Making Dreams Come True Doesn't Take Climbing Mountains

While taking advantage of entering  several writing contests sponsored by groups such as Writers Digest, I also scoured the classifieds, did internet searches, anything I could to try and latch on to open opportunities that would assist with building my writing confidence in a more public forum.  I had done a lot of research on literary agents and what their expectations were when they receive a query letter and what I learned was that the more you can add to your accomplishments, the better. 

I came across a particular online contest, presented by Kiwi Publishing, which had put out a call for short story entries based on a split second decision that the author had made which impacted his or her life substantially.  The rules outlined that a specific number of entries from the total pool would be chosen and the winners were to receive one hundred dollars and publication of their contribution as part of the Life Changing Moments: Thin Threads Collection.    Immediately I began to work on my story, I knew exactly what I would write about and was amazed by how easily the words flowed because the content was so close to my heart.   Honestly, there was very little effort involved.  Outside of re-checking my grammar and confirming that the word count met their criteria, it took me approximately 40 minutes to complete my entry, which I entitled Funny How Life Works.

I chose to write about how I met my husband.  A friend had asked for a ride to the Department of Motor Vehicles during our lunch break on a beautiful spring day.  Admittedly, I had no desire to take her there.    The warm sun was so inviting that I had really preferred to take advantage of my free time and sit outside and enjoy the weather.  But I knew she was in a pinch, so I retracted my selfishness and gave in to her request.    As soon as we entered the building I noticed a handsome, rugged and well-built man in his early 20s.  He was standing at the front counter and as I passed him, I casually looked back over my shoulder and noticed he was glancing in my direction. My stomach rolled over a few times and I instantly got that giddy sensation where your face turns red and your hands start to sweat.  Apparently my girlfriend had been speaking to me the whole time and it had gone unnoticed.  It was as if the whole room had closed in around me with the exception of my focus on this unknown gentleman whom I realized was finishing up his transaction and would be exiting the building shortly. Suddenly my breaths were short and I started to panic!  How could a person I’d never met before temporarily take over my usual disposition of being completely grounded?

I realized I was faced with two options; watch him walk out and deal with the unexplainable feelings of regret for letting him slip away or take my chances and introduce myself.   Rationalization overtook common sense as if someone else had become in charge of my body.  I followed him outside and introduced myself.  Luckily, he agreeably engaged in my conversation and didn’t sprint across the parking lot as fast as he could!  It turned out that we had grown up in neighboring towns and both knew several of the same people, yet had never met.  He had recently returned from Arizona and was just getting his Massachusetts license back, so we had the opportunity to speak while he waited for his buddy to retrieve him.  Coincidently both friends showed up at the same time and we said our nice-to-meet-you’s and goodbyes. 

After returning to my car, I settled back into the driver’s seat and shifted into reverse, when suddenly his ride pulled up behind mine.  He gently tapped on my window and politely asked me for my number, to which I obliged, but only with the promise that he would share his with me as well.  After the exchange he retreated to his vehicle and then drove away.  I turned to my girlfriend and announced that he was the one; I am going to marry him and have his children.   She told me I was nuts and to be honest, I was beginning to think I might be.  But a year and half later I became Mrs. ‘DMV’.  Sometimes you just know.

Within a week of my submission, I was contacted by the Editor for Kiwi, who had a few basic questions she needed answered.  Days later, she confirmed that my story was selected and would come to life in print.  I was ecstatic!  Once I received that recognition, it really provided me with that extra confidence and bravery I needed to realize my writing was something that others enjoyed.  It was an immense feeling of satisfaction and I knew that I was ready to try my talent at the next level.  In May, I’ll share what my goal entailed and how it took a turn in a direction that I couldn’t have foreseen.   Thank you!