A bunch of people I know have started getting into triathlons. It's really cool to see them focus, commit, train, sacrifice, and beat their personal bests. Many just want to cross it off their bucket list, to say they did one. Some become happily addicted and it is part of their lifestyle.
I have no interest in marathons, triathlons, or anything where I strain and sweat and spend hours working out. My bucket list? Pathetically simple. There are only 2 things on it: Publish a book. Go to Hawaii.
There were 2 other items on there, but I already crossed them off: Marry my true love and have lots of babies.
So instead of training in the final days before She Rox with many of my athletic friends, instead I wrote a 2,000 word book proposal and cover letter from complete scratch in 4 consecutive nights, from between 9:30 pm and 1:00 am. My catalyst? The Passion Project Contest sponsored by She Writes. Unfortunately, I learned of the contest and its all to amazing prize with only 5 days left until the submission deadline. I told my husband it would be ridiculous to go for it. But, the Grand Prize? The unbelievable. A team of editors and agents will help one new/emerging writer get their book proposal manuscript together for publication.
Are. You. Kidding. Me? It doesn't guarantee publication but the ability to have these experts at your fingertips, free of charge, is the greatest opportunity.
Though I am beyond certain that I will not "win," it was a great motivator to take the memoir I have been writing in my head, storing in the folds of my brain, and give it life on paper. I feel like I have finally taken the first step on a journey to nowhere or anywhere. But I'm walking in a direction, feeling the stride of my legs and the earth under my feet. It feels good. It feels like living.
I can't be sure if I have enough talent. I'm quite sure I haven't had enough training. I don't even know if I have a story worth telling. I only hope that I do, because it burns within me like a sun.
When I doubt my ability, my strength to handle rejection, my tenacity to see it through, I remember this:
It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare;
it is because we do not dare that they are difficult.
-- Seneca
I do not wish to live one more day hiding in a dream, an unexecuted plan, and a million excuses. I will give a voice to CB before her footprints fade behind her in the sand. Leaving my written memoir also means leaving hers. This is the least I owe her for saving my life.
Whatever the outcome, however long it may take, I will not just dream it. I will dare it. Perhaps even dare it into being.
12 comments:
That's so great! Even if you don't "win" you can still submit what you write to publishers. That's so awesome! I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!
I'm so glad for you, Alicia and hope that you DO win. And if not, I encourage you to keep going -- maybe find a workshop to join at a university near you to get feedback and incentive to continue. My memoir is sitting 3/4s finished, and I just don't have the gumption of late to make it go. I have found, though, that if you have pieces of your work that stand alone, you can submit and get them published in literary magazines/journals, online stuff. Have you tried?
I'm rooting for you! For me it's no question that you do have the talent.
What a wonderful "bucket list" entry--publish a book. My advice? Keep at it! Keep at it! Keep at it! etc., etc., etc.!!
Best,
Bonnie
i'm proud of you!! entering these things is hard for any writer. just entering is an accomplishment of professionalism and discipline over ego. you rock!!!
Buckets of talent! And an incredibly important story to tell. If there's any voting involved, you've got mine.
yes. Yes. YES! Do it. You have this way of taking the ordinary stuff of life and imbuing it with meaning and mystery, reminding us all that there are truly no ordinary moments. Your story must be shared. Again and again. Good luck. I hope you win.
Excellent!
"Sometimes your only available transportation is a leap of faith," Margaret Shepherd
Everyone has a story worth telling - I would be so excited to read yours! I love reading your blog!
lovely skirt, gonna feel so good putting my hand up it and in the front of your panties, get your pussy nice n wet then I can taste u
like to fuck the girl coming down the stairs.
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