I began writing To Call My Own when my oldest daughter left home for college, and as my other three children left, I experienced such a sense of loss that I had to ‘do something.’ Writing became my therapy. I had written short stories and children’s Christmas plays, but in my heart of hearts, I knew it was time to go after the ‘big one’-the novel. I took classes, I practiced, I read books, I pulled my hair out, I practiced some more, and 13 years later, To Call My Own became a reality. I’ve edited the story hundreds of times, submitted it twice, and had it rejected twice.
Why do I tell you all this? Isn’t it slightly embarrassing that it took me soooooo long to become an author? At this rate, I’ll probably be in the nursing home when book 2 comes out; after all, I’m already ‘old.’ Actually, that’s precisely why I’m telling you.
As long as you’re breathing, it isn’t too late to try, whether it’s writing a book, losing weight, completing a degree, mastering a new language or fill-in-the-blank. But never settle for ‘easy.’ Big things require big effort. When we try to ‘get something for nothing,’ that’s what we get: nothing. Just start small and keep at it, and who knows, some day folks might talk about your unwavering perseverance or your incredible self-discipline. That’s what happens when we work and work and work some more. But I certainly hope it won’t take you 13 years!
