What are you going to be when you grow up?

Remember being asked that question? It seemed as if someone was asking me every single day. Each day my answer was the same: I’m going to be an EMT like the guys on EMERGENCY (Randolph Mantooth et al) AND I’m going to be an award winning best selling author. That was what I knew I was going to do. I was going to make my dreams come true. Period

When we lived in Milwaukee, I did accomplish the goal of being an EMT—in fact, I was a training officer and I was a judge at the National Registry testing for five years. It was the best time in my life. I was able to achieve the rank of lieutenant before I “retired” due to health problems.

When my health kind of bottomed I began to look at my writings from my previous years. I joined Harlequin message boards where I met great people, where I learned a great deal about my craft.

I took those lessons and ran with it. I was finally going to do something about my other dream. I was going to be an award winning, best selling author. I submitted my first query, received a request for a full straight from the gate which is rare. I sent it off with a kiss and a prayer. I was sure I was going to get the contract of my dreams.

I didn’t. And after that I tried a second book: again rejection. I disheartened, disillusioned and devastated. I quit. Yes. I quit. I stayed online in chat groups, I remained faithful the friends I had made over the period of years, but I was so upset by my rejection I was sure I wasn’t good enough.

Then my first break came. I was on a loop where people were talking about this new series that a certain publisher was doing. They had a list of names and what the heroes did. You chose the hero and heroine you thought worked. I read over the list and a story immediately emerged in my head.

I contacted the original poster, asked a ton of questions, and told her about my idea. SHE was the publisher and she loved my idea. Before the year’s end I had my first contract.

Then my second one came in.

Then the third.

My confidence level had grown and so I gave New York another shot. Another shoot down. I was as devastated as before, was ready to give up. But I didn’t.

I made my fourth sale and never looked back at the New York houses and the people there.

Since then I’ve received a couple of rejections, but they have been very few and far between.

As to what I was going to do when I grew up? Well, I was an EMT for close to 12 years. Now I’m a writer. And the whole goal best-selling award winning? For one of my publishers I was her best selling author for several quarters.

I’ve won awards for best paranormal romance, best romantic suspense, best inspirational, best contemporary. I’ve been nominated for the Golden Rose and won honorable mention. I was nominated for a CAPA (but I didn’t win).

So, what’s with all the bragging, right? I have been lucky. If I died tomorrow, I could honestly say I have done what I wanted to do. That’s more than a lot of people can say. I had a goal, I had a dream and I worked VERY hard to realize those dreams. I did stumble along the way, but I eventually picked myself back up. If I can do it, then I know anyone can. Always cling to your goals and don’t give up.

So, next time little Johnny down the block says he’s going to be a cop someday be nice and supportive. He may eventually be the one who pulls you over.

Have a wonderful week!
Hugz
Donica