I first realized I wanted to write children's books when I was in high school. It's one of those things that people dream about, but its just that...a dream. Life gets in the way. There is family and a home, a job and bills to pay. There's always something that seems more important. Before you know it, years have passed and your dream has faded away. I read in a study that it is estimated that 80 percent of people say they would like to write a book. Most never follow through with it. I didn't want to get to the end of my days and say, "I really wish I'd written those books." I had so many ideas in my head, most of which have now gone with the wind. Glad I didn't continue to ignore my hope of being published.
When my only child went to college, as an empty nester and working a couple of days per week as a dental hygienist, I found more hours in the day. The time was right! I had written several stories. I talked to my family, and my daughter was the one who encouraged me the most. "Your stories are really good," she'd say. I had my doubts. "Just do it, Mom." That was the final push.
I sent a story to a New York City publisher and waited the 9 months with no answer. No rejection letter. Which is worse? A rejection letter or no reply? Either way, I was crushed! I've learned a lot since then. Rejection letters come to authors all the time. It doesn't mean the manuscript is bad. Maybe its not what they are looking for, or maybe they've met the quota for the year. Whatever the reason, there's always another publisher to try. Just keep going! I didn't know that then. After no answer on my first submission, I kept writing, but didn't seek another publisher for a couple of years. That was foolish on my part!
Finally, I saw an Oklahoma publisher and decided I was ready to try again. I reached into my files of stores, grabbed one, and sent it off! I marked the calendar and decided not to think about it until the time had passed. Two weeks went by, and I received a contract! Little did I know, that publisher's company was not an upstanding, traditional publisher. Wow! Did I learn a lot from that book deal.
That was 2012. Fast forward to 2016, a long four years later. I finally got another opportunity for a publishing deal. I continue to write and hope to have many other books in the future.
If you have a desire to write, go for it! Whether you are published or not, writing is a freeing experience and something you will not regret. Good luck and God Bless you and your endeavors!
"Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart."
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