Inspiration - Part 1

I was asked earlier today about inspiration for my novel. That is a long story, since it is a multi-faceted answer. This post will focus on why I began typing to begin with. Recently, I have thought long and hard about why I sat down at my computer two years ago and started typing. What was my motivation? It is truly a blur, but as I have tried to recall the why, I realize it was the timing of a lot of events in my life, not just one moment. I had just read two separate book series'. One I loved so much that read it twice. The other (in my opinion, not technically as well written, yet entirely inspirational) was written by someone the same age as myself. At the time my father had mentioned wanting to start writing and asked if I'd be willing to edit his work. Of course I had agreed, but somehow the combination of the timing flipped a switch. I hadn't written in years. Even when I sat down that night, I did not do it with the idea that it would ever be published, it was for me. Could I write something I would enjoy. More importantly, could I start it and finish it. Only the encouragement of family and friends along the way finally convinced me that it was worthy to send to publishers. If others out there could do it, why couldn't I? A few short months after I had started, a dear friend announced that she was going to be a published author. So I actually knew someone who had succeeded in the arena. After the first draft was complete, I finally started considering the "What if..." possibility. Finally in early 2012, my determination switched from, not if, but when. Eventually, some publisher would like my work. It might take a hundred or more, but sooner or later the right one would be contacted. Imagine my shock when the first publisher I sent it to offered me a contract. My husband actually thought I was in pain when I called to tell him the news, I was so choked up and crying tears of joy. It was a day I will never forget. It was the beginning of this incredible journey.