There are few blogs I read. Blogs are to me like checking email compulsively. Pretty soon you’re checking blogs to avoid doing the job. The writing. Yep, I’ll admit I’ve done it many, many times before. Yet there are blogs that can inspire me because they are honest without cruelty and entertaining without pretensions.
About a year ago I discovered a blog that hits home with me many times when I read it. Just last week I read an entry that surprised me so much I read it again to make sure I hadn’t imagined it. This best selling, famous author blurted out she’d considered quitting the writing world. Kaput. Fini. Done. My mouth dropped open. No. She simply couldn’t! Then I continued reading her blog and understood the author’s emotions and motivations. Because I’ve thought about doing the same thing more than once. The author who declared that she once considered saying bye-bye and adios is Tess Gerritsen. No, I’m not outing her. She said this on her blog a few months ago. Check it out at www.tessgerritsen.com
Yeah, I’ve contemplated quitting writing. That only lasts as long in my mind as the time it takes to remember there isn’t anything else I do better than write books. Writing is in my blood, and it’s something I’ve worked long and hard to accomplish. Moreover, it’s my dream job. Yet even a person’s dream career can twist you up in knots when the rough patches come. And they do. At the same time, dreams come true, and that’s one reality I hope I never forget.
When I was a teenager, my number fantasy was living in a big ole house or castle in England, Scotland, Ireland or Wales. My husband was an Earl, a Duke, a something-or-other-mucky-muck who was gorgeous as sin. I wrote novels and attended soirees and foxhunts and people raved about my stories. I hobnobbed with royalty and well…you get the picture. Nothing wrong with having a fantasy. That rich and varied fantasy life meant that in high school I did very well in creative writing classes and my fantastic teacher wrote in my yearbook that she was certain I’d be published one day.
What’s my point? Dreams come true. By 1996, I was married to the gorgeous-as-sin husband and living in a brick house in England writing books. I hadn’t hobnobbed with royalty, but I’d worn my fluffy hat and gloves at Ascot and seen royalty ride by in a carriage. I’d toured tons of castles and been thoroughly inspired by the atmosphere of Britain and Ireland.
Wow. Holy rusted metal Batman. My fairy tale fantasy had come true. How cool is that?
The realization that my dream had come true in all the important ways hit me when I was sitting in army temporary housing writing in jolly old England for the first time. A wave of incredible peak experience came over me. A peak experience is one of those moments where everything seems just right and the ecstasy of realizing everything is right fills your soul with happiness so profound you can’t describe it.
No, I wasn’t published yet, but I had the best of all worlds.
Now, twelve years later I live with the gorgeous husband in a house in Arizona, I’m a published author, and I get paid to use my imagination! How good is that?
So whenever I think, like Tess did, that I want to chuck in the writing towel, all I need to do is remember that my dream did come true…and that other dreams I have can and will come to fruition in the future. Here’s to writers like Tess with inspiring blogs. They can be lifesavers.
In celebration of dreams coming true, I’m offering a copy of my contemporary romance, MEANT TO BE, to one lucky winner I’ll pick from comments to this blog. Tell me where you get your inspiration. Where do you find those nuggets of wisdom that keep you going?
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My inspiration comes from my dad. He had ALS but it never held him back. He was in a wheelchair and it didn’t stop him from going places and doing things that made him happy. He always told me that no matter how bad you have it, there is ALWAYS someone in the world worse off than you are so count your blessings. It kinda puts your problems into perspective.
by Sharmi
on November 20th, 2007 at 8:33 am
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My daughter. She has some health problems, but keeps going on.
We just put my Dad in a nursing home last week - he is 89, my mom 87 and it just got too much for her to care for him. He has his mind, so he can participate in activities and does enjoy his food. We are thankful to have found a nice place close to us to care for him. We are all trying to make the best of a stressful and changed lifestyle situation.
And Sharmi is so right, there is always somone worse off than you. So on this Thanksgiving holiday, we should all count our blessings. I know I am.
by Pat L
on November 20th, 2007 at 8:46 am
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Hi Sharmi. Your dad gave excellent advice! This is something I have to remind myself of whenever there is some irritation that comes along. It helps me say to myself, “get over it!” Or it keeps me from getting mad in the first place.
Denise A. Agnew
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Hi Pat!
It is so hard to see our parents grow older. Both my parents were in their 80’s when they passed away in the last few years. I’m so glad to hear your father still has his mind…that is so important. One of my grandfather’s lived to be just a month shy of 100. He died in ‘84. He also had all his intelligence and wit. What a great guy.
Denise A. Agnew
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My inspiration comes from my mother whose courage and determination to continue striving is admirable. My father died suddenly this summer, at 56, and we are there for my mother. She realizes that she has a life ahead of her and many hurdles to climb.
by jenna
on November 20th, 2007 at 9:45 am
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My inspiration comes from my kids. They give me the hope and promise of tomorrow. My husband and kids are my biggest champions when it comes to my writing. They allow me the time to work and understand when I don’t have the laundry done and there is nothing but hot dogs for dinner. I also draw inspiration from my new writer friends. Listening to their stories and struggles helps me realize that I’m not the only one struggling to get the words on the paper. LOL
by Patty L.
on November 20th, 2007 at 10:00 am
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Hi Jenna,
I’m so sorry to hear about your father passing at such young age, and can only imagine how she must feel. Please send my best wishes to her.
Denise A. Agnew
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Hi Patty!
It is so wonderful when family members support our writing, isn’t it? My husband is my greatest support and champion for my writing. He was the one, many years ago, that said…”why don’t you try and get published?” Before that I was too chicken, to unsure, and lacked the confidence. Sending you more encouragement to keep on keepin’ on! Write those books!
