Celebrations!

Sitting at the ACFW Conference in New Orleans and celebrating one of my novels from The Science of Magic Trilogy that has been named a finalist in the Genesis Contest speculative fiction category. Funny thing though….it could be Fireborne (book 1) or Firestorm (book 3) because both were named semi-finalists. Stay tuned to hear which one made it when the Genesis Contest winner gets announced tomorrow night. (Fingers crossed)

Writers spend thousands of hours at their computer keyboards cranking out scene after scene, and then re-writing chapter after chapter , until perhaps they can type The End. And many would-be novelists never make that final lap. A quick internet search estimates 97% of novels never reach the finish line. The SWAG of that statistic doesn't merit a citation, but the reasons behind incomplete goals often find their roots in self-doubt, fears, and excuses.

That's where a little confidence-building goes a long way. Friendships with fellow writers who can cheer each other on, for example, or working with critique partners who dish out kudos, along with growth-producing feedback, make a huge difference. Hearing from readers and fans means the world to writers, too.

Attending writing conferences where authors find their tribe and swap stories on creative ways to torture their main characters can rejuvenate as well. And recognition from writing contests certainly affirm that all the work has been worth it.

Celebrating the little and big things along the journey marks the milestones to help folks keep moving forward, no matter the goal. Blessings to all who are striving toward their dreams today.