Life is for Living

Posted on September 12, 2014 by Joanne Guidoccio

Welcome to my Second Acts Series!

Today, we have author and Acquisitions Editor Katie Hamstead chatting about a very early second act.

Here’s Katie!

Briefly describe your early acts.

Early acts… Well, I feel like I’m still fairly early in life since I’m 27. So I guess my acts consist of school, post high school to marriage, then married life. High school days were tough, but fun. I had the bullying and isolation going on, but to be honest, I’m kind of glad I went through all of that. Not that I enjoyed it, but the bullying made me stronger, and the isolation made me understand what real friends are and the qualities in people I enjoy associating with and that uplift and strengthen me. But high school was fun, in that I could explore my talents and hobbies. Along with writing stories on scrap notebook pages, I loved singing and sports, which I don’t get much chance to do either of any more. I miss playing and performing terribly.

After high school, I kind of went into “party” mode. Finally I was free. I did a stint as an exchange student (BEST choice I ever made, I highly recommend it to anyone who has a chance) I got a job, I traveled, I moved around, I sought out higher education, and I made friends with people who really helped boost my confidence and let the real me shine out. My years from 18-22 were a blast, even though there were moments of pain and grief unlike any other period before. But with all negative experiences, I try to glean lessons from them, to help me grow.

I married at 22, so have been married for just over 5 years. When I married, I migrated to the USA from Australia. I’m an Aussie, born and raised! And my hubby is a Native American (Navajo). This act eventually led me to my writing when I a) wasn’t allowed to work due to visa restrictions and b) got pregnant right when my restrictions got lifted, so no one wanted to employ me. As a result, I found myself with lots of time on my hands, so one thing led to another and I picked up my writing again.

What triggered the need for change?

It my last act, boredom mostly. I needed something to fill the time while my hubby was at work. I’d grown tired of being homesick, so wanted to get productive. Actually, that’s kind of what triggers most of my changes. I get bored with what I’m doing with my life. That’s pretty honest, right?

Where are you now?

Now I’m in a pretty good place. I love writing, acquiring for CQ and being a wife and mother… although I am getting restless. I think we need to move or do something to shake things up a bit.

Do you have advice for anyone planning to pursue a second act?

Go ahead! Life is for living, pursuing your dreams, and growing. Why just exist? Make your life worth every breath you take.

Blurb

Terrorists have invaded Sydney, and Allison King barely escapes her brother’s wedding reception alive. She and her siblings flee, but their parents are killed by firing squad.

Now Ali’s on the run and terrified. While searching for other survivors, she is captured by the General who leads the invasion. He’s smitten by Ali, and when she refuses to submit to his whims, he brands her for death. In a wild act of defiance, she snatches the branding rod and sears the mark onto his face. Marking not only him but also sealing her fate. Ali manages to escape and flees into the bush once more where she finds a group in hiding. Even with the scars left by the General, Ali learns to love and falls in love with the young man who found her—Damien Rogers.

But the General is hunting her. When he discovers their location, and finds her with another man—Damien—his wrath is kindled and his obsession is inflamed. Ali must put herself on the line or the General could kill her family, those who help her, and most significantly, the man she loves.

Bio

Born and raised in Australia, Katie’s early years of day dreaming in the “bush”, and having her father tell her wild bedtime stories, inspired her passion for writing.

After graduating High School, she became a foreign exchange student where she met a young man who several years later she married. Now she lives in Arizona with her husband, daughter and their dog.

She has a diploma in travel and tourism which helps inspire her writing. She currently works as an Acquisitions Editor with Curiosity Quills Press to help support her family.

Katie loves to out sing her friends and family, play sports and be a good wife and mother. She loves to write, and takes the few spare moments in her day to work on her novels.

Where to find Katie…

Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon

Joanne here!

I am impressed by your can-do attitude and ability to deal with boredom. Thank you for sharing your journey and best of luck with all your literary endeavors.

What’s In a Name?

