Welcome to my blog. First, I want to thank all who, this past week, purchased a copy of IN THE PRESENCE OF EVIL, my new romantic suspense. It is up on Kindle and Nook books now.
Second, it's time to reveal my contest winners. Each will receive an e-copy of
IN THE PRESENCE OF EVIL. Some of you were totally amazing, entering the contest in every way possible and sending me personal notes on how much you enjoyed the excerpts. Okay, you waited long enough. My winners are; Cindy Bennett, Kelly B and Christina. Woohoo. Congrats, ladies. I'll be contacting you shortly for your download. I hope you enjoy and will consider posting a review for me on Amazon, B&N and Goodreads.
Now, to today's thought.
This morning, while at the gym, I met a gentleman who I had observed lifting an enormous amount of weight on Monday. Now a big deal, right? This man is sixty-nine years old and the weight he was lifting was 580 lbs. Yes. Now you see my awe.
While he was loading up a machine next to me with more weight, I commented on his ability. I'm new to the gym. My second week. Lifting my own body weight (no, I will reveal that) is an impossibility for me right now. We started a conversation. His story was amazing. He started lifting and working out after he retired three years ago after feeling the aches and pains of retiring. He went on to offer me advice which was totally inspiring.
Simply put. Don't worry about eveeryone else and what they're doing. Don't think I can't do this. Think I can do this and more. Set your goal, push yourself, because no one else will.
Great advice for outside of the gym too, don't you think?
Next week, I'll be at the RWA national conference in NY. I'm shy. Really, I am. I'm going to take this man's advice and apply it. I'm goal to set my goals for attending the conference in my mind and I'm going to push myself from the wall and to take steps to make those goals.
So, what do you think of his advice?
**** NOTICE for Kelly B. I need your email addie. Thanks.****
Posts
Great post, Autumn. I'm shy, too. Networking is a stretch, and physically draining for me, but I'm psyched too. I've found meeting new people (like this guy at the gym) can be energizing if you let it. And if I approach it as..."what can I learn about life from this person, who surely has a wealth of experience," then each encounter feels more like an adventure or quest. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat advice! And you have so much to celebrate in NY. Wish I was there to participate in the Ruby scavenger hunt. Tough to be shy then.
ReplyDeletethat's cool you met him at the gym and have someone in person to inspire you. I saw this woman on yahoo one day and found her inspirational. (not sure if the link will post) http://vitality.yahoo.com/ video-second-act-ernestine- shepherd-25498999
ReplyDeleteExactly, Anne. After speaking to him, I pushed myself to do one more crunch, put just a little more weight on the pulley and think I can. It wasn't until later, that I thought about what he said also pretained to life.
ReplyDeleteI wish you were coming too, BEV. I remember you consoling me after editors and agents ripped my query letter apart. I learned from them though--I'm a stronger writer, I think. (((HUGS)))
ReplyDeleteI tried to pull it up, Diana, and couldn't. Send it to me and I'll repost.
ReplyDeleteWow, Autumn--that IS totally inspiring! I tend to be lazy, especially when it comes to keeping in shape. That's a great story! And thanks for sharing your new release with us! Congrats, Cindy, Kelly, and Christina!
ReplyDeleteThanks for entering, flchen1. Sorry, I couldn't give evryone who entered a copy. I'd love too, but... You might consider joing my newsletter. Swag members get extras from me. Check it out!
ReplyDeleteSmart man. My mom always said, "Can't never did anything." So I've tried to eradicate the word from my vocabulary and become the little engine that CAN!!!!
ReplyDeleteHis words are very appropriate for most things in life. I apply that to writing. Most people get to know me on blogs and yahoo groups, and then when they meet me they are so surprised that I'm this shy quiet person. I'm really scared of crowds and my first major convention was RT 2005, which was small in comparison to recent ones (or so I've been told) and I panicked a lot. Congrats to the winners, and remember Dreams come true, only if you want them to!
ReplyDeleteI think his advice is spot on, Autumn. Just look how much you've already achieved by pushing yourself. If not for your drive and determination, you wouldn't be the successful author you are today. I admire you...but I'm sorry to tell you...I'm too much of a lazy butt to go to the gym. Jasper walks me twice a day. Does that count?
ReplyDelete;-)
Diane sent me this link again. You need to watch this. What an amazong story.
ReplyDeletehttp://vitality.yahoo.com/video-second-act-ernestine-shepherd-25498999
I haven't been to RT yet. I hear it is amazing. Maybe next year. Thanks for stopping by again.
ReplyDeleteMauve, You're so sweet. I'm glad I've put myself out there becuase I've met such great people, like you. (((HUGS))
ReplyDeleteHi, Gwyn. I never heard that saying. No wonder you're so wise. You had a wise mom.
ReplyDeleteGreat advice. I always tell my sons that only you hold you back.
ReplyDeleteAutumn,
ReplyDeleteHave a great time in NY! I blew my money on our WisRWA Conference, so I won't be going. Don't worry if you're shy, I found Romance writers are the nicest.
Awesome advice! I hope you have a blast at RWA! I'm shy too so I feel your pain. But you know, once you get 'out there' it's not so bad. I wish I was going too. We could encourage each other. ; )
ReplyDeleteI admire him and I don't even now him! Great advice to anyone in any field outside your gym. Thanks for sharing and I know you'll be too busy schmoozing at National to remember yuo are shy.
ReplyDeletePL, YOu're such a great mom!
ReplyDeleteIlona, Thanks and you're so right. RWA members are the greatest.
I wish you were too, Lynne. One day we will meet.
Calisa, I think I'd embrass him if I told him I wrote this blog, but then again maybe he'd check it out and comment to all you ladies. LOL