STAY FOCUSED TO REACH YOUR DREAMS ~ by Rita Karnopp

When I was young I was told Native Americans believe that one day life will go full-circle and they will return to the ways of the old ones.  That got me askng how could that possibly happen ... and if it did ... could the First People find peace and harmony returning to the ways of their ancestors? 

Then, while researching for my book Leota, Dream Woman, I read, "The white berry from the Red Willow was used by the Native Americans in their food to support nutritional needs.  The white man did not find it appealing, due to it's bitter taste.

That got me to thinking ... the white berry could represent my white heroine and the Red Willow could embody the Indian Nation.  It didn't take long for the story to develop in my mind ... and this book exploded onto the pages.

White Berry on the Red Willow - As predicted in the Ghost Dance Vision, life has come full circle in 2054. The Blackfeet now control Yellowstone National Park, where the buffalo have multiplied, as have the people themselves.

Outside the Indian lands thousands are dying of Quake Fever every day. Doctor Alcina Hancock struggles to find a cure before her mother dies. Thrust into the world of the Indians, she not only discovers what it will take to save her people, but also herself.

 

STAY FOCUSED TO REACH YOUR DREAMS ~

The main reason people succeed is they usually do a half-dozen things consistently correct.  It’s not that people fail; they never give themselves the opportunity to succeed.  Winston Churchill said, “Never quit.”

So here is your opportunity to choose success.  In the Gateway to Greatness, Doran Andry taught me five reasons why people succeed and I have applied them to my writing career.

 1.   Make a real decision, take action and choose success.  What this means is you must make a real decision and cut off all other options – forcing you to forge forward and succeed.   Start with the end in mind.  Stay focused to reach your dreams.  Joseph McClinton III said, “Your imagination is the most powerful tool you possess.”  Remember, ‘more of the same produces more of the same.’  By that I mean; if you want things to change—don’t keep doing the same old things.

 

2.  Become a teachable willing student.  Again, you don’t know it all.  The only way to get better is to have an open, willing mind to grow.  Each book you write must be better than the last.  If it isn’t, ask yourself if you’re a teachable willing student.  It’s paramount to your success to write better than your wildest dream.  I read an interview with Dean Koontz and was impressed when he said, “I’m still learning the craft.”

3.   Consistently execute a daily writing goal.  What that means is have a plan and work that plan every day with a willing spirit.  The key is focusing on the activity long enough so you get your desired results.  Learn to master the ‘do’ part. 

4.  Take advantage of your writing mentors/groups/partners.  Find someone you know who is willing to partner in goal setting.  It’s harder to slide on goals when you know someone else is checking on whether you are meeting or exceeding your goals.  When you are struggling with insecurities, missed deadlines, or even a certain plot or chapter, that’s the time to turn to your mentor, group or writing partner.  Buy CDs or books on plot, characterization, timing, query letters, and many others out there to improve your writing and help further your career.  When the student is ready…the teacher will appear.

5.    Grow as a person.  We all might call this ‘personal development.’  Whether you’re

just starting or a seasoned writer, always be a student of personal development.  The key to sustaining being a successful writer is to grow as a person.  Buy technology, CDs, eBooks, or printed books; you have the opportunity to impact your life and grow as a person.  I urge you to be a student of personal development – it’ll pay huge dividends.  Nightingale Conant and The Pacific Institute are great sources of personal development.
 

If you implement these key five points consistently to your writing career (or career of your choice) and set a goal, I believe it will give you the opportunity to soar and succeed.  The exciting thing is when you look at someone who is highly successful, now you’ll understand the difference between the two of you is only five things.