We are all writers and we each have our own stories. But there are those of use that have dreamed of becoming a writer and having a book published. We have seriously envisioned seeing our name on a book, become so excited, only to be brought down by publishing disappointments and rejection. I, like so many others, have an extensive collection of rejection letters on beautiful stationary from top publishers, as well as the NASCAR corproate offices; okay, that one is a little more painful to admit! But I have a tendency and a reputation of being stubborn and persevering, working on the if your glass is half full, not empty, theory, so I would continue to write, but only for my children and myself.
Now when I say my children, I must clarify, I have several thousand! Seriously, I have been privileged to have taught and served as a guidance counselor for many in the elementary school world. This really would be thousands of kids throughout North and South Carolina. Sometimes they still run up to me in various stores and restaurants, testing my name recall memory. There are those thousands as well as the few who live in my house and call me "mom". To veer away from the negative publishing letters was really pretty easy with a quick re-focus on life and with all these kids, it was easy to find a way to occupy my time and cover the bruises. The stories however, did keep developing inside my head and the desire to write never weakened through it all.
My sweet family, friends, children and students were my captors, my audience. They simply had no choice! I would read my unpublished stories to them and write stories specifically to fit their needs. Although I still created and read my stories, the desire to be published did take a back-burner in my mind. I had more important duties at hand and looking back, I am glad that I put those "other" duties first.
But now begins yet another chapter in my life! Isn't it just amazing how things really do time out just as they should?
A wonderful friend, Amanda Clark, encouraged me to pick up where I left off. Furthermore, Amanda happened to be the owner of a Literary Consultancy, Grammar Chic, Inc. and offered her assistance in the process. I literally have been able to dust off my floppy disks and begin anew. It has been a thrilling experience seeing these old friends again, full of memories, from chapters of my past filled with vivid reminders of challenges, successes, tears, and time well spent. I am thilled to begin the publication of many of these stories.
The stubborn nature does have its benefits! It is also safe to assume that I would strongly encourage anyone else who has a story to tell to take the time to bring them to life.
I want to thank you for your time reading with me! I look forward to sharing my "old friends" and stories with you. You may look for me online at ZimmerAuthorWorks.com or become a fan on Facebook. I hope to see you there and I hope that my stories and books bring you as much joy as they have brought to me!
