feelings and fears,  hobbies,  writing process

When dreams wake you up

December 31, 2011

Welcome to the first post on my very first blog!  This is a new experience for me and I hope you enjoy what I have to say while at the same time giving me some room for error as I undertake my newest form of social networking. 

Why am I starting this new project, you ask? 
There is a reason, I assure you. 
There are very few who know of the latest projects I have taken on due to an interest I have had for quite some time but I am now willing to put myself out there and let all my friends and family in on the secret.

A secret?  Do tell…

It’s not a terrible secret; otherwise, I would not be writing about it.  My secret is that I love to write.  I consider myself a writer but for months, even years now I have been a closet writer…secretly penning away my thoughts, ideas for books and ideal personality traits for potential characters, all while I anticipated what it would feel like when I finally finished my first book.

I no longer have to wait for that feeling…

I’m so happy to say I have completed my first book!  I have now moved up the chain and can honestly consider myself an author.  Having some free time on my hands, I spent the past four months working on a story idea that kept knocking at my imagination and I was able to finish the book just before Christmas.  I will admit I am very proud of myself.  Whether the book goes anywhere with regard to publication, the whole concept of completing a book is a tremendous feat. 

It is also something I enjoy very much.

I have found what I love to do. 

I’m not sure it would have happened if it weren’t for my wonderful husband, Carl, who pushed and pushed me to write until I finally relented and took a chance.  I had kept my desire to write a secret, even from him until recently but I should not have been surprised at the amount of faith he would have in me.  He made me understand that I had to give it a shot.
Carl is and always will be my biggest fan.
Giving others the chance to express their opinions of my writing was also difficult.  As I’m sure many might understand, writing is usually something others view as a hobby.  I myself have many hobbies: reading, cross stitching, scrapbooking, gardening, collecting miniatures for the dollhouse I built and I always try new hobbies whenever something strikes an interest in me.  Writing may appear to be a hobby to those who do not understand the process but believe me when I say it’s a serious task to take on. 

It’s almost like giving birth…well, in a non-painful way, that is.

As you write you give birth to these characters and the story plot, you map, mold, identify, characterize, entertain, bring about emotions and throughout all that you attempt to put together a story others will enjoy and pass on to their friends and family.  However, unlike birthing children, you get to hold on to your story, keep it safe, keep it secret and not let it out of the house until you are absolutely positive it’s ready for the real world.

It might be nice if I could do that with my own children! 

So my secret is out.  I have decided to live my dreams while I am still awake.  I hope you all accept my new interest as what it is; a very serious part of what I wish to do with my life.  This may be a bumpy road I’ve decided to take but I look forward to all the possibilities.  I hope you decide to strap in and enjoy the ride with me, bumps and all.

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5 Comments

  • Sandi
    January 1, 2012 at 10:28 pm

    I can't wait to see my friend's name on the cover of a book!! It's a rare person that actually pursues their dream. I'm glad you have taken the leap that must be taken before you can fly. Good luck to you!! Evan was just saying he'd like to see a movie filmed in Tenino so maybe you can make his dream come true too. LOL

  • Martin Rc
    January 10, 2012 at 12:52 pm

    Paula,

    I am so very proud of you. Follow your heart as we Aries do and special things happen just like this. Your passion will leed you to your ultimate goal. I want to tell you I'm lucky to call you my friend and to have been part of your life for so many years has been a blessing! I know the day will come in short order when I will say "I knew her when…"