Here's more with Jammie, and her dreams on becoming a published author:
Dreams and Degrees of Separation:
I recently listened to Whitney Johnson speak about dreams on momtalkradio.com. She wasn’t talking about nocturnal dreams or the growing fantasies involving magical guys named Mike. The kind of dreams Johnson talks about are the kinds we usually leave behind, when we feel like life has run us over with a giant steam roller, squashing or obliterating any chance of seeing a dream come true.
She says that talking about our dreams to our friends is one way to revive that dream or get started on a path to achieving it. Johnson also explains that often times, we are only two or three degrees of separation from the right connections we need to get where we want to be. And I’m proof that Whitney Johnson’s theory is right.
Last November, I shared my dream of being a published author with my long-time friend. I’ve known Erin since junior high school. (If you ask her, she’ll say an incident involving pizza was what brought us together, but it was really her witty humor and her self-confidence that made me want to hang out with her.) When I told her about my dream, she suggested I contact her friend Malena Lott, an author she’d met through her sister in law.
I checked out the Buzz Books USA website, found the submissions page and submitted a short story. Now, in July, I have a short story on Amazon! My story, “Ryann in the Sky” happens to include a protagonist who fights for her dreams. She doesn’t achieve her goal in the way she thought she would, and perhaps she finds her achievement even more satisfying.
I know I do. Before, I may have thought a marriage and kids were obstacles to achieving a dream. Now I realize my husband and daughters are here to celebrate with me.
What kind of dream have you set on the back burner? Are you ready to start talking about it? Well, get on it. Your friends have some friends they’d like you to meet.
Ryann In The Sky is expected to be released in June 28th, 2012. Be sure to look for it here on Amazon
I so needed to read this post right now. I feel like my dream of becoming published is just out of reach and really want it to happen but just need a little push! Thanks for the reminder.
ReplyDeleteLan, I'm so glad you found it helpful. Having my friends ask about the progress of my stories is another big boost to getting closer. I've been talking to friends about this since '09, and finally talked to the one who had the connection I needed. Best wishes! Jammie
DeleteGreat post! I totally see where you are coming from when you talk about family. Kids and spouses aren't hinderances, they're our partners to share our successes and failures with. They also bring texture and dimension to our lives.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on getting your short story published!
Thank you, Camille! It's definitely worth the wait. I love seeing my daughters' faces when we talk about "my book." They've just learned to read, so it's awesome. Jammie
DeleteFelicia,
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for sharing your lovely space with me! I appreciate you and I've enjoyed your reviews. Your blog is way cool. Jammie