When people asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I would confidently smile, and tell them "a writer". My dream has always been to be published at 25, and to motivate and inspire the world through my writing. The responses that I would get after revealing my goal were nothing short of, "oh, good luck with that." After a while, I started to believe that maybe getting published was too hard. That maybe, I needed to do something else. I changed my major several times throughout college, and at the beginning of this year I started to study for the LSAT to go to law school. After I realized this course was not making me happy, I thought that I'd get my Master's in education, and become a teacher. Still, I felt unfullfilled.
Four months ago, I was hit hard with the realization that I turn 25 at the end of this year, and I need to publish a novel. I FINALLY put all of the doubts that I had aside, and realized that I CAN and WILL do it. I started this blog to keep me motivated, and to have a creative outlet. That simple step has opened many doors for me, and starting today, I AM SELF-EMPLOYED.
I am excited, nervous, and thrilled beyond any explanation I could possibly try to give. I have been waiting for this moment for years, and it feels surreal to have it be happening. Next week, I GRADUATE. And I'm graduating in a major that I chose because it is what I'm passionate about: English. This summer will be spent building up The Shine Project, and finishing two novels I have been working on. I think I am in dream land.
I have learned, that when people know THEY can't accomplish something because it's too hard for them, they tell you that it's going to be too hard for you too. I'm excited to share my stories of trial, success, frustration, and learning with you. Am I still scared to death of being rejected? Am I still scared to death of never being published? Of course. But this time, my desire to succeed far outweighs any negative thoughts or comments that people give me.
BOOMCHACALACA!
(it's what we say in my family when we get excited. embrace it.)
33 comments:
It is scary. I'm coming into the final editing stages of my novel and the thought of agent after agent rejecting my queries, never asking for more pages, almost makes me want to NOT try. But I will be damned if fear holds me back in the end.
You CAN do it! You are a great, inspiring writer and I don't have one doubt that you'll be published! Oh, and we must be soul sisters, because we say boomchacalaca in my house too...though my son can only say boomchaca, lol!It's too cute :)
You can do it. Oh gosh yes you can. I feel like I was reading a story about myself. We have such similar stories you and I. I can't wait to read about your journey. You will be amazing :) xo
I love you Ash! You can totally do it! And if your book is anything like this blog, it will go far and beyond your expectations! ;)
This is such an exciting time for you! You can do it and I can't wait to hear all about your new adventures!!
You will be amazing!!
You can do anything you want... the biggest stumbling block is our minds... the doubt that creeps in.
You inspire each and everyone of us to shine... You shine bright and we're all support you!
Much love, Bailey from Vanilla Blonde
xx
This is so exciting! Your positive outlook will carry you through any doubts. I can't wait to read your novels!
ok, we totally say boomchacalaca too!!! love this!!! and girl... don't ever let anyone tell you you can't. and if they slip by and do? just tell them, no? watch me! I have faith you will succeed. keep on shinin on.
Love this post! Super inspiring! I have no doubt you'll succeed : )
You go, girl! I believe in you too! Congratulations on graduating (I'm done in a couple weeks too! eep!) and on doing what you love! You're an inspiration and we're all rooting for you!
Love this!!!!
Givin what you have done with Shine in such a short period of time, I have no doubts that you will be wildly successful as a published writer. Kudos to you for having the guts to chase your dream and make it happen!
love this it made me feel so good! and so proud of you girl! can't wait to be reading your novels some day :)
You can do it!! Thanks for inspiring post!
I love that saying above...I am totally reposting it:) I am going through the same thing right now with my business. I am still in shock, freakin' out that I am going for it and wondering why I let all the nay sayers keep me from waiting sooooo long to just go for it??
When its your dreams you know what they are and just need to own and go for it....failure is not an option if you are truly passionate and motivated. I have read your blog from the very beginning and I have to say you and your writing helped inspire me to go for it!!!
Love your blog and you Ash!!! You got this girl!!!!! Congrats!!!
Thank you. MERCI. This post is so inspiring. I love your blog, I love your energy and I love how strong and positive you are. I truly admire you and I can't wait to read your novels :) Bisous !
You can definitely do it. You've got the right attitude. Nothing is better than pursuing your dreams, as scary as it is! :)
congrats on being self employed. and i do believe you can do anything you set your mind to. you are a true inspiration - as i've said often. haha
happy friday girl!
I can't wait to hear all about your adventures of being self-employed.
Congratulations on graduation! I graduate Sunday and know how you feel!!
Graduating is a scary time with thoughts that you now need to do something....truth is, all that happens is you stop doing something! LOL
Follow your dreams and know the difference between needs and wants and all will be okay....
It's scary deciding the errand God gives us sometimes and trying to figure out what feels right and what feels wrong.
You absolutely can do it!!! Look what you have accomplished so far. :)
XO
Good luck with that! JUST KIDDING! If anyone can do it you can! You're amazing! And you lack anything but motivation, which is really the most important when accomplishing ANY goal! YOU CAN DO IT!
Congratulation.... so proud of you!!
And I love your attitude... and in 2 years (when I graduate) I would keep you as an idol to follow!
Thanks for sharing this with your readers and followers!
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Congratulations on graduating! And good luck with your novels...as long as you believe in yourself, there's nothing you won't be able to do!
I say BOOMCHACALACA TOO! fun word to say.
Well I just wanted to let you know that I loved this post.
Thank you so so so much. it has inspired me so so much
I am an art major and a lot of the time I get so discouraged because I feel like I am not good enough. I always think of other majors I could/should be in. But I know I need to be an Art major. I want to be in photography, Fashion, clothing, design. everything. I know I will need to work on it and I know it will be hard cause I am not as advanced in photography as most.
So thank you so so much. I love the quote, what you said, everything.
Congrats on graduation and on the novels. that is AMAZING!
Check us out at...
http://mrmrssorensen.blogspot.com
o! I've seen this quote up on pinterest.com!
i love that website! do you have one?
i seriously think i spend half my day there oooing and awwwing over things i can't ever have and finding fantastic quotes.
<3 Alphabet Soup Style come visit!
just found your blog...love it! congratulations on graduating :)
That quote just gave me chills! Lovely blog!
That quote took my breath away. That was just what I needed today! I admire you for not giving up on your dream. I can't wait to see where this journey takes you! I know it will be inspiring to many!
Just found your blog today. I LOVE this. It's SO true! I have been thinking a lot about this lately. In fact I just barely did a post on my personal blog about this same topic which is really random: savandwren.blogspot.com, if you want to see it. It has a quote that pertains exactly to this! So many people try to knock you down and doubt what you're certain you can do. But then after awhile, you start to doubt yourself too and become less certain, and then after awhile, lose sight of what it was you really wanted. GOOD FOR YOU! I'll buy BOTH your books :) I'm excited to read more of your blog and am now following!
I think most writers go through a period of complete self-doubt where they question the ability to make a living as a writer. Then we all start studying for that dang LSAT. And hopefully the successful ones come back to what we love: WRITING!
Ashely, this speaks to me on so many levels. I feel like you have written the words that I've been feeling... And it's so timely too.
I am about to graduate in 3 weeks with my degree in English after switching things up so many times. I chose that major because it is what I am passionate about. And I'm working now toward finishing and publishing my first book. Can't wait.
Loved this post!!
Emailing you now!
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