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                                        Love of Words, Love of People
In addition to taking fear by the horns (see post below), writers need the sort of persistence that defies common sense. 
Case in point: Gina Holmes.  
Her first novel, "Crossing Oceans," just debuted to rave reviews. I haven't read it yet, but I'm certain it's terrific. Why? Because Gina spent a decade learning how to write well. While raising a family and working as a nurse, she hammered out four novels. That hard work...