It is, isn't it?  That's one thing I can definitely say - whenever I think I have things all figured out...BAM!  Here comes another opportunity, a new idea, sometimes a new setback.  I guess that's what keeps life interesting -- never truly knowing what's ahead.

A little over a week ago, my first "big" writing dream came true - my first traditionally published book, Red, rolled off the presses.  Amazing. Today I experienced another incredible first as I held those freshly printed books in my hands. There's just nothing like it. My thoughts, my words -- right there on the page, out there for the world to see. I've seen my words countless times over -- in magazines or online articles -- but a book?  That's different.  That's special.

While it's absolutely breaktakingly beautiful to see my soul bared, lying there open in the squiggly form of letters, words, sentences, and paragraphs, it's also incredibly frightening. Terrifying, even.  It's almost as though I've stripped naked and am taking my first step out into the sunlight. What will they say?  What will they think?  Do I care?  Should I care?

I've dealt with the impending anxiety doing what I do best -- throwing myself deeper into my work. Amazingly, just a few weeks before Red's scheduled debut, I was presented with an incredible opportunity. While it still involves writing, it's related to a more technical field -- curriculum writing to be precise.  What a blessing it's been to have this work to devote my idle mind moments to.  Instead of obsessing about things related to the book release, I've been up to my elbows in standards, objectives, and lesson plans.  Say what you will about avoidance -- it's certainly been working out well for me.

The time is nearly here, though, when I must put my trusty notebook away, lift my chin, and walk out into the world. In just three days I'll hold my very first book signing. Four more will follow.  Next month I'll complete the first part of my curriculum contract. A few months later I'll take off my writing hat and put on my marketing hat as I travel out of state for promotions.

I remember the overwhelming feeling I had at the moment my husband and I left home to travel to the hospital the day our first son was born.  As I reached for the handle of the car door, it struck me -- the incredible awareness that my life was about to change in ways I couldn't yet fathom.  I hadn't felt that feeling since that day -- until last week.  As I talked with my husband about everything that is happening in my writing career, it happened again -- the breathtaking realization that big things are happening, that the snowball has begun to roll, that weeks, months, and years of work are beginning to fall into place.  It's an incredible experience.

Times like now are when I most like to think back to my first writing days -- those early days when it seemed that everything I wrote was crap and when I wondered why I even tried.  When I spent hours and hours pouring over resource books about showing vs. telling, about the importance of a strong hook, and most importantly, about trusting in your passion.

I read recently that to discover your innermost passion, you should consider the things you do in life that make you feel most alive.  I laughed to mysefl as I read this, because it seems so simple, but it's so very true.  Writing, whether for a paycheck or for pleasure, is absolutely soul-nourishing for me. Sometimes I'm amazed that I survived the years without it -- although I suppose I was still getting it, albeit through documenting in baby books and mommy journals. 

And now it's time for me to share my passion with you, the reader.  My only hope is that you receive a fraction of the enjoyment through reading that I experienced through creating.

~Reese