Want to win one of the LAST of the limited-edition hardcover copies of “Drawing out the Dragons,” personally signed by James A. Owen? Post on twitter (#JAOfreebook), fb, in our comments section, or anyplace on the internet about someone/something that inspires you, mention James and this fictorians post, and let us know about it in our comments section. For each mention, we’ll enter your name in the drawing. The winner will have their signed book shipped free of charge. We’ll run the contest until midnight, Thursday Oct. 18th, and announce the winner Friday morning, Oct. 19th. Play today, and tell a friend. James Owen’s book is for writers, artists, and anyone with a dream to achieve. It even saves lives.
One of my greatest inspirations was my older brother. It may sound cliche, but the situation won’t. At the spurring of his wife, my brother earned a degree in accounting. He hated it, didn’t earn his CPA, and after a year teaching in a small high school in Northern Arizona, he divorced, started working construction to pay the bills, and remarried. As their kids grew older, his wife suggested it was time to pursue a job he liked. She worked extra hours so he could enter a training program, and he now works as a helicopter mechanic. In his forties, he made a complete career shift and he loves his job. It was his dream.
Sometimes, we think achieving our dreams means a big paycheck, a prestigious academic piece of paper, or celebrity status, but I don’t think that’s the point. Achieving our dreams is working our butts off so we can do what we love. I like the part in Disney’s motion picture, “Tangled”, where they sing about having a dream, especially the really big guy who wants to collect miniature unicorns. That seems simple and pointless to some, but the point is, there’s no dream too big or too small, every dream is individual, and we’re never too old to engage in its pursuit.Your dream is not mine, but we gather here at fictorians because we have similar dreams–we want to write. Our goals may be different in what we want to achieve with that writing, but the story drives us. I once expressed the great sense of belonging I feel at writing conventions. James Owen smiled at me and said with absolute understanding, “You’ve found your tribe.”
Yes, among you, my friends, I have found my tribe. Thank you. Now, go forth and fulfill your dreams for good, whatever they may be.
I am inspired by the world around me. I have taken close attention to what goes on around. It is so beautiful, mysterious, shocking, enlightening that I can’t help but be inspired, to write, read, and enjoy life.
A list of authors who have influenced my life is pretty short…and James Owen is one of them. He may be young enough to be my son, but that still doesn’t mean he’s not an inspiration to me.
He’s in good company, I think…with Robert A. Heinlein, Robert B. Parker, and John D. MacDonald.
So funny you mentioned “Tangled”… I just watched that yesterday and I love the Dream song too. My dream is here with this ‘tribe’… to write and make a living at it, so I can do what I love and never have to go to ‘work’. My fellow Fictorians inspire me almost daily with their talent, dedication, perseverance and commitment.
I’ve shared on FB and tweeted.
What inspires me? My kids, my crazy critters, my fellow writers. It’s nice to know you’re not alone when chasing your dream.
I am inspired by underdogs and sports characters. People who somehow dig down and pull out more than anyone knew they had when the odds are not looking good. Brian Piccolo, John Cappelletti & his brother Joey. Jim Morris, the 1980 Olympic Hockey team. I’m not really all that sentimental, but that kind of stuff gets me in the gut.
I went to “Here Comes the Boom” at the local theater, not expecting much, but I was pleasantly surprised. Predictable in places, but funny and inspiring. @ Michelle: It had a lot of mixed martial arts. You might like it.
I totally want to see that movie! Kevin James cracks me up anyway, so for him to be the hero, I would expect that you laugh & feel inspired both – always a good combo. 🙂
@Michelle. You won the book drawing! Contact me at colette@fictorians.com and give me a mailing address so we can send the book. The address won’t be kept, redistributed, or publicized in any way.