Life Has its Own Forces

Life has its own hidden forces which you can only discover by living ~ Soren Kierkegaard

If you’re well on your way through your dream journey, you might have already noticed how different your life has turned. You’ve probably met new people, also engaged in your dream journey, and are becoming more involved in the community of dreamers.

That’s been one of the most rewarding aspects of working to become a writer, the community in which I belong. Prior to attending a convention in 2014, I interacted with a few people on Facebook and Twitter. Meeting people in person and spending quality time with them solidified some of those relationships.

If you have the opportunity to commune with others striving for your same, or similar, dream goals, by all means take it. The number of support groups online is endless, but there is nothing like interacting in person to help create community and achieve your goals.

I’d love to hear about a time when you got to spend real time with other in your dream goals and how it helped your own journey.

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Is it possible for two Civil War veterans to find their place in the world on the Kansas Prairie?

My first novel, A Place to Call Their Own is available from Omnilit!

Can two men find love amidst the pervasive culture of  propriety, honor, and expectation of the 1960s?

My latest novel, Need Your Love is available from Omnilit!

Thank You for the Start, Musa Publishing

Here’s to the freedom that Creativity gives us in any circumstance ~ Jill Badonsky
Friday morning I woke up to an email from Musa Publishing letting me know that as of February 28, they were ceasing all operations. The good news is I will get my royalties and I get my rights back to A Place to Call Their Own and Disappear With Me.
At first I thought I was unaffected by the announcement. Yes, I was sad, the folks at Musa have been a great bunch to work with. But for the most part, I thought I would just find a new home for my titles and move on with the WIP’s.

Thank you to each and everyone of you who reached out and asked me about my next steps or gave me advice when I asked you.

This is the thing…Without Musa, I wouldn’t even be where I am today. This business is about one person believing in your story and believing in you and taking a chance. Musa took that chance and I hope I represented them well. I learned a lot from them and I think (hope) my writing has improved because of that.

In the meantime, my novels are on sale directly from Musa until February 28, when they will not be available until I find a new home for them.

I am going to take some advice from some close writing buddies and finish a manuscript with which I am about 80% done, but what do you think I should do with the titles that need a new home? Self pub? Do you know any small indie houses that like Gay Historical Romances? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

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Is it possible fora two Civil War veterans to find their place in the world on the Kansas Prairie?

 

My first novel, A Place to Call Their Own is available from Musa Publishing!

Love is greater than hope or faith, but can Reverend Leander Norris convince a jury that the love he shares with another man is natural? 

My latest novel, Disappear With Me is available from Musa Publishing!

Then request an Authorgraph, an electronic inscription, from me.

Use #APTCTO and #disappearwithme to discuss on social media!

Love People

The more I think, the more I feel that there is nothing more truly artistic than to love people ~ Vincent Van Gogh

There are many different dream journeys out there that one could go after. The most fulfilling seem to be the ones that help the most people. Does your dream journey help to other people? Are you keenly aware of how your success not only depends on other but also helps others?

When I look at my writing history, it always seems I struggle when I forget to write enjoyable stories. When I stress out about characterization, plot, Act I inciting incidents, and other literary nonsense, that’s when it’s difficult to write. When I just focus on letting my characters stories unfold on the page (screen, LOL), that’s when my writing is the best and the easiest.

How is does your dream journey benefit the community? I’d love to hear!

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Is it possible for two Civil War veterans to find their place in the world on the Kansas Prairie?

My first novel, A Place to Call Their Own is available from Smashwords!

Love is greater than hope or faith, but can Reverend Leander Norris convince a jury that the love he shares with another man is natural? 

My latest novel, Disappear With Me is available from Smashwords!

Then request an Authorgraph, an electronic inscription, from me.

Join the conversation, use #APTCTO and #disappearwithme on social media!

What We Give

We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give ~ Winston Churchill

If you've achieved any or all of your dream journey, what are you giving back?

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Is it possible for two Civil War veterans to find their place in the world on the Kansas Prairie?

When the War Between the States ended in 1865 many Americans emerged from the turmoil energized by their possibilities for the future. Frank Greerson and Gregory Young were no different. After battling southern rebels and preserving the Union, the two men set out to battle the Kansas Prairie and build a life together. Frank yearned for his own farm, away from his family—even at the risk of alienating them. Gregory, an only child, returned home to claim his inheritance to help finance their adventure out west.

Between the difficult work of establishing a farm on the unforgiving Kansas prairie, and the additional obstacles provided by the weather, Native Americans and wild animals, will their love and loyalty be enough to sustain them through the hardships?

Purchase A Place to Call Their Own from Kobo today!