Posted on September 10, 2014 by Joanne Guidoccio

The topic of pseudonyms came up on a discussion board. Several writers expressed an interest in using pen names and wanted more information about the legalities involved.

I was surprised to see so much interest in the topic. I had always associated pseudonyms with female writers such as Mary Anne Evans/George Eliot, who used a male name to ensure that her work would be accepted by publishers and the public.

While researching the topic, I discovered many more reasons for using pen names.

Authors who regularly write in more than one genre use different pen names. Romance writer Nora Roberts writes erotic thrillers under the pen name J.D. Robb.

A pen name may be used if the author believes that his/her name does not suit the genre. Western novelist Pearl Gray dropped his first name and changed the spelling of his last name to become Zane Grey.

In some countries, authors use pen names to write about controversial topics that could be politically unsafe.

Writers of romance novels are often advised to use pen names to protect themselves against stalkers.

In the past, prolific authors were asked to use pen names to prevent flooding the market with too many books in one year. Stephen King published four novels under the pseudonym Richard Bachman. After critics pointed out style similarities, the books were reprinted with Stephen King’s name. One of his books, Thinner, sold twenty times more copies after the changes were made.

Some writers wish to keep their writing career separate from their everyday life. Comic book writer Stan Lee was born Stanley Lieber. He used the pen name Stan Lee because he intended to save his real name for more serious literature. His career as a novelist never materialized so he changed his name legally to Stan Lee.

A collective name or house name is used with series fiction such as the Nancy Drew, Hardy Boys, and Bobbsey Twins series. The first book in each series was written by one writer, but subsequent books were written by ghost writers.

Collaborative authors like to have their books published under one name. Alice Alfonsi and Marc Cerasini write their Coffeehouse Mystery series using the pseudonym Cleo Coyle.

Last year, J.K. Rowling was outed as the author of Cuckoo’s Calling, which she published under the pen name Robert Gailbraith. In an interview, she commented: “”I was yearning to go back to the beginning of a writing career in this new genre to work without hype or expectation to receive totally unvarnished feedback. It was a fantastic experience and I only wish it could have gone on a little longer.”

Regarding the legalities…

You don’t have to file any forms or hire a lawyer. Simply put the phrase “writing as” on your manuscript and let the publisher know your real name to ensure that you receive payment for your work.

Any other interesting pseudonym stories out there?

Oprah and Paulo Coelho

Posted on September 8, 2014 by Joanne Guidoccio

Yesterday, Oprah welcomed bestselling author Paulo Coelho to Super Soul Sunday. Paulo is celebrating the 25th anniversary of a true phenomenon: The Alchemist. Since publication, this magical allegory about an Andalusian shepherd boy named Santiago who travels from Spain to Egypt in search of treasure has broken all records. Over 65 million copies have been sold and it is the most translated book in history.

I was fascinated by Paulo’s early history and the near-death of The Alchemist.

Born into a middle- class family in Rio de Janeiro, he was expected to follow in his father’s footsteps and become an engineer. When Paulo rebelled, his parents bribed him and, when that failed, they committed him to a mental institution from which he escaped three times before being released at the age of 20. Paulo made it clear that his parents truly loved him but were not comfortable with the idea of a son following a creative path.

Originally, Paulo launched The Alchemist through a small Brazilian publishing house. Initial sales were dismal and the publisher decided not to reprint. Passionate and committed to its success, Paulo found a larger publishing house and from there the book took off. Both Oprah and Paulo stressed the book reached the critical masses because of famous (Bill Clinton, Madonna, Will Smith) and more importantly, anonymous readers.

Throughout the telecast, Paulo shared wonderful observations and insights.

We all have a personal legend. And the key behind that legend is enthusiasm. We need to ask ourselves what gives us enthusiasm, keeping in mind that we betray our personal legend whenever we do something without enthusiasm.

We become fluent in the language of the world by daring, and we learn this language by paying attention and making mistakes. Omens and signs are everywhere. We need to look at everything as if we are seeing it for the first time.

