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Life Starts Now

A journey is not an adventure without leaving the confines of all you dream and turning those dreams into a reality.

A week ago, for three nights, I dreamed of a vacation in Ireland. Each trip began with a long flight and continued when I went gallivanting through the lush, green countryside. I never went home. I blame such an imagination on the publishing contract I just signed for my novel, "To Love An Irishman" View Book Trailer Here.

You might ask if I have an agent and the answer is 'no.' By the time I wait for agents to read the queries I sent, months will pass and my book's release date will be extended. I love my small press. The other authors are encouraging, the editor is nice, and the acquisitions department is very helpful. Agents have lives and mid-year everyone is already filled up with clients and readying a book for release before summer vacation.

You're an independent person if you feel more capable and more empowered when you do something alone.You are proud to say you work hard for everything you have and want from life. You never give in and you never wait around for others to make a decision you could easily make yourself. Okay. Maybe I'm exaggerating a bit with the 'never' part. You've experienced your fair share of break downs, but you know what you want from life and you set goals to accomplish it.

What sets you apart from others? Your ability to make better judgments in life? Your personality? Your determination or lack there of? Your smile?

"I haven't a clue as to how my story will end. But that's all right. When you set out on a journey and night covers the road, you don't conclude the road has vanished. And how else could we discover the stars?" -Unknown


Find something that makes you totally unique from everyone around you and use it to your advantage. If you particularly like your smile, do so often, people will deem you as approachable, and genuinely want to read what you have to say.

Readers love to relate to their authors as much as they relate to the characters in a book. If you live in and write about South Carolina, then you will have readers who live there. While others live halfway across the world. No matter how your related, some will only see a picture and a small blurb on the back of your book. Others will hear you speak at a conference or take you out to lunch or see you at the day job. Readers are everywhere. An author's professionalism is the key to leaving a good impression, but behind those fancy clothes and eloquent manners, is a person. Wherever you go, whatever you do, never forget who you are. A professional writer who knows what she or he wants from life (to become successful at doing something they love) is someone who stays true to themselves, always.

While on your life's journey, confidence could become your favorite trait. If not, like me nine times out of ten, at least you have another goal to set and reach.

Thank you for reading.



Happy writing!

-Diva J.

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8 comments:

Hope Clark said...

Diva

You are definitely working hard to reach success. Keep at it. You are one of the hardest working writers I know, and you still work the day job. Kudos and good luck.

Hope Clark
www.fundsforwriters.com

Diva Jefferson said...

Hope,
Thank you for your kind words and kudos are always great to have more of. I'll never forget my mentors and friends. Those who've helped me along the way and keep me empowered day to day.


-Diva J.

Paisley Kirkpatrick said...

Wonderful post by a self-confident person. Good for you, Diva. I applaude your attitude. Best of luck with your story. This crazy career of writing has given me a lot more confidence in myself as well. I am thinking it is the friends I've gathered along the way. Writers are the best, most supportive friends a person could ever have. :)

Rechelle Owens said...

Isn't it amazing how some of our best book ideas come from our dreams? It is admirable the way you are taking charge of your writing career. Best of luck with the book.

I am also from South Carolina (the Greenville area) and it's always nice to meet a fellow south Carolinian author.

Unknown said...

Lovely post, Diva! Best wishes on your book's upcoming release. I can't wait to read it. I was in a class you were in also and had the privilege of getting to read a bit of your writing. You have a lovely voice. BTW...I'm not from South Carolina but spent over 7 years of my life in lovely Charleston. I love the state...and don't live very far away from it now as it happens. Again, best wishes. Your self-confidence in yourself and your writing shines through.
~Donna

Diva Jefferson said...

Thank you for your kind words, Paisley. Yes, I've received more support from writers than anyone close to me. It feels great to be able to relate to others. :)

Thank you for the comment, Rechelle. I love dream ideas. I write them down as soon as they come! I've been to Greenville a few times, I have family there.

Thank you, Donna. I enjoyed your writing as well. We hear the phrase "never give up" too much. I think we should say "have confidence in yourself and your abilities." There is so much history in Charleston I haven't the chance to explore it all yet.



Best of luck to everyone! :)

Leslie Wright said...

Great Post! I look foward to reading your novel. I wish you tons of success.

Leslie

Diva Jefferson said...

Nice to meet you in the group, Leslie. Best of luck to you, too.



Thanks!
-Diva J.

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