Julane Fisher“Mama always said life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.”
Forrest Gump
I am one of three girls, the middle child, the middle daughter. My older sister had three girls when I found out I was pregnant, and now my younger sister has three girls. Imagine my surprise when I heard not only was I having one boy, I was having two! Two boys smack dab in the middle of female cousins. It certainly was not what I expected, yet I cannot imagine my life without my sweet twins!
Much like life, the writing process is full of ups and downs, twists and turns. At times my writing is like a sweet caramel—smooth and delicious. But other times, writing tastes more like the dark solid chocolate—hard and bitter. Each season brings new beginnings. Covid shut down schools all across the country and suddenly I found myself unable to speak in person. Rather than lament, I created virtual presentations for teachers to show in their classroom. Several friends were dropped by publishers, so they submitted new stories to different publishers. Whatever life throws at you, don’t quit writing if that’s your passion. Learn new ways to generate readers. Write something completely different to keep your mind stimulated. Or take on a new task, one you’ve been putting off due to time constraints.
If I could write the ending to this famous Forrest Gump quote, I would add, “Enjoy the process because sometimes we receive the unexpected.”
It’s those unexpected moments that keep me going when writing gets tough. The letter from a sixth-grade girl, who after hearing me speak, said my book was the first book she’d ever read. The thank you note from a media specialist who told me after hearing my story, her students vowed to never give up. A comment from the teacher explaining how I inspired her to finally finish the children’s book she started years prior.
These precious moments keep me going when things are tough and make me want to continue, even when the road appears long and unending. So, the next time writing has you down, reach into a big box of assorted chocolates and enjoy the sweetness of an unexpected comment from a reader. Savor the unexpected book sale numbers. And let your heart melt when someone shares how your book, your story, changed their life.
Tracy Popolizio
Carol Eaton
Sharon Rene
Thank you for this post! This is what I needed to read today. I’m a retired teacher who has re-started my writing projects as a way to supplement my income during retirement. I’m blessed to have my humor column published in a local online publication. Recently, my efforts to find new markets for my other writing projects have not been fruitful. Your words have encouraged me to keep trying. Have a blessed week!
Elizabeth, I’m so glad it encouraged you to keep trying!!
Your blog is a great reminder to reach out and contact the authors of books I enjoy! I’m thankful for many books which have entertained or impacted my life, yet I’ve written and thanked few authors. I’m going to change.
Great post, Julane! Thanks for the reminder that it’s the little things that count.
Thank you for sharing such an encouraging story.
I’m so glad it encouraged you!