So, here
I sit, watching the Olympics like so many other people. These athletes are pushing
themselves beyond what seems humanly possible. How do they do it? Where did
they get that drive to become the best in the world? Why haven’t I done that?
Seeing what
they do makes me very proud, and, more than that, it keeps me humble.
If I had
the kind of determination and dedication that I am seeing at the Olympics, I would
have an entire library of published books. Everyone would know my name, and I would
probably be a multi-millionaire.
On the
other hand, I don’t want to be too hard on myself. After all, I have written
quite a few poems, published a book, I am working on my second book, and have several
other books in my head. When I was growing up, I had no idea I would do what I have
done.
I picture
my books being made into movies like the veggie tales. Little Chrisamee, the
little angel in my stories, would be so cute running around in heaven, so
excited about the things she sees through her window. She would have her talks
with Father God where He explains why things happen the way they do. Maybe someday.
In the
meantime, I belong to a writers group now called Quills of Faith. It is made up
of Christian writers. Some of them have not published or even finished a book
yet. Some have lots of books out there, selling like crazy. One has ghost
written a few books for famous people. That must be difficult to write a book
and have it be published with some celebrity’s name on it as the author, and
get all the credit for what you wrote. But, that is part of the game.
I look
at the other members of our group and see that they are just people like you
and me. The successful ones have taken the initiative to learn to do what is
needed to become successful authors.
I am
trying to glean knowledge from them. They are such giving people, so ready to
share all they know with the rest of us, whether we are proven authors, or just
starting out.
One of
the successful lady authors makes entire binders full of information on every
book she ever writes. She actually has pictures of what her characters look
like. She writes complete descriptions of them, their personalities, families,
histories, where they live, and so on. The binder also explains what part they
play in the story, what they are going to do, and why. From what I hear, these
binders are really something to behold. At the meeting last night I asked her
if she would bring a binder to the next meeting for us to see. She said she
would be happy to. I can’t wait to see it.
Several of
our authors have stories in the “Chicken Soup for the Soul” books. They also
have articles in widely published magazines. These people are really quite
amazing.
When I think
about the Quills of Faith meetings I realize that this is sort of like our own
Olympics training, except we are striving for published books and articles
rather than medals.
So, I guess
the principle is the same. Whoever works the hardest is the most successful. Of
course talent also plays an important part in the race, but I truly believe
that hard work and dedication will make us winners.
Now I have
to ask myself, do I have what it takes to be a champion? Where do I spend most
of my time, in front of the television, or in front of the computer working on
my book? Do I want it badly enough? Do I have that Olympic drive?
I hope
so.
