 | 7 Sep 09 |
First off, thanks so much for welcoming me to Murder She Writes as a guest blogger. I’m honored to be able to share my debut release excitement with such a fabulous group of writers.
Follow Your Dreams
I had a different post written and ready to go when I realized that the day it would be posted — today — would have been my brother’s fifty-second birthday. That gave me pause, because my older brother was my inspiration and he passed away ten years ago this month.
Annette McCleave
My brother was a gifted man—bright and capable and visionary. He gazed up at the stars, thrived in nature, and reveled in the sheer physicality of life. He had the same curiosity children have and expressed a similar, uninhibited joy at new discoveries. His patience was incredible—he could easily spend an hour coaxing a chipmunk to take a peanut from his hand or waiting for a family of deer to venture from the shadows to visit the feeder. He never walked past a homeless person without offering a dollar, even if it was his last one. Helping others was a huge part of who he was, and at various times in his life, he served as a lifeguard, a ski patroller, and a volunteer for the Coast Guard. He wasn’t perfect by any means, but if there’s one thing that could be said about him, it’s that he defined the word potential. Possibility radiated from him.
Unfortunately, my brother died before he could realize his full potential. Oh, he did a lot with the time he had, but some of the things he wanted to experience never happened—like finding the girl of his dreams and getting married. The usual roadblocks, like finding himself and making ends meet, got in the way and his time ran out.
It’s terribly easy to lose sight of your dreams. Behind such weighty words as responsibilities, mortgage, and promotion, they can disappear from view. Mine certainly did. And time. Where do we find the time to do frivolous things like chase dreams? The lawn needs mowing, kids need help with their homework, and the boss is demanding more every day.
September 1, 2009
Because of my brother, I took a good hard look at the outward trappings of my supposedly successful life … and then I looked inward. Because of him, I found the discipline to rise an hour earlier each morning and do what I’d always longed to do—write. Because of him, I finished my first romance manuscript and submitted it. Because of him, I not only acknowledged my dreams, I pursued them. And this month, my boldest of dreams came true—with the arrival of Drawn into Darkness on store shelves, I became a published author.
Would chasing my dreams have been worthwhile if I’d never gotten published? Yes. Absolutely. Because the struggle to reach my dreams has been much more satisfying than any promotion I ever received, and I’ve passed down the one lesson I hope my daughter will never forget: Follow Your Dreams.
There is nothing like a dream to create the future. — Victor Hugo
I’m offering up a copy of Drawn into Darkness to one random commenter today, so tell me what your biggest inspiration has been. A special person? An enlightening event? Or did the inspiration come from within? I’d love to hear.
p.s. This is also a stop on my “Cross into Darkness” blog tour, so feel free to visit my website at www.annettemccleave.com for a chance to win the tour grand prize. If you’ve been following the tour from the beginning, here’s the clue….
Murder She Writes clue: Home to the Campbells responsible for the Glencoe Massacre
© 2009, Sylvia Day. All rights reserved.
Sylvia Day is the national bestselling, award-winning author of seventeen novels. A wife and mother of two, she is a former Russian linguist for the U.S. Army Military Intelligence. In addition to her novels, she's written numerous novellas and short stories for both print and electronic-original release. Sylvia's work has been called an "exhilarating adventure" by Publishers Weekly and "wickedly entertaining" by Booklist. Her stories have been translated into Russian, Japanese, Portuguese, German, Czech, Italian, and Thai. She's been honored with the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award, the EPPIE award, the National Readers' Choice Award, and multiple finalist nominations for Romance Writers of America's prestigious RITA Award of Excellence.
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For me inspiration is my 5 children and husband of 19 years.
by HollyD September 7th, 2009 at 6:32 amHi
by RKCharron September 7th, 2009 at 7:14 amThank you for sharing your inspirational story Annette.
My inspiration are my three children as well as authors, such as yourself.
All the best to you and yours,
@RKCharron
xoxo
Happy Labor Day! Anyone doing a BBQ?
19 years married is an inspiration on it’s own, HollyD! Congrats. I came from a family of 5 kids. Ah, the stories I could tell.
RK — All the best to you as well. Kids provide us with so much in return, don’t they?
by Annette McCleave September 7th, 2009 at 8:03 amMy family has always been my biggest inspiration. My parents always told us we could do anything we wanted to do. As I watch my younger brother live his dream of being a stage actor, it helps me to keep believing my dreams can come true too.
by Liza September 7th, 2009 at 8:03 amLiza — I can see how that would be inspiring. He must be equally inspired by you.
by Annette McCleave September 7th, 2009 at 10:13 amMy inspiration is music and my friends and family.
by Jeanette Juan September 7th, 2009 at 3:41 pmWhat a wonderful post. I’m sorry about you brother. Loosing someone is always hard, but when they are young, you also loose what they would have been. My mom died at 47 and never got to see her children married or her grandchildren. We never got to be friends as adults.
by Patricia Barraclough September 7th, 2009 at 6:32 pmAs a high school student I was inspired by President Kennedy to join the Peace Corps. I was also raised to share and help those who needed it. There were many things my mother wanted to do and never got the chance. I was the oldest of 6 children born pretty close together. She wanted to paint and had some talent but no time. I’ve decided to do what is important to me and what I enjoy. I loved the Peace Corps. I have volunteered extensively. My husband and I enjoy many of the same things and a similar view of life (his dad died at 46). We have taken advantage of every opportunity that has passed our way and exposed our children to as many learning experiences as we could. My husband was in the Air Force and each assignment opened another door for exploration. There is so much out there to experience and I plan to do as much of it as I can.
Jeanette — Yes, music can be incredibly inspiring! The right piece can move me to tears with amazing ease, and I often find inspiration in lyrics.
