Is Your Dream Sitting on a Shelf?

As I sit here with tears rolling down my face, I'm overwhelmed with the happenings of the past 48 hours.

Let me take you back to last Monday. As I looked at the week ahead, the Indiana Writers Workshop was looming and I was not prepared. I was supposed to pitch two literary agents for two different books I'm writing. I was so tired I considered not going. Then I told myself I would go, but wing the pitches. No creating one-pagers with my book synopsis and bio and no prep. I didn't have the energy.

Fast forward to Thursday and after a meeting with my writing coach Bethany and a massage to relax and clear my mind, I knew I couldn't miss this opportunity. I stayed up until 11:00p.m. working on my one-pagers. I was up early Friday morning to start my research I would need to have prepared for the agents. After work on Friday I made additional edits, scurried to Staples to make copies and then came home to continue my research. I passed out at 10:30p.m.

I stumbled out of bed at 3:30a.m. to again to continue my research, make note cards and record my pitches so I could listen and memorize on the way to Indianapolis. I quickly showered, dressed and packed. I was on the road by 5:00a.m and I arrived in plenty of time to chat with several other writers. What an eclectic and entertaining group of people.

I was so nervous, but I knew I was prepared. What's that saying... "Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity?" – Seneca

I knew I didn't have to have everything memorized because what I needed was on my one-pager. I also had a deliverable to give to the agent, if you she would take it. It showed her I was serious!

I wasn't sure what to expect. Each pitch was ten minutes with an agent. My coach was setting proper expectations for me so I wouldn't feel bad if I was rejected. Rejection happens a lot at pitch sessions. Everything I was reading said to be prepared with questions about the industry because if you pitch for a minute and they say no, you don't want sit through nine minutes of awkward silence. Also, the agent probably won't take anything you have prepared, so don't get your hopes up.

I'm happy to report, both pitches went very well and both agents asked me to follow-up with a proposal. Whew!!!

I have a long way to go, but I passed the first hurdle. As I was driving home, I thought about how the day transpired and could have ended differently.

Do you have dream that is sitting on a shelf? If so, decide how important that dream is to you. Evaluate how you are currently spending your time. What sacrifices are you willing to make?

Even if my books never get published, it won't be because I didn't give 100% effort. It won't be because I didn't put in the time required to make things I happen. I won't have regrets.

In a year from now will you regret wasting another year away or will you look back and say, "I have come so far?"

I not only pursue my dreams but I love helping others accomplish their BIG DREAMS. Comment below your big dream or DM me with how I can help!

I want you to look back a year from now and say...WOW I'm doing this. I'm living an extraordinary life!

Blessings,
Stephanie