Practice What You Preach!

Today I concluded an important mini-fast.  I use adjective mini because it lasted (as it was planned) for  15 hours.  I wanted to prep for a new journey, take on a new direction and rid my space of self-imposed obstacles that are holding me back.  During my last few weeks of reflection, I got it.  I must streamline toward my God driven purpose.  What I know today is that I’ve distinguished my purpose from my hobby.  My purpose is to write, to author, to lead and to mentor.  How I do that, in exactly which medium is still being worked out, but I know I am to write.  With that being said, I’ve also determined that while I immensely enjoy wine, it is not my purpose.  It may be a passion but more importantly it is my hobby.  

Available through Kindle, Nook, & your favorite E-Reader

 

 

 Armed with that knowledge, I’ve enrolled in school, chosen to take my wine business to a minimum and committed to writing as my purpose and my main occupation.  I am sure this stance will evolve.  For now, this is the road I am traveling on.

From This To THIS!

In 3 days Help! My Best Friend Just Got Married, Can We Be Friends drops onto your Nook, Kindle, Ipads and other Ereaders.  I am excited.  I’ve also experienced a few bumps in the road that has left me exhausted. 

Recently I spoke with a colleague who examined the possibilities of writing her mother’s life story.  She had encouraged her mother to do so but her mother was disinterested.  She however expressed a dire need to get this story out because her mother’s life is so compelling.  While I encouraged her to do so—if it truly is her passion to write—I had to be honest.  90% of writing is re-writing and if you are not passionate about the writing, I doubt you’ll finish.  This talk is different from any advisement I may have given in the past.  And while it is never my intention to be discouraging, I no longer encourage people in my craft that are not passionate about the craft.

Writing is one of my greatest joys.  I cannot, not write.  However writing, while for some comes with ease, is not necessarily easy.  It can be a financially lucrative for some but not for many.  A lot of factors, just as in any vocation, come into play when reaping financial rewards; timing, subject matter, trend, exposure, contact and a host of other stars must align for success.  And what is success? 

Success is defined and can be in as many ways as there are people.  For me success begins with getting it on the page.  Success is a journey with pitstop destinations along the way.  Success is going from This….

Edited Manuscript

 

 

to THIS….

 

It’s not easy but it’s worth it!

Thanks for Sharing My journey…..3 days and counting….

From The Bottom Up,

 

Toni