Hi everyone –
This month has been crazy for me. It started off with some really sad personal life woes that broke my heart, but what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, right? *insert Kelly Clarkson song here*
So anyway, after dusting myself off, some really cool things happened this week that made me step back and reflect a little.
This past week, my writing classes opened for registration from San Diego Writer’s Ink. http://www.sandiegowriters.org/?p=4387 I’ve been teaching my short story craft classes online, but this will be an opportunity to work with writers in person and I’m SUPER excited to be able to share and watch them grow!
Then on Tuesday, my BFF took me to see Neil Diamond in concert!!! WOOT!!! Since 1983 we have been seeing Neil in concert every time he comes to San Diego… (I want to point out we were only in junior high for the first concert! LOL) 
But this year when we walked into the Cricket Amphitheater, I looked up and saw this on the big screen…
That’s my Tweet!!! My power suit was on the big screen at the Neil Diamond concert! LOL (My tweet actually said “Off to meet up for the @NeilDiamond concert tonight!!! Can’t wait!!!! #PleaseSingSongSungBlue :)”
Sadly he didn’t sing Song Sung Blue… Ah well! J
While we waited for the concert to start, I was emailing with my agent on my phone, and we scheduled a phone call for following evening… Wow!
Wednesday night rolled around, and I had a great phone call with my agent who loves my work and is anxious to shop my books and help me take my career to the next level… WOOT!!!
And tonight, I chatted with my publisher. Entangled has been growing like crazy and they have hired some super new editors to help keep the book release dates on time… I met my new editor tonight and I feel encouraged that we’re going to work well together too. Super cool!
The best news is that it looks like Night Thief (e-novella) will still release in September!!! *fingers crossed*
And with luck and some blood, sweat, and tears, Night Demon (Book #2), will be out in Spring right on schedule!!! YAY!!!!
It was fun to have dinner with my hubby and kids tonight while they tossed out all sorts of plot ideas for the ending of Night Child (Book #3)… Pretty cool stuff.
It’s surreal to sit back and realize that just two years ago, I was coming toward the end of Ray Bradbury’s challenge to write 52 stories in 52 weeks. I was still querying agents and editors, entering contests, and writing more novels. Dreaming of being able to write full-time.
Last year at this time, my first novel, Night Walker, was a launch book for my new publisher, Entangled, and I was working on self-publishing my first short story collection, Forgotten Treasures…
Yow!
And by the time this week rolled around, I felt like a “real writer” whatever that is! LOL
I hope this blog will inspire anyone who is currently chasing their dream. In spite of all the rejections, keep moving forward and don’t give anyone the power to steal your dream. Life can change at the drop of a hat, and your dreams are right there, maybe just out of reach today, but don’t ever give up on them!
They’re waiting for you to reach just a little further, try just a little harder, fight a little longer.
But they’ll be yours! You can do it…
Lisa J
Thanks for the encouragement, Lisa!
You’re welcome, Lisa!!! (Super cool name by the way! LOL)
Thanks for stopping by and commenting! 🙂
Lisa
Hugs to you Lisa! Hope things keep looking up and with your positive attitude I’m sure that won’t be a problem, but we are only human after all. WOW! that is cool that they had your Tweet up. Too bad Neil didn’t sing the song you requested. So cool that you get to work with other Authors. What an amazing opportunity and experience. You will have to fill us in on what it’s like. Well, I will stop rambling and you have yourself a fabulous day!
Awww thanks so much Wendy!!! 🙂
I’ll definitely let you know how the classes go… I’m really excited!
Thanks for commenting and for all your support!
Lisa 🙂
You show us all that hard work pays off. Huge congrats on everything.
Thanks Savannah!!! It’s lots of work, but nothing worth having comes easy, right? 🙂
Lisa 🙂
When you’ve managed to create a world and tell a story from it effectively, you’re a legit writer in my book 🙂 Congrats on everything!
Thanks Arianne!!! It’s been quite a journey so far… 🙂
Thanks for commenting and for all your support! You rock!!!
Lisa 🙂
I am so glad that things are turning around for you in such a MAJOR way! And yup- what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, and you are a strong, beautiful, and talented woman! Go conquer the world!
HUGS!
Marie
Awww thanks Marie!!!! I’m SUPER lucky to have the BEST writers buds ever!!!
*HUGS*
Lisa 🙂
I’m so glad I met you on MySpace…wow, has it been almost four years now!? And yes, you have inspired me and you continue to inspire me every time I read about your successes. You are a great person and you have a wonderful family to support you (shout out to Ken!). I wish you continued success and thanks again for the inspiration. I hope to be in your shoes in the not so distant future. 🙂
You can do it Michelle!!! 😀 I’m super glad our paths crossed on MySpace and we didn’t lose touch… I’m super lucky to know you! 🙂 THanks for all your support!!!
Lisa 🙂
Great post. It’s inspiring to hear about a talented writer who’s finally receiving the recognition their talent deserves. I’m so happy to hear about your successes and wish you the best of everything.