My manuscript is on its way to two published authors, both of whom I respect. Both I met through connections in my online writing group. I took a leap of faith, and asked each of them if they would read my manuscript and give me a review/blurb for the back cover. To my surprise, they both said they would be honored. Now I'm scared to death they won't like my story. I hope they do.

For me, though, the tough part was asking. It is so scary to put myself "out there". I worry about what people think about me. I worry people don't want to be associated with me.

So, how have I gotten past that? Networking. I have joined groups that are positive, and that encourage me to reach for my goals. One group, BIW, has been instrumental. Each month, for one week, we turn off our Internal Editors (mine happens to be a chain smoking, skinny you-know-what that constantly puts me down) and focus on getting the words on a page. The group is made up of published, unpublished, young, old, stay-at-home, working, retired people who share a desire to hone their craft. I have watched, listened and learned. Those writers have become my role models, and I look up to them. If I have a question or need something, I have resources in that group that are priceless.  I have also joined a local, face-to-face, writers' group that has been an incredible boost for me - it recharges my batteries to meet with the group. I can't wait to show them my book! Oh, and I have to mention Allyn Evans, the Queen. There is something truly empowering about recognizing your own queenly tendencies.

So, what do I recommend you do? Follow your dreams. Take some time to do the planning it takes to make  your dreams become a reality. A goal is a dream with a deadline. Go set some deadlines for yourself, and s t r e t c h!

Elle