Paulo believes that God will ask: “Did you love enough?” Here, Paulo is not referring to romantic love but whether we are able to open our hearts to embrace every grain of sand.

Quotable Quotes

Remember that wherever your heart is, there you will find your treasure.

The heart is like a flower. It can be very brave or easily hurt.

Always listen to your heart, even when it scares you.

Before a dream is realized, the Soul of the World tests everything that was learned along the way. It does this not because it is evil, but so that we can, in addition to realizing our dreams, master the lessons we’ve learned as we’ve moved toward that dream. That’s the point at which most people give up. It’s the point at which, as we say in the language of the desert, one “dies of thirst just when the palm trees have appeared on the horizon.”

When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you get it.

Book Review: Never Too Late

Posted on September 5, 2014 by Joanne Guidoccio

As an author on my own road to reinvention, I’m always on the lookout for stories about women who boldly seek adventures that propel them into second acts. I was thrilled to discover Claire Cook’s delightful novels and read about her extraordinary journey.

Reinvention is a recurring theme in Claire’s life and novels.

She wrote her first novel at age 45 in a minivan while her children were at swim practice. Five years later, she walked down the red carpet at the Hollywood premiere of Must Love Dogs, the film adaptation of her second book.

After eleven best-selling novels and numerous speaking engagements, Claire has written a nonfiction book, Never Too Late: Your Roadmap to Reinvention (without getting lost along the way).

Using her trademark humor and wit, Claire tells her own story and that of other reinventors while providing tips on finding that sweet spot, staying on track, securing a support system, building a platform, and overcoming perfectionism.

You don’t have to be a writer or midlifer to appreciate this book. It will appeal to any woman who feels stymied or dissatisfied with her present circumstances. And by the end of the book, the reader will be able to answer Claire’s thought-provoking question: “What would you like your life to be in five years and what’s getting in your way?”

Quotable Quotes

Karma is a boomerang.

You don’t have to be good at it—that takes time and hard work. But you have to love it enough to want to be good at it.

If Plan A doesn’t work, the alphabet has 25 more letters (204 if you’re in Japan!).

If failure comes with a lesson, take it. If it doesn’t, put it behind you and move on.

There were only three things standing in my way all that time: me, myself and I.

Dreams don’t have an expiration date. Not even a best by date. If it’s still your dream, it’s still your dream.

Where to find Claire…

Website | Twitter | Facebook

Romance: Bah Humbug?

Posted on September 3, 2014 by Joanne Guidoccio

Welcome to my Second Acts Series!

Today, we have June Kearns entertaining us with her take on romance and romance writing.

Here’s June!

First Act

One of my earliest memories is being under the kitchen table, hidden by fringes of the chenille cloth and listening to the chink of teacups, laughter and whispered secrets between my mum and her sisters.

They all read romances – the quest to find the one person you were destined to spend your life with, that impulse buried deep in the natural world. Apparently, when you least expected it – zing would go the strings of your heart (or something like that!)

Without fail, the heroines in these stories were head-turning, heart-stopping beauties. One look, and the hero would be smitten.

At 13, I’d already decided that no-one would ever fall in love with me. Small, sturdy and self-conscious, I had hair that frizzed in damp weather and a tendency to flush easily.

How could I ever inspire love? Because this was how the world worked, wasn’t it?

It was a terrible blow.

What triggered the need for change?

Then, I read Jane Eyre.

Here was a heroine as plain and self-conscious as myself (and Charlotte Bronte!) who still sparked passion in the hero. I started to believe that passionate relationships could be generated by great conversations, argument and humour.

My first writing success, after leaving teaching to have my children, was winning a national magazine competition for the first chapter of an historical romance.

‘Why romance?’ people said, often with a sniff.

Ah well, it’s such a life force, isn’t it?

Apparently, (I’ve just read this in the newspaper!) romantic love is something we only started to appreciate here, roughly 100 years after the Norman conquest of Britain. Up until the 12th century, knights had regarded biffing each other as pretty much its own reward. After that, they needed to believe that the biffing was necessary to win fair ladies – the ones dangling their hair out of castle windows. Great stuff.