Then request an Authorgraph, an electronic inscription, from me.

Join the conversation:  use #APTCTO to talk about the novel on social media!

Life is Better When You Share It

I've always know that life is better when you share it. I now realize, it gets even sweeter when you expand the circle ~ Oprah Winfrey

I've mentioned before that in my corporate life, I come from a culture of idea sharing. Corporate life was like in at U.S. Bank and in Tupperware and other direct sales companies I've been involved in.

I think that's why I enjoy being a part of the writer community. The number of articles available on Twitter, Facebook, and other communities is amazing and so helpful. With social media I like not only being able to glean information I find helpful, but also to interact with others when questions are posed.

What are you giving to and getting from your dream journey community?

______________________________________________________________

Is it possible for two Civil War veterans to find their place in the world on the Kansas Prairie?

When the War Between the States ended in 1865 many Americans emerged from the turmoil energized by their possibilities for the future. Frank Greerson and Gregory Young were no different. After battling southern rebels and preserving the Union, the two men set out to battle the Kansas Prairie and build a life together. Frank yearned for his own farm, away from his family—even at the risk of alienating them. Gregory, an only child, returned home to claim his inheritance to help finance their adventure out west.

Between the difficult work of establishing a farm on the unforgiving Kansas prairie, and the additional obstacles provided by the weather, Native Americans and wild animals, will their love and loyalty be enough to sustain them through the hardships?

Purchase A Place to Call Their Own from Kobo today!

Then request an Authorgraph, an electronic inscription, from me.

Join the conversation:  use #APTCTO to talk about the novel on social media!

Thoughts, Words, Actions

Every thought you produce, anything you say, any action you do, it bears your signature ~ Thich Nhat Hank

I think that anyone following a dream goal is worthy of respect.  Today's quote speaks to that even further.  I think it's just as important to build your dream with dignity and ethics as well.

For every step you achieve in your dream journey, there are hundreds (or thousands) behind you looking up to you.  When we share our accomplishments on social media, we have all these followers looking up to us for guidance and example.

What example does your dream journey hold for others?

Wisdom and Advice

Even after children are grown and ready to leave home, they will still look to their fathers for wisdom and advice. Fathers continue to play an essential part in the lives of their children as they grow, and perhaps, marry and build their own families ~ The national Fatherhood Initiative

With Father's Day later this month, today's quote is focused on fathers, but I think the same thing can be said of mothers.  When you're working on a dream journey, this parental advice can take many shapes and forms.  Remember, parental advice doesn't always come from someone older than yourself.

Who are your mentors, male or female?  Mother's Day is a great time to reach out to your female mentors and Father's Day is a great time to reach out and thank male mentors. 

Which male mentors do you have to thank this year?

It's Hard to Be Old

It's hard to be old, but there's something liberating about old age, too, because finally you realize that you can claim your history in all its fullness, that you can give voice to your memory and speak its truth, and that it is not a betrayal or indiscretion to do so ~ Millie Werber and Eve Keller

Yesterday, I turned another year older.  It was a fantastic day, I do got meet my one of my friends and mentors, author Sheila Roberts, and had a great dinner with family and friends.  My parent got me a writing book I've wanted and my partner is getting me a tattoo next weekend.  I couldn't ask for a better 42nd birthday!

And the older I get the more determined I reach my goal of having a publishing career.  The older I get, the more I am claiming the memories of my past. 

What have you noticed about your dream goals as you've gotten older?

The Life We Touch

The life I touch for good or ill will touch another life, and that in turn another, until who knows where the trembling stops or in what far place my touch will be felt ~ Frederick Buechner

Have you reached out to someone else on your same dream journey?  I've written before about the importance of community while on your dream journey. 

Social media makes this all a bit more easier:  groups on Facebook, Communities on Google+, hashtags on Twitter all help us get connected and stay connected with others on the same dream journey.

My favorite two communities right now are in Google+.  I belong to the Writer's Dojo and the Gay Authors community. Both are fun places to share and glean good information.

Do you have any groups you like to peruse regularly?

Open Your Heart

The possibility for rich relationships exists all around you -- you simply have to open your eyes, open your mouth, and most importantly, open your heart ~ Cheryl Richardson

No matter what your dream journey, the going can be lonely sometimes.  Sometimes I feel like I'm the only person trying to write a novel and be published in today's publishing world and no one else has had the struggles writing that I have.  Hah!

The cool thing about today's social network society is that there are millions of other writers to connect with on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, you name it.  It's nice to be able to build community and gain insight from others who are doing the same thing that I am doing. 

