Well, I just self-published my second novel, The Foundation, and it’s time to take a breather. I’ve always believed in the power of reflection, so here’s to practicing what I preach.
During my corporate years, my work colleagues often talked about “following your passion” and I never quite understood it. My passion centered on being a good wife and mother, educating my children and creating a home filled with love. I’m grateful to have spent many years working for an organization that makes a difference in the community, and I’ve worked with some really talented, fun people over the years. I’ve enjoyed various roles inside my company, and a number of work assignments stirred passion. But I’ll admit to coming up just short of “following my passion” while on the clock.
Today, my family would tell you I’m obsessed. My husband asks me frequently, “How can you sit there and write all day?” I smile sweetly at him and ask about his garden … or fishing … or birding, and then he leaves me alone. When my daughters call me, they silently count the minutes before I bring up my current project, and we share a laugh when it inevitably arrives. Even my granddaughter, Collette, said to me the other day, “Mimi, all you ever do is write. You need to do other things!” (like take her to get a pedicure, go to our favorite ice cream shop, or play a game). Of course, I do all those things, but the next scene in my novel is usually percolating in my subconscious.
I don’t apologize for my writing mania anymore. I want to take readers on an exciting journey that stirs their imagination, and leaves them thinking long after they finish the novel. I’m willing to do what it takes to keep getting better at my craft; I never want to stop growing and learning.
If you go to my Facebook page, you’ll find my ‘25 Things About Me’ response. I created this list in 2009, and here’s #25: “When I retired, I thought I’d write my great American novel, but, alas, I find myself stuck. I’m still trying. There is one good book inside of me that must come out before I leave this life.”
Five years later, I’m the author of two novels: The Vernazza Effect, and its sequel The Foundation. It’s taken a while, but I finally get that passion thing, and I wake up every day excited to create a fictional world that captivates, diverts and surprises my readers for a brief while. It’s been a fun journey so far, and I can’t wait to see where it takes me.
Well, the breather is over, and it’s time to begin plotting that third book …
During my corporate years, my work colleagues often talked about “following your passion” and I never quite understood it. My passion centered on being a good wife and mother, educating my children and creating a home filled with love. I’m grateful to have spent many years working for an organization that makes a difference in the community, and I’ve worked with some really talented, fun people over the years. I’ve enjoyed various roles inside my company, and a number of work assignments stirred passion. But I’ll admit to coming up just short of “following my passion” while on the clock.
Today, my family would tell you I’m obsessed. My husband asks me frequently, “How can you sit there and write all day?” I smile sweetly at him and ask about his garden … or fishing … or birding, and then he leaves me alone. When my daughters call me, they silently count the minutes before I bring up my current project, and we share a laugh when it inevitably arrives. Even my granddaughter, Collette, said to me the other day, “Mimi, all you ever do is write. You need to do other things!” (like take her to get a pedicure, go to our favorite ice cream shop, or play a game). Of course, I do all those things, but the next scene in my novel is usually percolating in my subconscious.
I don’t apologize for my writing mania anymore. I want to take readers on an exciting journey that stirs their imagination, and leaves them thinking long after they finish the novel. I’m willing to do what it takes to keep getting better at my craft; I never want to stop growing and learning.
If you go to my Facebook page, you’ll find my ‘25 Things About Me’ response. I created this list in 2009, and here’s #25: “When I retired, I thought I’d write my great American novel, but, alas, I find myself stuck. I’m still trying. There is one good book inside of me that must come out before I leave this life.”
Five years later, I’m the author of two novels: The Vernazza Effect, and its sequel The Foundation. It’s taken a while, but I finally get that passion thing, and I wake up every day excited to create a fictional world that captivates, diverts and surprises my readers for a brief while. It’s been a fun journey so far, and I can’t wait to see where it takes me.
Well, the breather is over, and it’s time to begin plotting that third book …