Where are you now?

I’m concentrating on the sort of stories that I feel suit me best – sort of hist/fict/romcoms – with (hopefully) plenty of laughter, rat-a-tat dialogue, and cut and thrust of comic conversation – the sort they did so well in those fabulous 1930s and 40s films.

My current WIP is set in 1960s London.

Do you have advice for anyone planning to pursue a second act?

I’ve read some wonderful advice on this blog from other women.

Mine would be – don’t be afraid of just being yourself. For a long time, I didn’t believe that was good enough. (My star sign is Cancer – favourite position safely under the shell, peeping out!)

But – there’s absolutely no-one else like you!

Just follow your own instincts.

Any affirmations or quotations you wish to share?

I spend a LOT of time staring at the wall in front of my desk – it’s chock full of helpful homilies and quotations!

Samuel Beckett’s ‘Try again. Fail again. Fail better’ – is one of my favourites. And: ‘Stop apologising. Relax. Just write the story you want to read!’

June’s Books

The American West, 1867

After a stagecoach wreck, well-bred bookish spinster Annie Haddon, (product of mustn’t-take-off-your-hat, mustn’t-take-off-your-gloves, mustn’t-get hot-or-perspire Victorian society) is thrown into the company of cowboy Colt McCall – a man who lives by his own rules, and hates the English.

Can two people from such wildly different backgrounds learn to trust each other? Annie and McCall find out on their journey across the haunting, mystical landscape of the West.

1924. The English Shores after the Great War.

When her jazzing flapper of an aunt dies, Gerardina Mary Chiledexter inherits some silver-topped scent bottles, a wardrobe of love-affair clothes, and astonishingly, a half-share in a million-acre cattle ranch in south-west Texas.

Haunted by a psychic cat, and the ghost voice of that aunt, Leonie, Gerry feels driven to travel thousands of miles to see the ranch for herself.

Against a background of big sky, cattle barons and oil wells, she is soon engaged in a game of power, pride and ultimately love, with the Texan who owns he other half.

Where to find June…

Website | New Romantics4 Website | Facebook | Twitter

Joanne here!

June, thank you for sharing your journey and insights. Best of luck with all your literary endeavors.

Fun Friday

Posted on August 29, 2014 by Joanne Guidoccio

How Cancer Opened a Door for Me to Walk Through

Posted on August 22, 2014 by Joanne Guidoccio

Welcome to my Second Acts Series!

Today, we have Karen Ingalls sharing her extraordinary journey from a nursing career in traditional and holistic medicine to a second act shaped by a life-altering diagnosis.

Here’s Karen!

Thank you, Joanne, for inviting me to be a part of your Second Act Series. When I received your invitation my mind immediately went to several second acts in my life, but I quickly knew that my most recent one was the one to share with your readers.

I remember as a young girl writing in tablets and diaries about magical places, current family events, and many dreams and goals. I wrote poems, pieces of prose, short stories, and even a novel when in my late teens. I never showed my writing nor told anyone about it. I wrote because it was a way to escape reality, create a happier world, or write about people (famous or not) who I admired or loved. I did not think of myself as a writer nor visualize myself someday having a published book or article. I wrote because I enjoyed it, it helped me, and through it I found a sense of peace.

Along with writing I have always loved to read. Here I was and still am influenced by my grandmother Edith, who was a librarian assistant and she gave her grandchildren books at every possible opportunity. Though she had an eighth grade education she was a scholar in her own right. She was a very positive role model for me with the articles she wrote for the library and church, the books she read, her daily diaries, and her constant pursuit of information.

One of my first acts was to put into reality my dream of being a doctor, but instead I chose the field of nursing. I went on to get my Master’s Degree in Human Development with a double major in psychology and social service. For thirty years I worked in traditional medicine, but also opened up my own holistic nursing service called Kare ‘N Touch. There I offered clients counseling, biofeedback, Swedish massage, acupressure and healing work all on a sliding fee basis.

