Today’s the day. Covet, my next paranormal romantic suspense, is officially for sale. And as much as I’m thrilled and excited, I’ve had some time to reflect on what this means to me.
I’m feeling bittersweet because I feel like the simple days of writing are now gone. I’ve been told, repeatedly and for years, that this is hard work. That it’s thankless and lonely work, too. That there will be days when I will throw up my hands in frustration because the words just won’t come. That I’ll feel envious, and horribly so, of those who will surpass me and make a success of their writing. That I will experience weeks when I’ll feel like I’m spinning my wheels and not making any progress and that non-writers, no matter how well-meaning, just won’t understand what I’m going through. That this is a business, and to not take rejection personally, and that without a thick skin you will never survive.
My eyes are no longer bright with the eagerness I had sixteen years ago when I set down to write my first story. They’ve seen much in that time, and that innocence is long gone.
My heart is a little more weary than it had once been because life has, in so many ways, changed.
And yet there is a draw. Something that sparks inside me every day when I get up. It’s the thought that this day, like every day, is a new beginning. A place to start fresh. To tell my own story.
And to continue telling the stories that rattle around in my brain.
Because I can’t stop. Because no matter what happens in my life and in the lives of those around me, there’s a part of me, deep down, that can’t let go. It’s the part of me that has to write as much as I have to breathe.
It’s the part that is so very grateful to the readers who contact me and tell me how much they enjoy my writing. Who ask about my books. My ideas. My characters. For that, I will forever be grateful.
So thank you readers, for your support. And thank you Crimson Romance for believing in my stories and in me. You’ve given me something I never thought I’d have.
The chance to do what I truly love.
Copyright © 2012 · All Rights Reserved · TerriPonce.com
Terri Herman-Ponce 
Head up, Terri! You deserve it!
-R.T. Wolfe
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Yeah, today turned out to be a crazy busy day but a good one! The bittersweet is gone and I’m ready to move forward with more writing! Nice to see you again, RT!
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Oops, I guess ❤ doesn't turn into a heart here. xxxooo instead!
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Echoing some of the other comments, here’s my thought. Whenever I complain about an aspect of being published, my huggy says, “This is what you wanted, right?” It’s much nicer than saying, “Shut up,” and he’s right, this IS what I wanted. I didn’t quite realize how it would be, but to have finished and published multiple books, Terri, that’s such an awesome feat! I’ll pat you on the back and say, “Good for you!” ❤
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Thank you, Kaye. Your thoughts are appreciated more than you know.
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Terri,
I understand exactly what you mean. Through all of life’s ups and downs, I don’t know what I’d do without my writing.
Best of luck with your new novel!
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Thanks, Patricia. And it’s true. Despite all the craziness in life, writing (for writers) is the one thing that keeps us sane. At least it does for me.
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There are not many that can say that, that they are truly doing what they love to do. That should be enough to get us through even the worst parts of writing. The best parts are that our characters live beyond us, that others get the chance to love and enjoy them, too. The opportunity to root for them, to long to spend time with them, like we do. It’s not about us, it’s about the characters and the stories. We are just the conduits through which they have their being. Without writing you wouldn’t have had David and David would not have had Lottie. How sad would that have been?
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Oh, Mary. What a wonderful perspective. Wow. Very deep, but so profoundly true. I appreciate your sharing those thoughts with me. I’ll be saving those and keeping them nearby, for those days I’m writing and it just doesn’t come together. Thank you.
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Happy Launch Day!- I cannot wait to go home with David tonight.
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Caytee, I hope he intrigues you as much as he intrigues me!
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Live the dream, my lovely lady. In my eyes at the very least, you’ve made it. I believe in you.
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Thank you. So very very much. 🙂
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