Following the path that leads to your dreams

Have you ever started something only not to finish it yet it consumes your mind? Before I was published, I found myself on the writing path that was very foggy. It was like I was walking slowly like in a dream, barely moving to the point I thought I should give up. I would send out story after story only to be rejected. I couldn't figure out why the path was so unclear in my dream of becoming a published writer and there were moments when I would stop writing all together only for fear of the continued rejection. Before my mom passed away, she continued to urge me to follow my dreams. I didn't get my first book contract until this past summer and when I was accepted for publication, I read and re-read the contract over countless times because I couldn't believe this dream I'd had for so long was coming true. The fog in my dream slowly lifted as I realized it wasn't just a dream come true, but my continued hard-work and dedication to writing and illustrating. I could see my name upon books and still smile knowing the fog has only begun to lift. I still have a lot of work to do. Becoming published is a dream come true but I want children and adults to walk into bookstores and see my name in print and my drawings and say, "I know that author. I really like her." My mama passed away before she could see my dream come true. My dad is also a huge supporter as well as my loving husband and three amazing daughters who are daily inspirations for my writing. I ask you to think of your dream and tell you to follow it. We only have this one life to do everything we want to do. Don't give up because you think you've hit a dead end. Continue through the fog and climb those mountains until you see the sun. Believe in yourself. Where will your dreams lead?