The second act, my pursuit of writing, was when I co-authored a nursing article with another nurse, Charlotte Tourville, titled The Living Tree of Nursing Theories. This article was well received and today it is a model used by several schools of nursing. Our first publication was a thrilling moment for both of us. It was the result of using her strength in knowledge and research, and my gift of writing. A sense of accomplishment and the accompanying recognition fanned the second act which I now know I was destined to do and be.

A few years later (2008) brought the life altering diagnosis of ovarian cancer. The subsequent surgery, tests, chemotherapies, and many doctor’s visits changed my life forever in a positive way. Again I turned to journaling and writing as one of my coping and healing tools. A close friend asked to read my journal, which I said was just a diary and would not be of interest to her. She insisted and brought it back to me a few days later saying, “Karen, you must get this published. Women all over the world will benefit from what you are saying.”

Due to the recognition of the nursing article and my friend’s enthusiastic response to my journal, I now felt confident enough to ask a retired English professor to read my tattered and often rewritten novel’s manuscript. A week later she returned it to me and said, “Karen, you blew me away. This is excellent.”

Doors were opening for me to enter and walk through. Little did I know that my nursing career in traditional and holistic medicine and an ovarian cancer diagnosis would bring me to my present act as an accomplished and published author of a nursing article and two books.

My first published book, Outshine: An Ovarian Cancer Memoir, has earned two awards and been well accepted by the medical community, patients, and their families. I donate all proceeds to gynecologic cancer research at Florida Hospital Cancer Institute.

My novel, Novy’s Son, The Selfish Genius, follows the life of a man searching for love and acceptance from his father. Many times when I counseled men, they were on a similar search and too many of them sought out approval through unhealthy behaviors.

My second act as an author is exciting and I believe it is my God given purpose. I write a weekly blog about health/wellness, relationships, spirituality, and cancer. I give presentations to churches, libraries, hospitals, service organizations, and book clubs. I have published articles in Oncology Times, PearlPoint.com, Southern Writers’ Magazine, and have been a guest blogger for a number of sites.

I am writing my second novel, because I believe it is a story that needs to be told. I love to use my imagination and this story certainly allows me to do just that. It is a story of love, tragedy, and family dynamics in the nineteenth century.

I look back on my life and know that there were many steps I needed to take and challenges to overcome. All of my life events have brought me to where I am today. I say to all who read this, “Listen to your heart and follow your dream.” I love to read a good story, and I hope that my gift of writing brings those same feelings to my readers.

“Your talent is God’s gift to you, what you do with that talent is your gift to God” (Leo Buscaglia). I am blessed to be living my second act with joy, love, and peace.

Karen’s Books

When I was diagnosed with Stage II ovarian cancer, I realized how little I new about what was once called “the silent killer.” As I began to educate myself I felt overwhelmed by the prevalent negativity of cancer. Lost in the information about drugs, side effects, and statistics, I redirected my energy to focus on the equally overwhelming blessings of life, learning to rejoice in each day, and find peace in spirituality. In this memoir I offer a perspective of hope with the knowledge that “the beauty of the soul, the real me and the real you, outshines the effects of cancer, chemotherapy, and radiation. This is a story of survival, and reminds readers that disease is not an absolute, but a challenge to recover.

From his early childhood, Matthew Collins sought love and acceptance from his father, who was raised as the bastard child of a famous artist. Matthew struggled with jealousy toward his younger brothers, and he questioned the morals and values of people around him.

As an adult, Matthew lived life his way, with years of lying, womanizing, and heavy drinking. Though married four times, did he ever find unconditional love? Would Matthew’s high intelligence, his love for his two daughters, and his unique philosophy of life help him rise above his demons?

Where to find Karen…

Joanne here!

Karen, thank you for an inspiring post and good luck with all your literary endeavors. I encourage all readers of this blog to follow Karen online and learn more about her extraordinary journey.

70 and New Beginnings

Posted on August 15, 2014 by Joanne Guidoccio

Welcome to my Second Acts Series!

