Taking a Deep Breath

By Keith Fisher

Usually I write a blog in a word processor, edit it, and post it on the web. But I only have a few moments this morning. Please excuse my writing errors.

This morning, I'm off, to the World Championship Dutch oven Cook off. As I've been writing a series of articles about the event, my mind has drifted back to my days of Cooking competitions, then I remember how much work it was to prepare. There is, however, a plan in the works. There might be a Champions Challenge Cook off in the future. All the past World Champions will be invited to compete against each other. I'll let you know how it turns out.

On another note, Click on the image to read my review of Dangerous Connections, by Julie Coulter Bellon.

I went to a book launch this week. I should have gone to others, but I had too many commitments. I attended the lauch for five authors from Valor Publishing. Daron Frawley, Michele Ashman Bell, Karen Hoover, Tristi Pinkston, and Kimberly Job.

The books are wonderful, and I will be reviewing some of them in the future. As you might know, Two of those authors are pretty special to me. Kimberly has been my great friend. I was probably as proud of her new book as if it were my own. Tristi, is also my close friend. They are both members of my critique group, and I've seen there books come into print from some of the nuts and bolts.

Also, if you didn't know, My friend Candace Salima was driving a car with Tristi as a passenger. they were on their way to the book launch, when a truck sped through a red light and totaled the car in which Tristi and Candace were riding. They will be okay, they had minor concussions. They are each, seeing chiropractors, and they are getting massages to relieve the pain.

The point I'm making is they both continued to the book launch and spent the evening with us, doing business.

You might not know that, Scott, Kimberly's husband lost his grandmother in Idaho. The funeral was this week and Kimberly wanted to be with his family. They were at the funeral, but they missed out on family time to be at the book signing. Then they came back to be at another signing on Friday.

These people are great examples to me. Many people, especially my church members look at my writing career as a hobby. You can get an idea of that by watching their eyes when I talk about a book I'm working on. It's hard to explain the pull I feel to write. to get published, and in the LDS market. I felt I could touch people's hearts.

Anyway, to see the kind of dedication I saw this week inspires me. Writing is more than a calling. Its a way of life for many of us. The business of books is a career, like any other. When I wonder if I'm spinning my wheels trying to get my books published, I can look to my heros and keep going. I can look the detractors in the eye and wink at them. I have confidence I will succeed.

Then, when I'm speaking at a fireside, of book club somewhere. I'll look back on my struggle and be grateful for the journey.

Well I've got to get going. A cook off awaits and I want to park close to the building. Good luck in your writing---see you next week.