My Secret: Part 1

2/21/23:

I've been keeping a secret.... for 14 years.   Here it is, I am going to FINALLY make a dream of mine become a reality!  When did this dream start?  Humor me, and let's go back to my middle school years (no pictures though!) I've always loved to read, and I even wanted to be a librarian when I was in the fourth grade.  It wasn't until middle school that I realized that I also loved to write as well. So, I did what any other cool middle schooler would do; I joined a writing club! :)   During that time, I wrote the self-acclaimed book, "The Overflowing Bathtub." Ever hear of it?  I did not think so :)   Since my book wasn't a big hit, I lost interest and found other things to do.  All through my years though, I always thought I would someday write a children's book, and even started a few of them, but they all went unfinished.   Every year I tell my students that I will write a book someday and every day in the classroom, I encourage my students to foster their dreams, so why was I not doing the same thing for myself?  I said I would someday write a book, but I was doing NOTHING about it!   Fast forward to this past summer.  I joined a bible study through my church and studied a book called, "Take Courage." It inspired me and convicted me to put my fears aside, and finally write this book!  I made a promise to myself that I would work on it a little each day.  And if you know me at all, you know that when I put my mind to something, I usually do it.  I started with some research and reading for my book and began taking notes. I used some of my research and notes I had gathered and notes I had taken throughout the years (more on this part later) and the book started to pour out of me.  Part way through the summer, the doubts started to creep in, so I decided I had to tell someone I was writing this book to keep myself accountable. I had my buddy Denise over for lunch and told her a little about my book. Hesitantly, I read what I had written so far and part way through she started to cry!  Her reaction was priceless and affirmed to me that I should keep going.  But I knew I had to work hard to finish this book because as a teacher, school would be starting soon, and my time would be short.  I had to write this book when my mind was free and clear. The book continued to pour out and by the end of the summer, I had written the children's book that I had dreamed of doing for so long.  I was so proud of myself and honestly relieved.  I put it aside and gave myself a mental break. It seemed I had accomplished something extraordinary, but had I?  I had written it, but no one really knew about it and the message of my book was not being heard. January came and with it, feelings of new beginnings and new goals and I knew what I had to do.  I had to start telling people and I had to start sharing my words. So, this is my secret: I Jennifer Williams wrote a children's book and want to be an author :) What dream are you keeping a secret?