Friday, February 22, 2013

We Were Meant to Be Awesome



I've been thinking a lot lately about what I want to be when I grow up. My degree is in American Sign Language. As such, I worked as an ASL Interpreter for a number of years. I've since gone down a different path and although I don't interpret anymore, I consider my years as an interpreter as some of the best years of my life.

In 2006, I started exploring writing. Two thousand seven, I was fortunate enough to land in Orson Scott Card's Literary Boot Camp. There I met other writers who are still my friends today. Outside of my immediate family, the people I care most about are the members of my critique group.

I don't write full time, not yet, but about three weeks ago, I achieved a goal: I published my first book. I bill myself as a writer of contemporary fantasy & horror. Imagine my surprise when my first book is traditional fantasy.



I'm really happy with how it turned out. It's got all the elements that, as a reader, I enjoy. Joss Whedon would approve, I think; the story has a total kick-a** female protagonist. Now, I've got to finish book two--a good problem to have.

As I consider the road that led to where I am today, I ask the question: What am I meant to be? An interpreter? A writer? A . . .

A friend of mine, Robison Wells, recently wrote an article on mental illness: Understanding Panic Disorder, Agoraphobia, and OCD. He explains how his life changed from Business/MBA/Marketing professional to awesome author who happens to have a mental illness. He gives a unique perspective that many more people need to read. It got me thinking, and I took it to a bit of an extreme--did he need panic disorder, agoraphobia, and OCD in order to change his life path and become what he was meant to be? Is it a fair trade off?

Then I decided--no. I think all we're meant to be is awesome.

Thanks for that lesson, Rob.

Now, let's go forth and be what we were meant to be.




4 comments:

Luisa Perkins said...

As Rob would say, "Agreed."

Jenny Moore said...

You are awesome! Isn't it funny how we're still trying to grow up?

The Damsel In Dis Dress said...

Have you seen that "Drops of Awesome" blog post circulating the internet?

Thanks for being one of my best friends. What an honor for me.

Notes Along the Way with Mary Montague Sikes said...

Good luck with your book.

I've nominated your blog for the Liebster award. If you have time, please drop by and pick up the award.

All the best,
Monti
Mary Montague Sikes


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