I have reached a critical stage in my life. For the first time as an adult, I believe that I have a true opportunity to reach a goal. No, it's more than a goal. It's probably the only true "dream" that I have ever had- being a published author.
Thus far, my professional career has been spent in the broadcast marketing industry. I have written more press releases and 30-second scripts than any human being should ever be forced to. "You're lucky," interns would tell me. "You've got, like, a dream job." Perhaps on the outside, but I was never really fulfilled. Every piece I wrote was about someone else. I realized this a few years ago but when I turned the question back on myself, what would do if you had a dream job?, there was no answer. I was too busy, you see, to have an answer. Between working crazy hours, serving in the military and trying to hold down a happy home, it was all about today. What needed to be done today.
Then, in August of 2012, I was given my life back...literally. The industry to which I had given nearly ten years of my life turned its back on me. It was time to start writing again. Creative writing. I don't know exactly how or when but shortly thereafter I set my sights on this story. It's a tale of danger, sex and other thrills of life and I deeply believe in the underlying messages as they relate to accountability and ethics. The story lives within me. I dream about the characters and imagine their reactions in real life scenarios. I know I have to get it out, and I know it will be great- but will it be published?
Over the past ten years, the phenomena of "self-publishing" has become mainstream. It seems that anyone can be a "Published Author," just find a website and click "send". I don't want to go that route. Check back with me after I have hundreds of rejection letters, but for now, I believe in the traditional process that involves a publishing house. For someone else to believe in your work is like a badge of honor. I can market the hell out of almost anything- except for myself. Some say that is the true mark of being humble. I don't know about that, I just know I don't like it.
So, this is my chance. I don't even have a name for my story yet but it's developing in wonderful ways. And I find that I am, too. As a fiction novel, there may be some challenges with trying to blog the progress, but I guess we'll see. A good portion of it is already written, and I'm also following the "90-day Novel" outline to make it even stronger. You can expect to see a post every day about all of the things involved with trying to become a published author. And in the next few months, wouldn't it be great to end with, "I have just signed a book contract?"
-S.C. Rood
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