As most of you know, I wrote for Harlequin Books for 20 years before
becoming a proud Independent Author. I've written over 30 romance and
women's fiction novels that have sold over 3.5 million copies worldwide. I'm proud to say my
books have won awards and made best-seller lists. Below is the story I
contributed to the anthology
Indie
Chicks: 25 Independent Women, 25 Inspiring Stories. I hope readers will buy a copy of this book because all proceeds will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Foundation to forward the fight against breast cancer.
Stepping Into The
Light
I sit in the back row, shoulders
rounded, knees jumping, my left thumb rubbing a raw spot in the center of my
right palm. The sad and lonely sufferings being expressed in the dank,
dimly-lit basement are all too real and much too close for comfort. I glance at
the door and contemplate escape, but it's too late. All eyes are upon me. I
hesitate only a moment before standing on quaking legs, clearing my throat
softly and confessing, "My name is Donna. I'm a writer. And I need to come
out of the closet because it's dark in here."
Twenty years ago, had there been a
group called Writers Anonymous, I would have attended faithfully, pouring out
my heart at the weekly meetings. You see, for the couple of years that I spent
writing my first novel, I told almost no one what I was doing. My husband knew;
in fact, he's the reason I even attempted what felt like the insurmountable
task of plotting out and finishing that first book. He's also the reason I
ended up in this glorious, chaotic, roller-coaster life I've lived as an author;
however, that's a story for another day. But when I first started scratching
words on a yellow legal pad with a no. 2 pencil (there's nothing else that
stirs my creativity more than the feel of graphite gliding against paper), I
didn't tell a single family member or friend.
Why would I keep my dreams and
aspirations such a tightly guarded secret?
I would hazard to guess the answer
is the same reason anyone else hides things that could have life-altering
potential: fear.
What if I failed? What if I had no
talent? What if I didn't possess the perseverance to finish that first
manuscript?
The mere thought of the snide
remarks, tittering laughter and looks of skepticism and ridicule I might receive
were enough to keep me silent. My imagination has always been strong, and I
easily saw the scenes play out in my head.
So
you think you're going to write a book, huh?
But
you didn't go to college.
A
romance novel? Really?
If
you're going to try to write, why not write a real book? You know, like a
mystery or a thriller; something someone is going to want to read.
My ability to conjure fantasy has
always been a blessing and a bane. When reading a book or listening to someone
tell a story or imagining repercussions of actions, visions will take shape in
my head. Situations feel real, characters become corporal, while my stirred
emotions brim and often overflow. Needless to say, Hallmark commercials make me
cry. While powerful creativity is a great and necessary trait for a writer who
is intent on concocting a compelling tale, it can become crippling if that
writer is too focused on the opinions of others.
However, I also have to confess
that keeping that first novel-writing dream all to myself charged me with a
vibrant energy. I was excited to get my story down on paper. Seeing my plot
unfold was absolutely thrilling! Creating my characters was fun. And the fact
that no one knew about my clandestine efforts gave me a huge amount of freedom.
No one told me I was doing it all wrong; no one suggested I could never reach
my goal.
In defense of all the people I kept
in the dark all those years ago, I have to admit that most of them were delighted
and supportive when I finally divulged that my first manuscript had been
purchased by a bona fide publisher. Oh, there was a scoffer or two, and I
continue to meet them; you know the type, people who can't be happy for others
or who feel another's success somehow diminishes his or her own self-worth, but
I've learned to deal with those people (working with New
York City editors forces a writer to grow a thick skin
pretty quickly). I merely smile and think about the slew of books I've sold and
the fan mail I've received from all over the world.
Those scoffers seem to have come
out of the woodwork now that I've reinvented myself as an Indie Author. But
venturing into this new arena couldn't have happened at a better point in my
life. I'm confident in my ability to tell a good story. I'm more than satisfied
with the career I've had, and have no trouble imagining even more success in
the future. I saw tangible proof when two of my books made it onto Kindle's Top
100 List. I'm happy with who I've become as a writer and as a person. If my
work receives less-than-flattering feedback from a reader, I might not like it,
but I also realize it's not the end of the world; I've learned that I can't
please all readers all the time. I love the creative freedom I have as an
independent author. I can allow my muse to take me wherever it will. I'm terrifically
grateful that there are readers out there who are willing to buy my novels.
Every time I read a good review of one of my books I want to (and do!) kiss my
husband for suggesting I take a stab at this profession (it's a habit that's been
very good for my marriage).
So… what's my point? Well, don't
let the negative opinions of others keep you from dreaming, for one thing. Most
of the scary thoughts that run through your head will never happen, and the few
that do materialize can be dealt with. You're stronger than you think. Don't
allow fear to paralyze you. Aspire to be and do whatever it is you want to be
and do. Be kind to yourself; you deserve the same compassion and concern that
you offer others. And most importantly, know that your dreams matter. Indulge
them. Reach for the stars! I did, and I'm still astounded that I snagged a
few.
~ ~ ~
I love to hear from readers! Ways to connect with me:
A few of my available titles:
Look for other available titles on Amazon, Barnes &
Noble, and Smashwords.
According to The Journal of Sex Research and Psychological Bulletin, women who read romance novels or
erotica enjoy 74% more sex with their partners than women who don't. It turns
out that women are fantastic at fantasizing, and suggestive reading material
helps them to do so more intensely and more realistically. The report goes on
to say that these woman not only have more sex, but they have better sex that
includes playful and experimental behavior (such as playing naked tag when the
kids aren't home…not that I've ever done anything like that, mind you…I was
merely offering an example). 
