I watched a movie a few days ago about a man on a mission. This movie wasn't an ordinary show. The mission wasn't anything heroic. And yet, this mission, and this man's dogged determination, will stick with me forever. Oh yea, the movie was in German, made in Germany, but some of the scenes were in Texas and Louisiana. The plot? This guy worked his entire life in a salt mine. Work, go to the pub with two close friends, go home to bed, repeat. His transportation was a bicycle, sometimes he pulled a small trailer. Then the company retired him and his two friends. What now? By accident one night he tuned his radio to an American station which played Cajun music. It changed his life and he spent months trying to learn more about this magical rhythm and melody. The quest took him to Texas - New Branfels, during Octoberfest - not what he was looking for. He went to Louisiana and reached his goal. But in the middle of a dance, he died.
I wasn't sad, surprisingly I didn't tear up, rather, I celebrated. He didn't quit searching. He found his grail.
What does this have to do with my writing, other than I did actually study this dramatic plot and character building? I have reached a similar goal. Yay!
When I was fourteen I made the first of many trail rides into the Superstition Mountains of Arizona. To say I was hooked is an understatement. I read every shred of paper about the mountain and its legends; both history and fiction. Later I studied the geology of the region. But from the first moment I rode into those hills, I dreamed of the book I just finished. For forty years these words have rattled around in the grey matter.
Three years ago, I started the first book of the series. I learned real fast it takes more than whacking on a keyboard to get the story written. I had the help of a great critique group, and hired an editor, then paid a proofreader. I'm the impatient sort, so after more than a year of sending my little story to agents and publishing houses, I went to CreateSpace.
The journey continued with the second book, Midnight and the Racehorse, a story I wish had happened when a friend invited me to Turf Paradise. These two first books are close to my heart, but they were practice for my goal. The Legend of the Superstition Gold is finally finished. Yay!
Now, don't get all panicky. I don't intend to kick the bucket tomorrow - but that is not something we are guaranteed. So, the message I stress with this little blog is this: What ever your heart desires, no matter who tells you it's impossible, never give up on it!
Then, never stop reaching for that next goal. I promised three other stories, and I have a novel in the works. There's always another star to reach for.
Have you set a goal which you know will take time, sweat, and blood (those paper-cuts are murder) ? How do you keep going?
I wasn't sad, surprisingly I didn't tear up, rather, I celebrated. He didn't quit searching. He found his grail.
What does this have to do with my writing, other than I did actually study this dramatic plot and character building? I have reached a similar goal. Yay!
When I was fourteen I made the first of many trail rides into the Superstition Mountains of Arizona. To say I was hooked is an understatement. I read every shred of paper about the mountain and its legends; both history and fiction. Later I studied the geology of the region. But from the first moment I rode into those hills, I dreamed of the book I just finished. For forty years these words have rattled around in the grey matter.
Three years ago, I started the first book of the series. I learned real fast it takes more than whacking on a keyboard to get the story written. I had the help of a great critique group, and hired an editor, then paid a proofreader. I'm the impatient sort, so after more than a year of sending my little story to agents and publishing houses, I went to CreateSpace.
The journey continued with the second book, Midnight and the Racehorse, a story I wish had happened when a friend invited me to Turf Paradise. These two first books are close to my heart, but they were practice for my goal. The Legend of the Superstition Gold is finally finished. Yay!
Now, don't get all panicky. I don't intend to kick the bucket tomorrow - but that is not something we are guaranteed. So, the message I stress with this little blog is this: What ever your heart desires, no matter who tells you it's impossible, never give up on it!
Then, never stop reaching for that next goal. I promised three other stories, and I have a novel in the works. There's always another star to reach for.
Have you set a goal which you know will take time, sweat, and blood (those paper-cuts are murder) ? How do you keep going?
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