Dean Frech's Blog, page 37

T-minus 5 Days and Counting

I've learned the hard way that destiny usually look upon our most strident convictions with amusement, or perhaps even pity ~ Elizabeth Gilbert

Well, it is t-minus 5 days and counting until A Place to Call Their Own is published and available for sale.  I am anxiously awaiting my galley copy for one last review before it is put into production.

I look back on the years I didn't complete my manuscript. Reading the quote makes me laugh because I felt so guilty about not getting the manuscript done.  And now, in providence's time, release day is almost here.

Looking back on some of your accomplishments, what do you laugh at because you didn't accomplish something on our time?

Love

Love--no matter how it's offered or when it comes--can build a bridge to something better ~ Oprah Winfrey

I hope you're enjoying the weekend!

How are you using love to build a bridge to something better today?

Sharing Together, Succeeding Together

You cannot do it alone. Sharing together means succeeding together. Don't let stubbornness stop you from reaching out to others for help ~ Ed and Deb Shapiro

I love Tuesdays!  No matter what anyone says, Tuesday mornings are easier than Monday mornings; Tuesdays are easier at work. And I love meeting with my critique group on Tuesdays.

Since joining the writing group, I've grown in my writing immensely.  It's wonderful to have 5 or 6 sets of eyes looking at work, helping me to hone it as I put the finishing touches on my second manuscript, Disappear With Me.

I've been a part of the writing community online for awhile, but that has nothing on meeting and collaborating with people in person. 

Where do you find community on your dream journey?

Real Success

You have reached the highest achievement if you have lived well, laughed often, and loved much. Real success is about fully enjoying every moment ~ Ed and Deb Shapiro

What a roller coaster ride!  Really I've been on it since this time last year.  After four years of writing, I finished A Place to Call Their Own.  After a editing, I started submitting it to publishers and agents.  In February I was offered and signed a contract with Musa Publishing.

I just finished a weekend of edits in preparation for a July 5th release date and another polishing round last night.  Although the "down to wire" can be exhilarating and I wrote on Sunday that most of the time I can work under pressure, it can be a bit stressful as well!  I prefer to leave myself a little bit more room for deadlines.

But I wouldn't change anything for the world.  In less than two weeks, my first novel will be published.  Along the way I've lived, laughed, and loved. 

How do you define real success?

Identify Your Strengths

Teach you children to identify their own strengths. Challenge them to contribute these strengths to others ~ Marcus Buckingham

My strengths have been stretched the last couple of days.  I just completed a last minute round of editing for the release of my novel, A Place to Call Their Own. A strength of mine, most of the time, is being able to perform under pressure.  I usually try to avoid it.

I spent most of my weekend editing, how far did you get on your dream journey?

Rules

Whatever your father rules may be, treasure them. Don't try to act as though they don't exist. You won't succeed--the psychology of fatherhood is too deeply rooted--and you'll be tossing out something you can use to illuminate, motivate, and inspire your right life ~ Martha Beck

When you create routines how do you do it?  I have to confess, even though I did it unconsciously, I follow some of the same rules my father did. My father is a very methodical perfectionist when it comes to performing most tasks. 

When it came time for me to create routines, I have to confess, a bit bewildered, I found my routines in much the same way.  For me, it was one of the moments when I felt like I was turning into one of my parents. 

What influence, conscious or unconscious, from your parents do you carry into your personal or professional life?

Let Love Direct Us

You do not need to hide your fears or pretend you are stronger than you are. Sharing tenderness and caring, we can let love direct us ~ Ed and Deb Shapiro

So what are you afraid of?  Now that we've got that out of the way, let's move on. 

It's okay to be a little scared when you embark on your dream journey.  I've had so many peaks and valleys and as I come down to the wire for publication, the anticipation is killng me...I can't wait.

I do consider myself lucky.  I have a supportive partner and extended family, some great online friends (writers and otherwise) and a local group of writers cheering me on.  Their love and support will carry me through to publication day and beyond. 

What can you do differently in your journey to let love direct you?