Again, no matter what your dream journey, you should also be able to seek them out on the various social networks.  Like the quote says, you just have to be open!

Do you have any New Year's Resolutions around social networking this year?  I'd love to hear!

The Stories You Have to Tell

Don't forget, no one sees the world the way you do, so no one else can tell the stories you have to tell ~ Charles de Lint

No matter what your dream journey, it is all your own.  Only you will endure the obstacles your way, only you will accomplish your goal in your way and in your own time.  And no one else will be able to tell the stories that you will tell others.

Although this quote is meant specifically for writers, it really is for any dreamer on a journey.  In the end, no one else will be able to tell your stories like you do.

Have you started telling your story yet?

When the Limo Breaks Down

Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down ~ Oprah Winfrey

If you haven't already done so, I hope you've found a "buddy" to work alongside as you reach your dreams.  If you have, hopefully this is a buddy who will ride the bus with you when the limo breaks down.

Have you reached out and helped your buddy lately?  I'd love to hear!

Art

Art is the most intense mode of individualism that the world has known ~ Oscar Wilde

I've stated before that when one does a task well, I consider that art.  So I'd like you to consider that anything you do well could be the most intense mode of individualism that the world has known.  Many successful people in are seen as experts in their professions and called to share with others about their experiences. 

When you're on a dream journey, seek out others who are ahead of you on your dream journey or those that have achieved the goal you're working on.  Seek out their experiences and glean what you can from them. 

In the past, when I've been in the position of mentor, it usually helps me hone my skills and not be lazy, especially if I'm trying to teach someone else.  I have a couple of writing mentors out there with which I touch base from time to time.  It's always refreshing and inspirational to hear from them.

Today's post also reminds me I need to add a page on my web site for writer resources.  Maybe that will be my focus for this week.

I'd love to hear about how your mentors have helped your dream journey!

Live Like a Fruit Fly

It's been a while since I've posted a book review.  But after reading Live Like a Fruit Fly by Gabe Berman, I wanted to post a review.

If you have ever been asked to read a book by your manager, your direct sales sponsor, or anyone else, but hate to read, then this is the book for you.

Using the analogy of a fruit fly's life, Gabe basically lays out the principle that a fruit fly doesn't live that long, but immediately sets about to live it's short life.  It doesn't wait for all the things that we humans sometimes let get in the way. 

The book is written in direct, informal language.  I could actually "hear" Gabe's New York accent as I read his words.  That's one of the reasons I recommend this for anyone who doesn't like to read.  Another reason is the short chapters.  If you're trying to create a daily reading habit and the thought of reading a whole book is daunting, Gabe's chapters are short but powerful.  If you read one chapter per day of this book, it would definitely be baby steps towards creating a daily reading habit.

Live Like a Fruit Fly is definitely on my list of recommended reads for anyone searching for their destiny in life.

The Imagination of Others

Here's to the imagination of others when it inspires our own ~ Jill Badonsky

I love it when I see or hear something and it inspires an idea for either my writing or marketing my books.  Just the other day at work, a co-worker blew over the top of their pop bottle and made a sound and that reminded me of something I could put in a novel idea I'm working on.  My character should fashion a flute out of reeds and play it. 

When I was in direct sales, I loved going to the monthly meetings and learning what the other reps were doing to book more parties, make more sales, and recruit folks.  Again, the imagination of others inspired me to try their ideas and try some of my own. 

No matter what your dream journey is, I think it's important to seek out others in the same community that are also on your same dream path.  I think we can learn so much from another person, and, in turn, share your ideas as well.

What have you learned from someone lately or shared with others?  I'd love to hear!

Come Into My Garden

Won't you come into my garden?  I would like my roses to see you ~ Richard Brinsley Sheridan

I think no matter what our profession or avocation, we reveal a piece of ourselves through our work. Another method we use today to reveal ourselves is through social media.  I love connecting with so many people through social media and keeping up with them on a daily basis.

When you're stretching yourself trying to achieve a dream goal, I think it's important to have at least one buddy who is also working towards the same goal.  Strength does come in numbers, so it's always a plus to be part of a group of community of people working towards similar goals.

When I quit smoking, I found strength in another friend who was also trying to quit her social smoking.  It was her thoughts and support that helped me get past some hurdles there.  When I was finishing my degree, I was surrounded each new session with new friends who were on the same journey as myself, and many times on a different stages of that same goal.

I'd love to hear about the support system you have in place for reaching your dream goals!

My Subject Chooses Me

I never had to choose a subject, my subject rather chose me ~ Ernest Hemingway

Once your dream journey is revealed, I think this quote makes the most sense.  Once you find yourself doing what you're supposed to be doing with your life, you figure out that it chose you.

