Today I am dreaming of County Galway and the Connemara Loop, channelling the spirit of Ireland to finish my memoir. Next week I’m flying to New York City to attend a pitch conference and will have the opportunity to pitch my book directly to the editors of some major publishing houses. Excited doesn’t even begin to describe how I’m feeling. (Stressed out and panicked are a little more accurate.)
Sometimes I think back to being a little girl, living in an old farmhouse on the outskirts of a one-stoplight town and dreaming of all of the things I wanted to do with my life. I always wanted to be a writer. I repeated that dream over and over again in my journals. But at some point in time, I lost sight of that – probably when I started noticing boys. They’ve always been a distraction…
My priorities are a little different these days. I’ve cancelled many dates to hang out with my manuscript, and honestly, I feel that has been the better time investment. My book, and all of my dear little word babies, are my pride and joy, and I feel like I am finally putting something good into the universe. 🙂 No matter what happens in NYC next week, I know I am doing my best to follow my dream.
Jolene's Life in Focus 
I wish you a very successful journey to NYC next week. I love it that you are talking the challenge. A bit of anxiety always goes along with doing that. After all you are baring your heart and soul. I loved it when you called your verbiage “my dear little word babies”. That is exactly what I call the photographs of mine that I dearly love. Each one has a place in the heart and brings back the most wonderful of memories.
Thank you, Harold. 🙂 Writing or photography – anything that comes from our soul is so very personal, and putting it out there for the world to judge is terrifying. NYC was…interesting. I am trying to organize my thoughts for a new blog post over the next couple of days.
Congratulations and best of luck!! Can’t wait to see your book in print!!! 🙂
Thanks, Jeanette! I’m new to the whole publishing process, so I expect to learn a lot in this next week.
We can’t wait to learn right along with you and I know every Grazer here wishes you Godspeed! 🙂
Best wishes in NYC Jolene. It will be worth every second.
Thanks, Martina. Even if I don’t get a deal from this trip, I will have connected with a lot of different agents and other writers. So, I think it will be a win no matter what. Plus, I have never been to NYC before! 🙂