FreshFiction...for today's reader

Authors and Readers Blog their thoughts about books and reading at Fresh Fiction journals.

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Natalie Anderson | Being Fearless

Everyone has dreams and ambitions, don't they? At least, I hope everyone does because dreams can be one of the most fun things in life - there is nothing like sitting somewhere (anywhere) and indulging in a daydream. You can dream about anything - let your mind wander and suddenly you can do whatever, be whatever... then, when you've come up with a really good one - you can try to write it down... Cue the start of the author's nightmare!!!

Seriously though, if we didn't dream, we couldn't achieve things right? And often to make your dreams become reality you have to be brave.

It can be terrifying to throw in the good, stable job to chase the career in the high risk area you dream of, it can be damn scary letting your mum read the love scenes in the novel you've written, and I figure it'd be frightening when you've saved every cent you can so you can go jump out a plane at however many thousand feet - just because you've always wanted too ... what were you thinking??!!!!!

I think sometimes, to be able to realise our dreams, to be fearless, we need the help and support of someone else. This is a theme I love to explore in my writing. It doesn't necessarily have to be a lover of course - it might be a coach, mentor, mother or father - just that person who doesn't scoff but who says 'you can do it' - who picks you up when you're down and believes in you. She or he is the bridge to get you through the moments when you've lost belief in yourself (and who might give you that much needed boot in the backside!).

I've two books out soon - PLEASURED BY THE SECRET MILLIONAIRE (in the UK in June) and HIS MISTRESS BY ARRANGEMENT (in the US in June) and the heroine in each of these books is working on achieving her dreams - one secretly and one not so secretly. They're very different characters with very different goals but both have those dreams turned upside down when they meet that certain guy... Of course these women are completely capable of being happy and whole alone, but when they meet that hero they're destined for, then they're spurred on and supported and so go on to become the best they can be. And in turn, the hero develops and achieves too. It's that 'sum of the whole being greater than its parts thing' - Oh yes - I'm a hopeless romantic - and I make no apology about it.

My husband once said to me (regarding me being able to revise a book in the week I'd just given birth to premmie twins) that 'nothing is impossible'.
He was right.

What about you - is there someone in your life with whom you share your dreams and ambitions? Do you think having the support of someone like that enables you to do more than you thought you could? Or do you keep those dreams to yourself and let no one in on them?

Whichever is the case, I hope you soon turn them into reality!!!

Happy dreaming,
~Natalie

www.natalie-anderson.com/
www.natalie-anderson.blogspot.com/

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3 Comments:

At May 22, 2008 2:51 PM , Blogger Judy Jarvie said...

Natalie - you really hit home with your point (and your hubbie's :)) Nothing is impossible is a great motto and an inspiring one. And having a mentor/a friend/or just someone to give you the 'up vibe' pep talk does make all the difference.
Can't wait to read your latest releases!
Judy J

 
At May 22, 2008 6:18 PM , Blogger Scarlett Lane said...

Hi Natalie - what a great post. I absolutely agree with your husband's "nothing is impossible" theory. It's all about having determination, passion and believing in yourself (and having someone else believe in you too!) Thankfully my husband is number one supporter . . . recently after a rejection I told him that it was time I gave it a rest (writing that is). I had always given myself a deadline for getting published and it has just passed - with no book contract in sight!! A few days later it was my birthday, and in the card all it said was "we all know you are a great writer, don't ever, ever give up". I still hate writing at the moment but great to know that he believed in me!

 
At May 22, 2008 7:40 PM , Blogger Natalie Anderson said...

Hi Judy and Scarlett - thanks for your comments - I'm glad it had some resonance for you.
Thanks so much for sharing about your writng Scarlett - that was wonderful of your hubby - and how timely was your birthday ;) I'm sure the love of it will come back to you - I think writing can be harder than some other pursuits in that it is very solitary - and so subjective!!! Having friends and loved ones and a community to be part of that understands the hard times (and celebrates the good!) can be invaluable - long live the internet!!!
~Natalie

 

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