Once I set a goal to write a novel, I began searching for a topic.  I knew I wanted to write historical fiction and then when I was reading a historical fiction novel, my premise came to me.  The premise for my second novel came to me at church one day.  I don't know how or why I was thinking about a scene from a movie, but the music inspired my brain to come up with the premise of the my second novel.

So if you find yourself drawn to something, a talent, a passion, don't be surprised that it's choosing you.  Just go for it!

Arrested for Kindness

If you were arrested for kindness, would there be enough evidence to convict you? ~ Unknown

On your dream journey, if you were arrested for the amount of sharing you're doing with others, would there be enough to convict you?

I am so grateful to have been apart of a few organizations where sharing of ideas was promoted and, really, a core value.  U.S. Bank was a wonderful organization for sharing of ideas across the country.  I was also involved in direct sales (Tupperware, Avon) where the sharing of our success with others helped us grow our businesses and become more successful.

And that's the purpose of my blog.  I hope that if you are also a writer working on getting published, you are finding some solace in my stories of my own challenges with that goal.  If you are on some other goal journey, my hope is that you find some solace on our parallel journeys.  I hope you're finding some transferable ideas that help you on your dream journey.

If you follow me, are you a fellow writer or are you on another dream journey?  I'd love to hear!

Gratitude is the Fairest Blossom

Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul ~ Henry Ward Beecher

Make a list of 15 mentors, friends, and people you admire, both in and out of your field, that you get daily bits of info from.  Ready...go...

How did you do?  Did you totally fail at that exercise like I did?  Earlier this week I was honored with the One Lovely Blog Award.  Part of the award is recognizing fifteen other blogs that you admire, follow, etc.  And I failed miserably at coming up with the top fifteen blogs which I wanted to pass the award.  It took me all week.

If you could name fifteen mentors, friends, people you admire in your field, on your same dream journey, how long would it take you?  Would you struggle with making it to the fifteen mark?  Or would you be like me and have so many people you want to thank, it's hard to whittle the list down to just fifteen?  Hopefully it's the latter.

Gratitude is so easy to give (just 'thank you' usually suffices), but often overlooked.  When given, it can be a very powerful force in meeting your dream goal. 

Who deserves a "thank you" from you today?

One Lovely Blog Award

 

I'm honored to have been given this award by Hemmie Martin, author of The Divine Pumpkin.

http://hemmie-writing.blogspot.com/

As the recipient of this award, I have three responsibilities:  

1) Share the link of the person who gave me with this award - thank you, Hemmie

2) Nominate 15 more lovely blogs for this same honor (see below).

3) Share 7 things about myself  (again see below, below).

My award nominees, in no particular order, are: 

Eric B. Thomasma

http://ericbt.webs.com/apps/blog/

CC Jackson

http://ccjacksonbooks.blogspot.com/

Stuart Haddon

http://stuarthaddon.com/

Liz Jessop

http://busylizzielovestotravel.blogspot.com/

Jason Jack Miller

http://jasonjackmiller.blogspot.com/

DiAnne Ebejer

http://ebbiesplace.blogspot.com/

Sharon Jones

http://color-me-read.blogspot.com/

Sean Sweeney

http://seansweeneyauthor.blogspot.com/

Rick R. Reed

http://rickrreedreality.blogspot.com/

Austin James

http://austinjameshere.blogspot.com/

Sheila Roberts

http://www.sheilasplace.com/blog.html

Susie Bertie

http://sooziebird.blogspot.com/

Joseph Eastwood

http://www.josepheastwood.com/

Gabe Berman

http://gabeberman.wordpress.com/

 Reggie Ridgeway

http://characterswellmet.blogspot.com/

Now Seven Things about myself:

1.  I have finished my first manuscript, A Place to Call Their Own, and am trying to get it self-edited and ready for presentation to publishers, agents, self publishing, etc.

2.  I am two-thirds of the way through a second novel, Disappear With Me.

3.  I live in Kansas City, MO.

4.  My formula for creating success and following your dreams is Create a Vision, Set Goals, Develop Routines, Set Boundaries, and Find Friends.

5.  My daily mantra is #WWRR:  workout, write, read, relax.  This has helped me focus on the important things that need to be accomplished each and every day.

6.  I watch True Blood, Dancing with the Stars, America's Got Talent, Glee, The Glee Project, Game of Thrones just to name a few of my favorite TV shows.

7.  I love to cook quick and easy recipes.

Thanks to Hemmie for giving me the award and congrats to my nominees.  Thanks you to everybody for your continued support!