My Rottweiler, Isamu, is a beautiful dog. He has golden eyes that look at me with wonder when I talk to him, and a square chin that rivals Superman.

Isamu, or Sami, as we call him, is a large dog with many fears. There are certain parts of the floor that he's afraid of, and if he perceives a barrier is in his way, he gets frightened and won't walk around it. However, when he is outside, and sees a person, a car, or an animal, he is fierce. He barks, raises the hair on his back, and acts as if he is the protector of the world.

We have tried to help him overcome his fears, but at seven years of age, it doesn't appear that he will conquer them.

Conquering fears can be difficult. When I started writing, I had an incredible fear of rejection. I still worry about what people will say about my writing, but it isn't a paralyzing fear that stops me. If I want to be successful as an author, I must conquer my fears and realize that I can't please everyone.

Mean words hurt. As writers, we work hard. We write, edit, polish, and love our prose. No one wants to publish only to have others tear them down. But inevitably someone is going to make a comment that rips out your heart and makes you feel inadequate, worthless, or incompetent.

Somehow you must overcome that hurt, and write because you love it, and because your supporting audience loves it.

If you never conquer your fear, branch out, and put yourself out there, you'll never know success. Like Sami, I will always have fears, but will put on my bravest and fiercest face when I submit or publish anything.

Even if it’s politically incorrect, I’m going to say it: Merry Christmas!

 
Today is a day that is full of emotions. Some are happy, some are sad, some are disappointed, some are content. No matter where you fit on the spectrum, there is a story waiting to be written.

Is it baby’s first Christmas? A loved one’s last Christmas? The first Christmas without someone? What about the surprises, the smiles, the bloopers? What is the family dynamic?

When all the excitement dies down, take a moment to reflect on the good, the not so good, the not so bad, and the bad. These new memories may spark a great story, and once sold, help pay for all the gifts!

From me to you and yours, may your holiday be worth writing about!

I was at the gym working out the other day, and a woman I see regularly approached me. She said, “I see you running all the time, and it reminds me of how I used to be. I love to run, but can no longer do it because I have a pacemaker.”

I told her that I enjoy running, but some days it's not as enjoyable because I'm inside running on a treadmill.

She looked at me and said, “At least you get to run.”

I had to think long and hard about that. If I couldn't run, what would I do? I see her at the gym all the time on the elliptical or lifting weights, and she is fit and happy. I take for granted, that my body allows me to run.

 

The next day, I ran for a different purpose--not just because I feel like I should, but because I can.

The same lesson applies to my writing. People tell me, “I’ve always wanted to write a book, but I don’t have time.” Or, “I’ve always hated to write, but one day I’ll write a book.”

Today, I looked at my writing with a different purpose. One of my dreams was to publish a book for my dad to see. Unfortunately, I waited too long. Now I write not only because I can, but because I don't want to have any other regrets.

Writing is hard. There are days that few words come out. There are other days that I write and feel like I can't stop. Of course, those are the days I enjoy more, but the days I struggle are worth it. The days that I struggle are the days I know I have worked toward my goal of no regrets.

Just as I fight the boredom of running on a treadmill, and fight the days that I don't feel like running, I fight to put the words on paper.

 

In the end, I know that pushing myself will net the gains I desire whether I'm running or writing.

Musings on MusaPublishing

 

After I wrote my novel, 2012: The Rising, I started sending queries to agents. I had some requests for chapters and full manuscripts, but because time was so short, I thought I should entertain small presses as well.

Another search ensued, and I sent more queries out. One evening in March 2012, I was surprised by an e-mail I received. It was from Matt at Musa Publishing. He said he was intrigued by my story, and wanted to offer me a contract.

I sat in disbelief. Could this be real? Was I finally getting the opportunity to publish my novel?

When I got the contract, I reviewed it, signed it, and did the few things that Musa asked me to do. Then I was introduced to an incredible group of writers at the Musa family. They are supportive of each other, and share a lot of helpful information. The staff is approachable, and that makes for a wonderful environment.

I feel blessed to be part of Musa and to be surrounded by such talent. Musa is growing, and they have already shown in the short time they have been around, what a mighty force they are.

I wasn't completely sold on e-books before Musa, but e-books are here to stay. I have joined the revolution, and even ordered a Kindle Fire!

If you are an author, I would encourage you to submit to Musa. If you are a reader, I would encourage you to browse their books and see the quality of work they produce. You'll never meet a harder working group of people, who really care about authors and readers.

 
It's hard to be an author, but the journey is easier and more enjoyable when you belong to a community as wonderful as Musa.