Dare To Dream

I've been writing for many, many years. Only, I'd become what I deemed for myself as a 'closet' writer in that I never actually shared my work, or, my creative side with people other than my family. Friends, acquaintances and for some time, my spouse, never knew that I loved to write.That I'd even penned several short stories, plays and works of poetry, only to pack them away in file cabinets and boxes atop my closets. It was after I'd been married several years and I'd confided my passion to my husband and for the first time alowed another person to read my work. Although he'd been forthcoming with praise, I'd still felt like I didn't deserve it. Why? Because I'd been preceived as a wife, mother and nurse, period. I lived a contented life. What more was there? Joining a Poetry group in the late 90's put me in touch with other Writers. People who had a vision and a passion to match, or, even surpass my own. I began to think outside the box where I'd placed myself and my creativity in obsecurity. I began to embrace that insidious desire to share my works with the world. Again, because I'd self-published my works of Poetry, I became labeled as a 'Poet'. Others began to question my ability to actually write, as in putting forth works that the world would actually pay for and want to read. Because I was a novice to the publishing world, I listened to unwise counsil and began to doubt my own writing abilities. But, then, I begin to recall how those little instances of publications in Newspapers, Newsletters, College Journals had invited me to submit my work and accept third place for a particular piece I'd timidly placed. Was that not being published? Perhaps, not worldwide, but, my words were somewhere in print and someone was reading my work! My first SUBMITTED piece was accepted for publication in ReleasingTimes ; A journal for women in midlife transition,for which I was paid in copies in 2006. The very year I decided to stop living life as a 'closet' writer and dare to live my dreams. I have since published extensively online and am currently writing 2 columns for/and pertaining to women issues. I opened an envelope the other week from yet, another submission of a short story I'd done. The standard form letter informing me that my work was in it's final round of judging. I was taken aback, however, by the sidebar that the editor had chosen to write.. The words served to reinforce what I'd always known, even in the face of well meaning doubters and friendly advisors. It spurs me to write this column to encourage others to continue to dream. Have the courage to walk in faith and prusue that dream of yours with the upmost deligence, because whatever, the outcome, you will be happy knowing that you gave it your all...I'd like to share the words of this editor who's small bit of encouragement made me feel like I'd won first prize in his magazine's writing competition; even if I didn't: "Don't let the sun go down on your dreams unless you choose to be a star." A. L. West,editor www.dreamquestone.com

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