You Just Never Know

A few years ago, I joined a writing group on Facebook called 'Writing Fiction.' It was the first writing group for me, and finding kindred spirits was soul-stirring. I connected with some cool ass people and I didn't feel like a square peg anymore because I was surrounded by square pegs.

     But (I know a sentence shouldn't start with "but"; shrugs), shit went left when the creator of the group (who hadn't been involved in the group at all!), had his personal assistant post a "cease and desist" message because he didn't like the newly appointed administrators (in his loooooong absence), and the direction the group was flowing towards. So we left (following the people I liked) and the group 'Fiction Writing' was born.

      Connections were made, ties became binding, and every day I learned something new. A challenge was issued to write a story about a journey of some kind for an anthology produced by Scout Media. I shrugged it off, because I had nothing for it.

       Funny thing happened one night as I was sipping and chilling; I had an idea. I scribbled it out, and sent it off to Scout Media... even though it was a first draft. Rookie mistake. Oops. I have (had!) the tendency to fall in love with first drafts.

        I received a message a few weeks later consisting of a giant middle finger. Perplexed, I waited for an explanation. The guy at Scout Media (also the founder of Fiction Writing and one of the "cool kids"), said he sent the middle finger because my story made him cry. 😁

        My story made the book, which was a huge victory, morale boost, and pat on the back. A few weeks later, the guy, Brian Paone, revealed the cover, and to my surprise, delight, and honor, my name was on the cover. I was at work at the time, and I pulled my work truck over and called my Mama to tell her the news.

        I told her everything that had happened, and then I confessed to her that my only goal in life "was to make her proud of me." Yeah, we cried buckets at that confession. 

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        The story was a hit, as was the book 'A Journey of Words.' I gained new fans, new friends, and a growing determination to become a better writer and student of my craft. 

         My author's copy of 'A Journey of Words' is a constant companion on my trips and traveling adventures. Why? Because that book is a tie and a bond to other talented writers (see how I said "other?"). If I'm in the vicinity of where they live, I meet them and have them autograph my copy of the book. I'm racking up signatures. 

       'A Journey of Words' was my first traditionally published story. It was released two years ago today. Since then, I've been published in magazines, at least seven other anthologies, and I recently signed a five year book deal with a publisher. Things are kind of taking off for me, and I'm a bit nervous and scared. It's really happening.

        I pinch myself to remind me that I might not be on this journey if my story hadn't been accepted into 'A Journey of Words.' All of this might not have happened for me if I hadn't honed my craft with 'Fiction Writing.' Humbled and thankful for everything.

      Oh, and the book 'AJOW' is a great read, full of great short stories and authors. I'm glad that I once stepped out on a limb and joined a writing group.

Peace...