Never Abandon Your Writing

I rarely have the opportunity or even care to tout my own horn. I've been beaten down by so many writers and editors that I have come to expect the worst most of the time.

I am only sharing my meager successes now in hopes of offering some hope to writers fear they will remain unnoticed and unread. You just might find recognition where you would least expect it. For a writer, recognition is truly is manna for the soul.

Recognition continues to allude me here on American soil, with the exception of my AC fans, and I'm fine with that most of the time. After all far better writers than myself go unnoticed every day. However, I have been blessed by gaining a modicum of respect overseas, particularly in England.

For those of you who don't know it already, I am a principal writer for an international beauty site based in Great Britain. I also write their monthly newsletter.

As a result of that exposure, a British magazine contacted me earlier this year. They wanted authorization to reprint part of an article I had done on trends in jewelry. A copy of the beautifully printed publication was even sent to me for my portfolio. I was blown away with its quality and sincerely humbled by their kind words.

Last week I was contacted again; this time by a British radio station. One of their hosts had read a series of articles I had done entitled "Beauty Through the Ages." She wanted to interview me live on air.

The experience was surreal to say the least. I've grown unaccustomed to being called an expert in anything since I left the business and education arena. But the kind host led me through the process and it went off without a hitch. She seemed genuinely happy with the interview.

Let's go back to why I'm telling you all of this. I know that all writers go through a series of ups and downs. There are days when it feels like you will never be given your just due. It is at those moments that you will be tempted to pack it in and call it quits. I have been there more than once myself.

The problem is multiplied when you are writing for an online source because there is rarely any two-way communication with your editor. That can create a long list of problems including title misinterpretation, reference problems, formatting errors and more. You may often feel like you are taking a shot in the dark and missing the target.

Here is my point. If I can achieve a small amount of notoriety, so can you and it may be bigger and better than anything you can dream of. All you have to do is keep plugging along until someone finally notices your talent.

I'm a big fan of AC writers, particularly those on my favorite list. These people have so much to offer the world and I, for one, want them to succeed.

If you are feeling discouraged or let down, don't give up. Contact another AC writer and give them a chance to buck you up. After all, we are all a part of an extended family and that is exactly what family does for one another.

Share your successes. I guarantee we will be happy for you and proud of you. After all, you deserve it!