In front of the entire class, my 8th teacher exclaimed,
“Students I would like to say that most of you did extremely well with your writing assignment—I am very proud of you! However, there are some that clearly do not know how to write and may as well forget ever making sense of the written word.”
What happened next?
The worse thing happened. She proceeded to call my name out loud. Within an instant, all eyes were on me. But that didn’t stop this teacher as she continued to bully me and the other three students whose work was also sub-par.
To this day I still remember the eyes of my fellow classmates. There was a mixture of shock, compassion, fear, and yes, mocking. I didn’t know if I should stay put at my desk or run as far away as I could.
What would you do if 22-pairs of eyes pierced through your fragile 8th-grade soul? Would you want to write anymore—let alone write your first book?
It was torture as she continued to remind everyone this was not the way to write a story. I was crushed and needless to say completely horrified.
My goal…write your first book
But I am not here to tell you the details of being bullied by my 8th grade English teacher whom at this point I don’t remember her name or care!
Instead, my goal is to share with you my path to becoming a 12 time best-selling and award-winning author. I hope my experience will inspire you to write your first book:
Here is what I did…fast forward to college
- First Layer
When at Vermont College I had the honor to study under Linda McCarriston, a poet and talented writer. With kindness, compassion, and an impeccable talent for educating she guided me on how to write down my thoughts.
Linda shared a game-changing piece of advice. “Wendy write as if you are teaching someone to tie a shoelace.” Simple advice but extremely useful (remember this as you write your first book.)
- Second Layer
Upon graduating Vermont College I then went to graduate school and I was fortunate to study under Sy Montgomery–who changed my life as a writer. She is a profound, inspiring nature writer who travels the world to write from the soul of animals she lives with. It was Sy who encouraged me by saying—“Wendy you are a writer, you have a gift to share, and I want to encourage you to write your first book.”
WOW! You can probably imagine my first thought. I said to myself, “Is she serious? How could I possibly write a book? I am so intimated…damn my 8th-grade teacher!”
- Third Layer
After graduate school, I worked for a local newspaper writing my own weekly nature column. This experience was both critical and crucial for me.
I finally started to get the words of that 8th-grade teacher out of my head.
In fact, my internal dialogue to my 8th-grade teacher was, “Well now I guess I proved you wrong, didn’t I? I am writing my own newspaper column and people are loving it! I am so glad I didn’t totally believe you!”
I enjoy and flourished as a journalist. It was during this time I began to really want to write a book.
- Fourth Layer…fast forward
One day as I was writing a blog article for my website where I help people with pet loss grief I was thinking about writing a book. A lot was going on in my mind and not only was I hearing the voice of my 8th-grade teacher I was also drawn to those kind words from Linda and Sy.
Hence, my research began. I spent countless hours and money researching all the self-publishing programs out there. I found a few great ones and a few duds. But I kept my momentum going to accomplish my dream to write my book.
- Fifth Layer or the Ode to my 8th Grade Teacher
I don’t remember your name, but that doesn’t matter. But I would like to thank you for horrifying me that day about how poorly I wrote and how I would never contribute to the world at large. It is because of you I learned how to bust through and not listen to educators that bully. Instead, I accomplished my writing dreams and am a 12 time bestselling and award author. I am changing lives and increasing the values of the human-animal bond. Heck, I even started a business to help other authors accomplish their dreams to publish their books.
Write Your First Book
So my friends, as you write your first book keep in mind the layers that I peeled through to attain my confidence to attain my dream as an inspiration if you need it.
I encourage you to reach out to me and schedule your complimentary clarity call. Also be sure to download your free 6 Surefire Ways to Get Self-Published. Along with the workbook, you will get 4 days of helpful hints in your email box.
