Lifelong Learning

Lifelong learning is something I always wanted to do; as a teenager, I planned to take college classes throughout my life on the one-a-semester plan even after I attained the degrees for which I sought. That did not happen. But formal courses are not needed to pursue a degree in lifelong learning.

Although I made sure to select a hometown where colleges are abundant, I rarely had the extra money for paying for unnecessary classes. Still I value education. Indeed, one of the hats I wear is that of teacher. Most often it is as a 'Creative Writing' teacher. 

Teaching is one of the best ways to learn a subject. My belief is that I am a far better writer now than when I started teaching Creative Writing in 1997. To teach is to learn. You can quote me on that, I could use the publicity. Ha, ha.

Why? Recently, I've been pursuing the knowledge of self-publishing as an Indie author. My mind is fairly bouncing with terms and details of e-publishing and self-publishing, the how-to's, why-to's and where-to's. I'm thinking this may be my major.

I hope I graduate with honors. 

Milestone Reached -- First Book Signing

A new first--last Saturday I sold and signed four DEATH OF BIGFOOT & OTHER TALES books. That might not seem a huge thing to some people, but it was a milestone for me. Now I have sat on the other side of the table and autographed books for readers. Wow! And wow, again.

Before the event, the Ozarks Romance Authors' conference, all these questions ran through my mind: Who am I to be signing books? What if I spell a person's name wrong? What if I don't sell any books? What if I run out of books? What if I can't think of anything to write in the book?

"What ifs" are a writer's occupational hazard, because our creative minds are filled with those questions. I know mine is, but sometimes we have to turn off that little voice, or we may end up hiding in the corner with our hands covering our heads.

What I learned is prepare as much as possible, then breathe, smile and enjoy the moment. It is kind of like waltzing: learn the one-two-three steps, hold your form, and feel the music. Go with the flow.

I'm happy to say I did not spell names incorrectly, not did I make a huge, misshapen scratchy mess of what I wrote. My signature is even legible, and that really is amazing. Even more amazing is I am looking forward to the next book signing event at Wordfest on Saturday. Psst, hey there. Want to buy a book? Have I got a deal for you. :)

Walking the Walk

I am a writer. For the first time in quite a while, I know I am a writer. It is good to both talk the talk and walk the walk.

My first fiction book DEATH OF BIGFOOT & OTHER TALES is out both as an ebook on Amazon and as a POD print edition. Good reviews are coming in. The second book is underway and is scheduled to be launched by the beginning of October. I am walking the walk I have always dreamed of doing.

My only regret is that my mother passed before I got this far and before she could hold my book in her hands. She always encouraged my ambitions.

One thing that I have learned is don't wait to follow your dreams. The words may be often heard and said, but the wisdom is true.

My compilation of short stories would still be scattered manuscripts in my file drawer had I not been in a car wreck last December in which someone ran a red light and t-boned my car. While I am a walking miracle, having suffered only a bruised temple, various other bruises, and the lingering effects of whiplash, I know I might have been killed. God was looking out for me.

My close call made me think. What would have happened to all my writing? All those stories I had fun creating, the stories my friends and family enjoyed?

So, I did it. I set a goal to publish my works and I am in the process of achieving that goal. Fortunately, I have enough stories, long and short, for several books. Plus I am writing more. So, I don't see this endeavor ending any time soon.

I am a writer, an author, and I keep writing...and I am walking the walk.