nowhere), in other notebooks in various places in the house, manila folders full of old stories I wrote in grade school, college and beyond.  Then there is the computer files, full of things started but not completed.  I guess my work is cut out for me.

Of course, this is one reason why it's so hard to write:

I feel like I should do something "constructive" and wash my mountain of dishes, fold the hills of laundry or dig deep in the crevices of the van for rotten food.  But those things will always be there, it's a neverending cycle. 

Now is the time to take my dream and watch it fly- all it needs is stamp.