Denise A. Agnew
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My neighbour who moved here in April of this year is one lady. She gives me incentive, motivation and the wanting to go on. She has Lupus and is an inspiration
to me. She listens so very well and gives nuggets of advice along the way. We go well together as friends and my dh even fits into the equation as her friend. It goes both ways and dh and I help her with things she finds challenging.
by RobynL
on November 20th, 2007 at 12:17 pm
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My inspiration comes from my Mother. She was diagnosed in March with breast cancer and then 3 weeks later with ovarian cancer. After 2 surgeries, 8 chemo treatments, losing her hair, and feeling miserable she is still smiling and optimistic. In fact she is still walking 2-3 miles everyday and baking cookies for all the grandchildren. She is my hero.
by Christy H.
on November 20th, 2007 at 12:33 pm
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I think inspirations comes from many different people/places and you need different ones at different times in your life. Teachers, parents, kids, even strangers. And always books!!
by catslady
on November 20th, 2007 at 3:25 pm
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from my friends and co workers. they are so hard workin g people
by kim h
on November 20th, 2007 at 3:40 pm
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I have always been fortunate in getting inspiration from my husband. he has grit, integrity and strength for anything that he encounters.
by annie
on November 20th, 2007 at 3:47 pm
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I get my inspiration to keep going from my friends and family. My sons, daughters and husband are always there for me.
by Estella
on November 20th, 2007 at 4:00 pm
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I get my inspiration from my mom… she is an amazing woman!
by Nathalie
on November 20th, 2007 at 4:55 pm
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My inspiration comes from my twin sister who knows me so well. She always knows what to say to help me put things into perspective.
by Cherie J
on November 20th, 2007 at 4:56 pm
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Hum… from TV, great books and the chocolate I eat!
by lily
on November 20th, 2007 at 5:13 pm
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I agree with caslady - Inspiration could come from anywhere. From just seeing an old couple holding hands, walking in the park or watching a sunrise. Family, and friends are great inspiration. Music, books. Everything!
by Wendy
on November 20th, 2007 at 5:21 pm
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I used to get inspiration from my professors. These days I get it from friends or even the tv, like a news program’s person of the week feature.
by Jane
on November 20th, 2007 at 5:45 pm
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I get my inspiration from my mother-in-law. She is pretty special!
by Tammy G.
on November 20th, 2007 at 6:09 pm
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My inspiration comes from my husband and children. The “nuggets of wisdom” that keep me going come from the Bible.
by Linda F
on November 20th, 2007 at 6:10 pm
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Robyn,
I have never known anyone with Lupus, but whenever I hear of someone with a disease like this it makes me remember that any little aches or pains I might have aren’t significant.
Denise A. Agnew
by Denise A. Agnew
on November 20th, 2007 at 6:30 pm
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Christy,
Hugs to your mother! She’s obviously very strong. My mother in law had breast cancer and a heart attack all within three months of each other in 2006. She’s doing well now, but it was a scary time. She, too, is one tough lady. 
Denise A. Agnew
by Denise A. Agnew
on November 20th, 2007 at 6:32 pm
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Catslady,
You are so right. It is a good thing authors can garner inspiration from a wide variety of subjects, situations and people. The ideas are endless!
Denise A. Agnew
by Denise A. Agnew
on November 20th, 2007 at 6:33 pm
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Kim,
It is great to hear about hard working co-workers. I found when I was in the office work place I knew too many people who didn’t work hard at all.
Denise A. Agnew
by Denise A. Agnew
on November 20th, 2007 at 6:34 pm
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Annie,
Bravo for your hubby! He sounds like a truly amazing man.
Denise A. Agnew
by Denise A. Agnew
on November 20th, 2007 at 6:34 pm
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Nathalie,
It’s great hearing about tough moms who keep us going.
Denise A. Agnew
by Denise A. Agnew
on November 20th, 2007 at 6:35 pm
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Tammy,
Way cool that you get along with your mother in law. I get along with mine, too. She’s a sweetie!!!
Denise A. Agnew
by Denise A. Agnew
on November 20th, 2007 at 6:37 pm
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Linda,
I’ve gotten many great a nuggets of wisdom from great books, including my readings from many Eastern religions, too. I love learning about other cultures and the things that make them great.
Denise A. Agnew
by Denise A. Agnew
on November 20th, 2007 at 6:38 pm
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Jane,
I’ve been inspired to creativity by many things I’ve seen on TV, which is interesting considering that people often say TV sucks the creativity out of them.
Denise A. Agnew 
by Denise A. Agnew
on November 20th, 2007 at 6:40 pm
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Lily,
Where in the world would be without chocolate!!??
Denise A. Agnew
by Denise A. Agnew
on November 20th, 2007 at 6:40 pm
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I’ll be back later to announce the winner of my contest today. I want to give some evening people a chance to respond, too.
Denise A. Agnew
by Denise A. Agnew
on November 20th, 2007 at 6:41 pm
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Wendy,
An old couple holding hands is great. I wanna be that couple when I reach that age.
Denise A. Agnew
by Denise A. Agnew
on November 20th, 2007 at 10:25 pm
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The winner of one copy of MEANT TO BE is Catslady!! Congratulations. Email me at danovelist@cox.net
Denise A. Agnew
by Denise A. Agnew
on November 20th, 2007 at 10:26 pm
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Thanks to everyone who participated in my blog today. I really appreciate it! See ya next month.
Denise A. Agnew
by Denise A. Agnew
on November 20th, 2007 at 10:27 pm
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Oh thanks so much, Denise!! I’ll email you now with my info.
by catslady
on November 21st, 2007 at 4:52 pm
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wtg catslady
by kim h
on November 21st, 2007 at 7:27 pm
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Congrats, Cats
by Pat L
on November 22nd, 2007 at 9:57 pm
