A friend from my Charleston days contacted me recently. He’s not only a friend. A mentor, really. He’s the guy I run my big questions by. Even if we haven’t spoken in a year, I’ll reach out, and he’ll selflessly jump into the rollercoaster of my life. His advice is always spot on. Just one of those wise-beyond-his-years kind of people that gets it.
He reached out via text to tell me he was happy to see my latest book, Red Mountain, with such positive reviews on Amazon.
I replied: Now, I have to make the next one just as good!
And he texted back:
No. You need to make the next one better.
What incredible advice. Not only did it scare the heck out of me; the idea rang a bell deep inside.
You need to make the next one better. He’s right. That goes for everything in my life! Maybe yours, too. The next hour, the next day. The next interaction. The next attempt.
Thank you, Travis Howell. As I wrap up Red Mountain Rising, your words are heavy on my mind.
Anybody else have some wisdom worth sharing? My characters (and I) need all the help we can get!
8 Responses
Thank you for introducing me to the people who live on Red Mountain. I got to know each of them and how they lived their lives and how their lives intertwined in ways it would have been hard to imagine. The help each of them gave to others, sharing their lives, their love, their pain,their spirituality, their disappointments and their growth. I’ve considered rereading parts of the book to learn some of the techniques Joan taught Margot and Otis.
I wish there was a real place like Red Mountain where I could go to live..
Seriously looking forward to your second book about Red Mountain.
You’re so kind, Monica. I’m glad Joan spoke to you. I learned a lot from her too! Stay in touch.
boo
Hi Boo,
When I counsel our four adult children, I have to remind myself that when they can’t figure out their spouses they need to look at the parents of them. Many times all of us react, act, and speak to the ghosts of our past. Parents who are narssitic leave serious holes in the hearts of their offspring. Overcoming our doubts and fears and thinking positive is a challenge. We can learn a lot from strong characters when we see their past mistakes and how they change to adapt to their circumstances. Keep writing; we want you to succeed!
Amen!
You are one of two authors that I actually read emails I receive. I look forward to yours as they always give me something to think about. I am from SC so I love the books set in Charleston! Keep them coming
Don’t look back at what has happened. Look forward to what can happen!
I’m honored, Kay. Thank you. We South Carolinians need to stick together.
In your endeavor to achieve “more”, the Spirit in The Music Lesson advises against pushing yourself hard and instead, “Try easy, my friend. Try easy.” For some reason, that hit me in my depths.
Looking forward to it!
Yes, a great book! Thanks for the reminder about “Try easy.” That one resonated with me, too.