Remember the "Little People"

Anyone who knows me at all knows that I am a HUGE fan of country music star Chuck Wicks. I love everything about the man--his voice, his looks, his personality, his music, his looks--okay, okay, I know I already said that, but c'mon, the boy is GORGEOUS! So much so, in fact, that I decided about five years ago when I first saw the cover of his CD that, if the Forever Love series ever makes it to the big screen, Chuck's the shoe-in to play Mitch Tarrington. (all right, so Chuck doesn't have Mitch's blue eyes or silver-rimmed glasses, but hey, Hollywood can step up and take care of that, can't they?) Yep, he's definitely my "real-life Mitch." Of course, I know it all seems far away, but a girl can dream, can't she?

Well, God smiled on me a few weeks ago at the Shelby County Fair in Sidney, Ohio, and made one of my dreams become a reality. I sat with my husband (the TRUE love of my life!) three rows away from the stage at a concert by none other than Mr. Wicks. As any good author would who wants accurate characterization, I studied his every move and took plenty of pictures to use as reference for my future writing. (oh, all right--they weren't REALLY for reference, but it sounded good, didn't it?) But, that's not the best part. During the last song, Chuck announced that he wanted to meet his fans after the show at a table next to the stage. After practically throwing the camera at my dear sweet husband--thankfully, not a jealous man--I eagerly made my way, Chuck 8 x 10 portrait in hand--to the meet and greet line. Standing there, I silently rehearsed what I would say in an effort to avoid fumbling over the words once we were face to face. When my turn finally arrived, I know I must have blushed as he shook my hand and I looked into his sultry brown eyes. *Sigh* But my words came out strong and clear--"I write romance novels, and I wanted to tell you that I pattern my male character after you." Oh, the smile that I got in response was worth every nerve-wracking moment! He was truly flattered as he passed the news on to his sound man(who was waiting for me to shut up so he could take our picture) and mentioned that he "would have to look into getting those books." As I placed an arm around him for the shot, he thanked me for thinking of him, handed me my autographed 8 x 10, and I flew into the arms of my hubby who was laughing at his middle-aged teeny bopper. Can you tell I'm still reeling?

Okay, so I may have drawn out this post, but here's the point. Naturally, someone like Chuck Wicks has tons more fans than someone like me, a little romance novelist from smalltown Ohio. But even though he has reached fame and fortune, he hasn't forgotten those who helped get him there--his fans. He could have easily crooned the last line, headed for his tour bus, and called it a night. But he didn't. On a 95 degree evening, hot and tired, no doubt, from an almost 2-hour show, he took the time to greet and talk to each and every person there who ducked into that line. He let us each know he appreciated our support, that he was glad we were there, and that we meant something to him. He was sweet, kind, and most of all, genuine--exactly the person I want Mitch Tarrington to be.

We as writers need to remember our fans, too--the readers who take the time to come to our signings, who purchase and read our works, and who sometimes even send fan letters or refer our works to their friends and family. Without them, where would we be? Why would we even have a need to write? I vow to always try to remember the "little people" who mean such a big deal to me. To them, I say, thank you with all my love!

Looking Up

Above my desk hangs something I call my inspiration board. To anyone else, it probably appears as nothing more than a giant corkboard filled with pictures, newspaper clippings and the like. When I look at it, I see all the things that give me a reason for writing.

The idea for my inspiration board came last summer during a low point in my writing career. Somewhere along the way, I had convinced myself that no one wanted my books, my public speaking abilities were mediocre at best, and, due to a severe case of writer's block, I had lost the gift God had so graciously given me--if I had ever truly had it at all. Tired of wallowing in self-pity, I decided to give myself a pick-me-up and, with cash in hand, headed to my local Office Max for some new office furniture and supplies. A glass desk, padded chair, and the aforementioned corkboard accompanied me home.

As I set about the work of remodeling my office, God set about the work of changing my attitude. The top of the desk's attached shelving unit provided the perfect place to showcase my ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year Silver Award certificate--proof that I really had "the gift" of writing. My two published novels, which I tucked away just a shelf below, reinforced that fact. Continuing to arrange and rearrange the room, I happened upon my file box where God pointed me toward a folder labeled "Fan Mail." I began to read the contents, and my heart was warmed by the notes which had so lovingly been penned by those who had been touched in some way by my work. Each one told me that there were plenty of people who loved what I was doing--and they were eager for more. Next came the "Reviews" folder; again, more reinforcement that I was, indeed, doing something right. Lastly, God decided to remind me that I, like many other authors, had a dream of seeing my stories on the big screen someday. I smiled and laughed at His sense of humor right then--Chuck Wicks was playing on my CD player--my "real-life Mitch." "Okay, God, I get it," I said aloud. "Thanks for reminding me."

Today my inspiration board is filled with those wonderful reviews, some of my cherished fan mail, a few of my newspaper interviews, and yes--pictures of Chuck. Now when I become discouraged, all I have to do is look up to be inspired, to know I'm worthy, and that there are people depending on me to keep going. Looking "up" is what I should have been doing to begin with.