Today, we have Soul Mate author Susan B. James entertaining us with her amazing life journey and introducing her novel, Time and Forever.

Here’s Susan!

Thank you, Joanne, for this opportunity to guest on Second Acts. Writing is my second act. Specifically Romance writing.

I grew up all over the world. My Mother was a serial monogamist.

Mom at 46 in Hawaii 1967 With my brother Mike

A gorgeous woman who looked like Katherine Hepburn, she went through lots of men and four husbands in search of perfect happiness. I guess you could say my life with mom was like a soap opera with a laugh track.

During the course of the adventure I started school in Paris, (mom had divorced my father and decided to go to Cordon Bleu in Paris to learn how to cook. There she dated Art Buchwald, the later famous columnist, and a college professor.) finished elementary school in Cape Town (Husband #2 was a newspaper report, turned PR man and was transferred to South Africa to head up PR for Mobil Gas). Graduated high school in Rome, (Mom was recovering from her most perfect love – Husband #3 -One of Madison Avenue’s Mad Men – and she decided child support and alimony would go further in Italy. Mom got a job from an old boyfriend selling airplanes, so she could legitimately leave the country with my younger sibs, Kelly and Mike.)

Why am I not writing this story you ask? Auntie Mame has been written and there’s way too much soap opera in Mom’s story. I prefer funny.

By the time I was twelve, I knew I wanted to be an actor. In 1966 after finishing graduate school in Hawaii, I went to England hoping to be hired at a theatre there. Why had I never heard of Work Laws? I did get a job, but I could only get a work permit if no one else in the British Commonwealth could do the job. So after a wonderful three months and an under the table job as a maid in a YWCA, I flew back to the US to take a job at Front Street Theatre in Memphis. When I wrote Time and Forever, my London background came in very handy.

My marriage of twenty two years ended just before my 50th birthday. I think we were a small blurb in People Magazine during the divorce. Barry was at that time one of the stars of Northern Exposure. He played Maurice Minnifield, the astronaut. We had a rough few years, but I am happy to report we are now good friends and get together whenever he is in town. Right now he is on the series, Anger Management, so we meet to play trivia once a week.

While trying to revive my acting career (no-one cared what I had done ten years ago. It wasn’t so much a revival as a start-over.) I decided I needed a new interest and began to write children’s books.

It never occurred to be to write an adult book. I was a romance junkie from the day I read my first Harlequin Novel while we were summering in Port Colburne, Canada. No Roses in June by Essie Summers. I still have it. I progressed from Essie Summers to Emilie Loring and Georgette Heyer and so on and so on . . . I am a Susan Elizabeth Phillips addict.

In October, 2009 I wrote a post for my Children’s Lit blog, Pen and Ink, about the joys of NaNoWriMo – National Novel Writing Month. I had to sign up to do NaNo to write the post, and in November, my guilt genes kicked in and I started writing.

With not an idea in my head, what appeared on my computer screen was an adult novel called Second Chances. I was thrilled when I finished and couldn’t wait to share it with someone. I had a new dream: Romance novelist.

Four years and MANY submissions and rewrites later, Cheryl Yeko offered me a contract with Soul Mate Publishing. That was five months before my 70th birthday.

I decided to write as Susan B. James so that my sons didn’t have to disown me when they found out I wrote sex scenes. No child wants to acknowledge their parent could possibly know about sex. I’m pretty sure neither of my sons nor their wives read the book.

I used a double author photo: Me now and me in 1969. I did it because I believe we only age on the outside. Our inner person stays the same.

Advice on starting over? Don’t EVER accept the label OLD. It’s demeaning. Think of yourself as chronologically gifted. You have lots more to give.

Time and Forever was published in January, 2014 and won an honorable mention in the 2014 Great Northwest Book Festival.

Blurb

Sherry wants a second chance at love. Lorena doesn’t believe that’s possible. But when a glitch in a virtual reality adventure sends them back to the real 1969, anything can happen.

