Daring to Dream

I was just out of college when I dared to admit to the guy who would eventually become my husband that I wanted to be a writer. "It'll never happen," he said.

Years later, I told him when I started working on my first novel. And he said, "You'll never get published."

When I received my first rejection, he said, "You'll never get published, but I think writing is good therapy for you."

First of all, I didn't realize I needed therapy, so that came as a surprise to me. Second of all, I'd had enough of his negative vibes. "You've never even read what I've written. How can you say that I'll never get published?"

"Oh, I’m sure you're a terrific writer," he said, "but do you know how many people want to get published? The odds are against you."

"Oh, if you're just spouting statistics," I replied, "I'll get published."

Writing and getting published has nothing to do with mathematical formulas. It has to do with the power of dreaming, believing in your characters and your stories, and perseverance. Sure, there are wonderful writers who never will get published, but they keep writing anyway, and they keep trying. I once heard that Dr. Seuss had 58 rejections before he sold.

In Trust Me, Jessica's dream is to be the very best camp counselor ever. When she's paired up with Sean Reed, a guy who's been nothing but trouble, she's determined not to let him stop her from reaching her goal—and that means learning to work with him.

As you're working on your writing, you may run across those who don't believe in your dream the way you do. Don't be discouraged. Obviously, they've never dared to dream a dream as large as yours is. Dreaming big can be scary. But a dream can also be very rewarding when it comes true.

Have you ever had to deal with someone who didn't believe you'd achieve your dream?

Rachel Hawthorne
Author of Thrill Ride