Patricia — Kudos to you for taking Kennedy’s words to heart and for grabbing at the other opportunities that have come your way! Hugs on the early loss of your mother–that’s never easy. Thank you for sharing.
by Annette McCleave September 8th, 2009 at 1:17 amMy two children are a big inspiration as is my husband. They are always wanting me to do things for myself since I am always doing so much for them.
Nora Roberts is one among many of the authors that inspire me as well. The philosphy of putting your butt in the chair and write shows that as long as you work at it you will accomplish it.
Thanks so much for sharing with us the story of your brother.
by Leslee September 8th, 2009 at 4:12 amLeslee — I’m glad you have such a terrific and supportive family. And I second the inspiration that is Nora Roberts. Just awesome.
by Annette McCleave September 8th, 2009 at 10:17 amAnnette, what an awesome story! I am so, so happy to see you realizing your dream!
by Debra Webb September 8th, 2009 at 7:31 amThanks, Debra! It’s pretty big thrill to see that first book on the shelf, I must say.
by Annette McCleave September 8th, 2009 at 10:19 amMost definitely my parents. They have inspired me to be the person I am now. Their love and marriage inspired my search for that same harmony and love in my future spouse (and I am lucky to say I found it). My father’s compassion and goodness and my mother’s perseverance and strength are things that inspire me every day in my life.
by Pearl September 8th, 2009 at 8:12 amMy only regret is that my father didn’t live long enough to see the woman I have become today because of his guidance and love.
Hi Pearl! I empathize with your story of your dad’s passing–parents always want to see their kids succeed. I’m sure he knows what wonderful things you’ve accomplished.
by Annette McCleave September 8th, 2009 at 10:21 amfantastic story. Book looks like a great read.
My greatest inspiration was my mother.
by Judy Cox September 8th, 2009 at 8:15 amThanks, Judy! Nothing beats Mom in the nurturing department.
by Annette McCleave September 8th, 2009 at 10:22 amMy greatest inspiration was my oldest daughter, Kiera. She was only 5 when we lost her due to complications from her 2nd bone marrow transplant. This child was blind from birth and had so many medical problems, but she stayed happy and fun up until she was no longer conscious. She was so spiritual. even as a toddler. She loved going to church and while she was in the hospital for 8 months, her greatest joy was getting the cassette tape of the prior week’s church service. She kept me focused and filled with faith, which enabled me to survive her passing. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of her and smile.
by Lisa Guertin September 8th, 2009 at 8:24 amLisa, I’m sorry for your devastating loss. Children truly are God’s gift and I’m glad you have such loving memories. Thank you for sharing a piece of Kiera’s life with us.
by Annette McCleave September 8th, 2009 at 11:19 amWhat a great story about inspiration. There have been a lot of different people who have inspired me so far in my life. Probably the biggest inspiration, though, has come from my mother. It’s not so much what she has done, but what she has done for me. She has always been there encouraging me to go for my dreams and I’m not sure I would have done as much as I have without her there to cheer me on. Now it’s just about managing my time so I can go what I want.
by Karin September 8th, 2009 at 9:26 amKarin — Your mom sounds like a wonderful cheerleader and role model. Lucky you!
by Annette McCleave September 8th, 2009 at 11:25 amThis was a really great question. My inspiration i would have 2 say came on may levels. As a child I had my big bro who would take me fishing for hour long you can be whoever you want to be talks. As I grew older it was my granny who pushed me to do better than i thought i could do. Now its my children and the want 2 do my best for them. I’m very sorry for the loss of your loved one but maybe his purposee was just to be an inspiration 2 others:)
by jennifer mathis September 8th, 2009 at 9:40 amA big bro who likes to take his sister on fishing trips? That rocks. As parents, we’re also very fortunate to get as much from our kids as they give to us.
by Annette McCleave September 8th, 2009 at 11:28 amHi Annette, I am so sorry you lost your brother “too soon”. I lost both of my brothers 2 years apart both at 55.
by Carol L. September 8th, 2009 at 12:12 pmMy youngest daughter ended up being my biggest inspiration because of all she endored at the age of 7. She was hospitalized for one year for extensive chemotherapy for Osteo-sarcoma (Bone cancer) in her right shoulder. As I watched her endure so much at such a young age and continue to be a happy little girl in spite of: I can tell you she taught me quite a lesson in survival and dealing with everything One Day at A Time. She is doing so well today and is in total remission and goes to drama school to follow her dream of acting on stage. She’s the baby of my 7 children. Thank you for sharing Annette and congrats and much success in all your writing.
Carol L.
Lucky4750@aol.com
Carol — I am constantly amazed by children and their ability to deal with hardship. So glad to hear that your daughter is healthy now.
by Annette McCleave September 8th, 2009 at 12:53 pmAnnette, it’s stories like yours that help inspire me to better myself and make that extra effort to be the person I want to be. The rest of my inspiration comes from my 3 year old son. I want to be the best version of me, for him.
by Sharon M September 8th, 2009 at 5:17 pmSharon — Thanks! Three is such a great age. Have fun–they grow up so fast.
by Annette McCleave September 9th, 2009 at 2:47 amMy kids inspire me to keep on keeping on. Some days, you just want to give up and they make it worthwhile.
Deidre
by Deidre September 8th, 2009 at 7:26 pmDeidre — I’m with you. Every time I look at my daughter I’m reminded how important it is to follow my dreams. Best of luck to you!
by Annette McCleave September 9th, 2009 at 2:52 amThanks to the ladies at Murder She Writes for a wonderful visit, and thanks to all of you who stopped by to comment! I enjoyed your company. I hope you all see your dreams fulfilled.
by Annette McCleave September 9th, 2009 at 2:54 am