The verdict is in. I have the best job in the world. Frequently I remind myself that I have fulfilled my dream. I live in a lovely house, I have the man of my dreams—a superb husband, and my career is flowing along nicely, thank you very much. I once lived in England and traveled extensively in both Britain and Ireland, which I’d always wanted to do from the time I was a wee lass. I have my health. What more could I ask for?

In the scheme of things, absolutely nothing. Yep, those teenage dreams came true to the last letter. How many other people can say that? Also, as a teen and in my early twenties, I wasn’t living much of my dream, and I didn’t honestly believe my dreams would come true. I worked hard, I persisted, and I tried to discover my true place in the world. I volunteered for activities that pleased and fulfilled me—assisting at the local museum, the fine art center, and joining a local archaeology organization. Still, my life didn’t follow my dream…not yet. It took until ’99 for the complete package to come to fruition. The last cog in the wheel fell into place when I received my first contract from a publisher in ’99.

Now, writing full time for ten years, I can say my job is one world class occupation. All I need to do is recall the office and advisor positions I occupied for fourteen years, and if I’m feeling down about my writing career for any reason, I am usually cured of the malaise within a short period.

Exactly what makes me think the career of author is perfect for me?

I’ve always loved to write, from the time I was a kid. I dreamed of being a writer, yet never had the courage to pursue publication until ’93. When I had the opportunity to write full time starting in ’96, I grabbed the chance. I carved out my perfect world. Writing while living in England revived a special primitive core within and inspired me on those murky, sometimes fog-shrouded days. Few times in my life did I discover more consistent inspiration than I did while living in England.

Now I find peace and fulfillment in many ways, and this includes doing a job with the best boss in the world. Me, myself, and I. My boss can be tough with me when required, but otherwise is a generous employer.

Unless I have errands or appointments early in the morning, I can sleep in every morning as long as I please. I can take as long as I want to start work. After all, ten minutes longer with coffee and a good book is heaven. I set my own hours. Morning work often consists of writing with my AlphaSmart rather than composing at the computer. After all, an easy chair with ottoman is more comfortable than a desk chair. Plus, I don’t check email obsessively if I’m working with the AlphaSmart. If I’m in the flow, I can spend hours writing a story and experience that rare state known as peak experience. Most of us have felt this state, even if rarely. A sense of profound peace, a high created by any number of pleasant pursuits and endeavors. A natural high not induced by stimulant or depressant but the sheer delight of living and doing something we love. While I don’t have this peak experience every time I write, it certainly occurs more often then it did in my old career positions. Here I am performing what I was meant to do, write books that express my heart, my thoughts, my experiences, the castles and fairy tales in my dreams.

Certainly, there are days where I don’t like being an author, and where the realities of the business can depress, discourage and irritate. On the other hand, I am happier mentally and healthier physically then I was in my old career, and that means one thing—I’m meant to be an author.

Yep, I’ve have the best darn job in the world.

Are you lucky enough to love your career? If so, tell me why. The first two people to answer with explanations as to why they enjoy their careers/jobs will win downloads of free short stories and a download of one of my backlist.