Today’s guest post is by Kath Unsworth! Her website can be found at the bottom.
We all have dreams. How do we make them real?
DREAM BUSTING
For many years I daydreamed about writing stories. I took an online novel writing class and read every book I could find on the craft of writing.
I began writing a novel with no real idea of what would be a long, drawn out learning experience. This was many years ago. I then put that half story away and started a new idea. To say that I have about four stories in different stages of completion would be an understatement.
I have enjoyed the journey and its many lessons thus far. Through my ignorance, it is safe to say I am still learning and still writing. I might not have attempted this passion if I knew back then the nature of a writer and all that is involved.
Yet I realized something: I could never go a day without writing. It has changed my world, my thoughts on who I want to write for, and it has enriched my life.
PUSHING THROUGH the FOG
I guess there comes a turning point that you must accept you are a writer. I must write no matter what. Accepting that is not easy. the work is challenging and a lonely obsession at times.
I wrote a manifesto about being fabulously flawed as a writer (download it free on my site), and it helped me see through the haze of self-doubt, fear of rejection, and the strange looks of doubt people throw your way when you tell them you are writing novels.
My full evolution as a writer only took place recently. After discovering this brilliant community in the blogging world, my hopes and dreams turned into actual goals, solid as a mountain. Imagine if I worked hard enough I could produce something that someone out there may wish to read.
KEEPING it REAL
Things became even clearer when I joined the Jeff Goins Tribe/writers community. I have not looked back. At the start of the year I was struggling to finish my tween novel. I took a step sideways and realized that everyone loved my picture book ideas. The feed back was astounding.
My goals are now heading in a new direction. I am hard at work on Sugar, my picture book. Being a graphic artist and illustrator has assisted me in designing, writing, and now illustrating this book about a calf who is a little different. I have no doubt that I will finish it. Besides having my cheerleading squad at home, I now enjoy the support of my blogging community to use as my test crash dummies (not so dumb, mostly brilliant) for my story ideas. Not forgetting the vast and talented members of the tribe/writers who keep me focused and grounded to my writing chair. (Sadly, my kitchen table).
I know it’s a slow process, but I am not in a race, and if I keep going I will eventually get there. My other novels will also see the light of day.
DREAM BIG and WORK HARD
If you have a dream, make it your reality by simply taking the first step and JUST start. You learn through the process by doing.
I would like to thank Amber for giving me this opportunity in sharing her writing space and hope you enjoyed my rant today. You can find me over at
http://kathunsworth.wordpress.com/
Come over and say hello.
amberskyeforbes.wordpress.com 
I enjoyed this post. You are either a writer or you are not. I write because I have to write. Writer’s get it, all understood. It is very comforting to build a community that supports each other and the internet was necessary to birth blogging into being.
peace, Linda
Thank you Linda for your comment I love this community and appreciate you taking the time to read.
Great post. I think it’s amazing that you’re a graphic artist and illustrator too. That must make things easier for you when getting a book ready to publish.
Hey Charles, Im a bit old school with the graphic design as I have retired from that field and if you don’t keep up with the latest software etc. I am lucky to have two sisters who are also graphic designers and they are still working so I find there feedback invaluable. Yes when I do eventually have my first picture book including illustrations ready, I will call on their talents, rather than rely on my rustic memory. Thanks for reading appreciate the comments.
“Yet I realized something: I could never go a day without writing. It has changed my world, my thoughts on who I want to write for, and it has enriched my life…”
Your words is my in inspiration to follow my dreams, dancing on the waves of life…which is easier than on the ‘tips of my toes’, I think.
Thanks Patricia it is what it is I guess, my passion and I gladly share this journey with you along the way.
Kath,
Enjoyed the post and how you described your journey. I could read how your confidence grew as others reflected the talent you displayed in your writing. I’m excited to see what your picture book will look like and the joy others will have in reading it. Good post.
Anne thanks I am amazed how my confidence has grown from someone not contemplating publishing yet. To someone now geared to go at it and live the dream. Thanks to all my fellow supporters such as you and Patricia.
Dream Big and Work Hard. Words to live by! Thanks, Kath, for an inspiring post.
Thanks jennifer appreciate your visit
Thanks for this lovely post Kath! I can definitely relate to yearning to be a writer but having something inexplicable holding you (me!) back! Sometimes I think its because writing means so much that it’s scary to take the first step & try!
All the best with “Sugar” – can’t wait to see it in print! 😀
Hey Sarah thanks for the encouragement Yes writing is a little daunting and so is putting my illustrations out there, but I must and I bet you will eventually write that book I have no doubt about that.