Pursuing Your Dream: Finding Your Passion
by Trice Hickman
by Trice Hickman
I'm
blessed. Really and truly blessed! After many years of searching, I've
finally found my passion, which is writing! And it's funny because books
have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember.
I can recall childhood memories of being excited when my parents took my
brother, sister, and me to the Half-Price Bookstore in my small
hometown. That was a real treat for me, better than a toy or even candy!
Books were treasured gems and I loved them. My thirst for the written
word grew as I matured.
But for years and years, when I’d try to write I'd come down with the dreaded “writer's block.” It was terrible, and I couldn't move beyond a few pages. I began a frustrating cycle...I'd try to write, nothing would happen, so I'd pick up a book and start reading. After several months would pass I'd try to write again, but the writer's block would return, so I'd pick up another book and continue my reading. That process went on for years. Then, one day it all changed. I’d been laid off from my job and was feeling low. As I started my search for new employment, I decided that I needed to look for something that would give me real enjoyment. My mind instantly took me to my love of books and my desire to one day write a novel. With a new found sense of purpose and direction, I sat down in front of my computer and started writing. I wrote all day and all night. By the next morning I'd written 30 pages, and the first chapter of my first novel, Unexpected Interruptions, was born.
The next step—I had to figure out how to get my book published. I began submitting my manuscript to literary agents and publishers, but they all turned me down. ALL of them! Still, I was determined to make my dream come true. I did my research (which was painstaking, but necessary), formed my own publishing company, Platinum Books, and published Unexpected Interruptions, myself. The book went on to garner praise from literary reviewers and readers across the country, win several literary awards, and make several bestsellers lists. I self-published two additional novels, Keeping Secrets & Telling Lies, and Playing the Hand You’re Dealt, which were both received with equal praise in the literary marketplace. After achieving these milestones, a major publisher offered me a book contract and the rest is history. I’m currently working on my next book and I’m enjoying every minute of it! Oh, and did I mention that upon its re-release, Unexpected Interruptions, the same book that everyone initially rejected, received a starred review from Publisher’s Weekly!
When I think back over all those years of wondering when or if I'd ever find my passion, I have to smile because what I’ve come to realize is that my passion was right in front of me…I just couldn't see it. I had allowed fear to intercept my passion. I’d always loved reading and writing, but because I had trouble completing more than a few pages, I became discouraged. But despite my frustration, I never gave up, and I always came back to books and my love for the written word. And when the time was right, I was able to realize my dream and find my passion.
If there is something that you keep coming back to, even in the face of frustration and seeming failure, take a closer look. It just might be your passion...looking for you, waiting for you to claim it!
About the Author
Trice Hickman is an award winning, bestselling author of contemporary fiction. Her love of reading and words led her to become a writer. Determined to have her voice heard, Trice self-published three novels before signing a book deal with Kensington (Dafina Books), who will re-release her original works. Trice is currently writing her next novel, and in her spare time she enjoys cooking, reading, home improvement projects, and traveling. Visit her website for more details on her books and upcoming tour schedule at: www.tricehickman.com
But for years and years, when I’d try to write I'd come down with the dreaded “writer's block.” It was terrible, and I couldn't move beyond a few pages. I began a frustrating cycle...I'd try to write, nothing would happen, so I'd pick up a book and start reading. After several months would pass I'd try to write again, but the writer's block would return, so I'd pick up another book and continue my reading. That process went on for years. Then, one day it all changed. I’d been laid off from my job and was feeling low. As I started my search for new employment, I decided that I needed to look for something that would give me real enjoyment. My mind instantly took me to my love of books and my desire to one day write a novel. With a new found sense of purpose and direction, I sat down in front of my computer and started writing. I wrote all day and all night. By the next morning I'd written 30 pages, and the first chapter of my first novel, Unexpected Interruptions, was born.
The next step—I had to figure out how to get my book published. I began submitting my manuscript to literary agents and publishers, but they all turned me down. ALL of them! Still, I was determined to make my dream come true. I did my research (which was painstaking, but necessary), formed my own publishing company, Platinum Books, and published Unexpected Interruptions, myself. The book went on to garner praise from literary reviewers and readers across the country, win several literary awards, and make several bestsellers lists. I self-published two additional novels, Keeping Secrets & Telling Lies, and Playing the Hand You’re Dealt, which were both received with equal praise in the literary marketplace. After achieving these milestones, a major publisher offered me a book contract and the rest is history. I’m currently working on my next book and I’m enjoying every minute of it! Oh, and did I mention that upon its re-release, Unexpected Interruptions, the same book that everyone initially rejected, received a starred review from Publisher’s Weekly!
When I think back over all those years of wondering when or if I'd ever find my passion, I have to smile because what I’ve come to realize is that my passion was right in front of me…I just couldn't see it. I had allowed fear to intercept my passion. I’d always loved reading and writing, but because I had trouble completing more than a few pages, I became discouraged. But despite my frustration, I never gave up, and I always came back to books and my love for the written word. And when the time was right, I was able to realize my dream and find my passion.
If there is something that you keep coming back to, even in the face of frustration and seeming failure, take a closer look. It just might be your passion...looking for you, waiting for you to claim it!
About the Author
Trice Hickman is an award winning, bestselling author of contemporary fiction. Her love of reading and words led her to become a writer. Determined to have her voice heard, Trice self-published three novels before signing a book deal with Kensington (Dafina Books), who will re-release her original works. Trice is currently writing her next novel, and in her spare time she enjoys cooking, reading, home improvement projects, and traveling. Visit her website for more details on her books and upcoming tour schedule at: www.tricehickman.com
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