Reach for the Stars!

As I was standing outside this morning the sky was blue, yet gentle rain was falling on me. In my reflections of the past year, I couldn't help tear up thinking about the loss of my loved ones. I felt they heard me and their teardrops were falling from Heaven. It stopped my tears and made me smile.

Rather than wallow in sadness thinking about past memories, and future ones we'll never make together, I vow to honor my loved ones by dedicating each book I write to one of them. They've all touched me in special ways and each one contributed something to the person I am.

My story ideas feel like the horses at Belmont waiting for the bell to ring and the gate to go up so they could sprint down the track. This time getting to the finish line won't take three years, like it did with Fractured Facade. Although cathartic, it was painful to relive over and over again. I'm thankful to all the readers who have given me such positive feedback. It's validation that I haven't wasted my time.

Although I'm not a bestselling author, yet, I'm grateful I had the opportunity to share my story by self-publishing and chose not to kowtow to the "rules." I make my own rules, and if I fail, I have no one to blame but myself.

If 2011 taught me anything, it's to not listen to other people. Go with your instincts. Take chances. Don't be afraid to expose yourself. And if people don't support you, and don't bring anything positive to your table, cut them out of your life. They'll only fill you with self-doubt and bring you down.

My mantra for 2012 is Reach for the Stars! If you don't, you'll never know what you're capable of. My wish to all of you is to do the same...