Diva Jefferson

Everyone has felt the bite of rejection. It stings for a while and sometimes it's really hard to get over. Luckily, I'm not about to go into the best rejection letter I've ever received, because I've already been there and done that on my post called "Exits and Entrances".

The real reason why I made this four-part series in the first place is to tell everyone about my successes, not my failures. How I've overcome the hurdles in my (short, to some) life and came to where I am today.

No, I'm not a bestseller, but I'm published.
No, I don't make six figures a year, but I'm rich in creativity.

I hope you listen to my words and gain inspiration to find happiness in your life. This is my ultimate goal. I think this is my calling. The only way I can truly help others. Even though I'm currently on a hiatus from writing, I can still encourage other people to make their dreams come true. I've mentioned how you could overcome other people's expectations, how writing can take you away from the stress of everyday life, and how time could affect your creativity. Now, it's time to overcome your own fears and reach your greatest potential.

Yes, it hurts when the people closest to you doubt your ability to reach success, but when you doubt yourself the possible becomes impossible.

In 2008 or 2009 I asked my only friend on the planet to beta read my first book before it became self-published. I sent her the whole novel through email. A couple months went by and I didn't receive a single reply. I wrote her again and she said she was so busy that she couldn't get past the first chapter. The whole time I'm thinking, she must have hated it completely. This friend was an avid reader. She is the person who let me borrow "A Rose In Winter" by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss and hooked me on romance. Why would she let me down when I'm trying to become one of those authors she adores?

Let's just say it hurt. I got so emotional about it, I published the book without making sure it was the best it could be. I wanted my estranged family to read it. I wanted my coworkers to read it. I wanted the world to read it. I think it was a cry for attention or at least notice, because after they'd read it I asked for input/reviews, etc. Most of it was positive. They wanted me to write a sequel. Do you want to know why they felt this way? Because I knew them. They cared about my feelings. It became a personal reaction, not an unbiased assessment of my work. Of course, years later, I see every single flaw in that novel and it irks me to know I let this reach so many hands. I'm ashamed, rather.

Then I read the newest book on the bestseller's list and wonder why I can't write like they do. Why hadn't my published book get placed on the list? Maybe I hadn't done as much marketing/promotion as I could have. There are things that I could've done, but so many more things I could be doing.

The fact of the matter is there are things that are in my control and there are things that are beyond my control. Right now, I still write everyday, whether schoolwork or a blog or even a comment. I learn as much about the craft as I can and I take these skills to my own writing to improve the quality. This is all I can do for right now. Until I have a large outreach, this is all I have to do. What I can't do is force people to buy my book and expect readers to find me themselves. Writing is amazing, but it's a career for a reason. You have to build yourself to the top like everything else in life worth having.

So, you wanted the recipe for success? Well, here you go. Never give up, never surrender. Thanks so much for reading. I appreciate every single one of you!



Happy writing!
Diva J.

Today, I'm continuing my 4-part series about love, life, and the pursuit of writing. :)

With midterms on the horizon, I haven't much time to do anything. Every time I think there is a silver-lining in the clouds, they turn dark with rain again. I've almost finished writing an outline for my new story and I'm working on the series bible, which takes a lot of thought. One thing I do know for sure, I think this will be my first and only year of college. I think it's become one of those dreams that have turned sour. After so many years of failed attempts to go, I see now why it wouldn't have been possible as I got older. Too many changes have occurred in my life. I have a sure path now...

Why should I attempt to change what I cannot? I already write for a...living. If you can call it 'meager' without sounding harsh, than so be it. I haven't written in almost a month. And I know exactly why.

College has become my hobby now. I probably take the day job and writing more seriously, though. Actually, if I had my way, I'd take writing and college seriously and not even have a day job. But like Cinderella says "a dream is a wish your heart makes when you're all alone."

Truth be known, the confession I have for today is that, I play video games in my spare time. I'm not talking about Facebook flash games either (although, I did spend a good amount of time on there, too). No, these are Xbox 360 games/console games with controllers and headsets. Although, I've been known to spend hours on these past times, every time I do, I feel like I've wasted time I could be working. Does this make me a workaholic?

If I sit and do classwork, or writing, everyday, I would be miserable. Since I can't afford to go anywhere (unless I don't want to think of a savings account) I have plenty enough entertainment outlets around the apartment. In fact, 4 of my favorite shows have started another season. Of course, I want to watch them.

Sometimes, when I've finished all my schoolwork and I have a day off, I sit on my computer with nothing to write about. Well, let me rephrase that, because there is always plenty of ideas to write about, just not enough inspiration/motivation to get it all out. Like the image says: my brain is so fried that I just waste time online. This was a major reason why I deactivated my Facebook account. Those games are so addicting!

Yes, I can't sleep at night, because my mind goes a million miles an hour worrying if my characters' stories will ever be told. Yes, I daydream at work about other peoples' lives. Yes, I open Word on my computer to write and not a single sentence comes out of me. Yes, I'm human. These things happen. "Life happens to you while you're busy making other plans." (John Lennon) You can't just sit around and expect greatness...you have to work toward it. Luckily, dreams are attainable and they do come true.

Anyways, I will leave you with a final note: Recently, I read an article about writing the best you can, instead of falling under the pressure of making a word count everyday.

Your characters and readers will love you more for taking the time on your work, then rushing through it.

As always, thank you so much for reading my posts. I hope you have gained motivation and insight as your journey continues. You can't put your life on hold for your dreams, but you can at least enjoy it. Please feel free to leave a comment with how you make the time for your writing. :)



Happy writing!
Diva J.