Longer Blurb

What would you give up for a chance at true love?

When Sherry’s best friend Lorena promises her a virtual reality adventure for her sixty-third birthday, neither of them expect a trip back in time.

But when the handsome stranger she’d kissed on a London train in the summer of ’69 bumps into her in the “VR” adventure, she knows it couldn’t be anything else. And this time she doesn’t want to run.

Lorena’s heart’s still linked to her husband who died four years ago. She returns to the present to find a letter from David urging her to travel to a past she doesn’t remember.

Meeting Dave in 1969 Los Angeles is everything she never imagined. But how can she stay when the price might be the life of her daughter?

Time and Forever, the audio book should be available by mid August. One of the thrills of my life was listening with friends who hadn’t read the book to the first take of the audio book and hearing them laugh in the places I meant laughs.

I’ve started a blog with five tabs (aren’t I ambitious?) Which has more about me, some Paleo recipes and a sneak peek at my next adult book, Kate’s Hero. Someday I will find time to fill the children’s book tab. I know it.

I am also on Twitter and I have a Facebook author page for Romance. I also have them for my Earthquake Book and we have one for Pen and Ink. Leading a triple online life as an actor, children’s author and romance writer is proving a huge challenge. But what would life be without some obstacles?

Thanks for reading.

Joanne here!

What an extraordinary journey! If you ever run out of creative ideas (I know, highly unlikely), consider writing your memoirs. I loved reading Time and Forever and highly recommend it to everyone.

Withstanding the Fire

Posted on August 13, 2014 by Joanne Guidoccio

Welcome to my Second Acts Series!

Today, we have Dr. Julie Connor sharing and reflecting upon her journey to a spectacular second act.

Here’s Julie!

When I was five, I loved to warm my hands by a fire. Roast marshmallows. Twirl sparklers. As I got older, I looked to other people to tell me who I was and what I enjoyed. When we were children, our choices were driven by a personal sense of fun and adventure. As adults, we often can’t distinguish opportunities filled with excitement from those that bore us to sleep until we are forced to make a decision. Motivated by the proverbial “fire under our tails.”

Shortly after I completed my doctoral program, I received an envelope from the school district where I worked as an instructional coach. It felt like fire in my hands. I was intuitively aware of its contents. A letter explained my job was axed as a result of downsizing. I went back to school to earn degrees in school administration and educational leadership. I hoped the degrees would allow me to take a leap of faith out of traditional educational positions into a career I loved. However, I had no words to describe “a career I loved.” I was only sure of one thing: I was standing on holy ground.

A friend asked, “What do you want to do?” I didn’t know. He asked, “What do you like to do?” I had no idea. I spent years developing workshops, designing programs, analyzing data, and composing submissions for other people in higher positions who would take credit for my work. I did it to ensure job security. And I never had it. I thought maybe sometime somehow some way I might capture moments where I could do bits of what I liked to do. I worked so hard to please other people that I lost myself in the process. I finally realized that there wasn’t anything anybody else could do for me that I couldn’t do for myself.

I retreated to a red chair in a corner of my home for more than a year. I churned out masterfully-crafted application forms, composed essays, designed PowerPoint presentations, prepared for interviews, and scoured on-line listings for positions I did not want. I applied for jobs where skills in assessment and data analyses were needed. I learned a foreign language to become more marketable. I applied for jobs in my hometown, in different cities, in different states, and in different countries. And I withdrew from the world.

I was tired.

I searched through magazines hoping to find something that would make me feel anything but sad and hollow. One night, I dreamt about a tiger. The next morning, I found a picture of a beautiful tiger leaping through the air. In the kingdom of spirit animal guides, a tiger represents personal power, courage, and strength to face and overcome obstacles. I like tigers. When I was five, I wrote love letters to Tony the Tiger and mailed them to the North Pole (because everybody knows that Tony the Tiger lives with Santa Claus). The paper tiger in my hand was powerful and strong. I felt happy as I looked at the tiger and the memory it triggered. And I felt strong.

I found more pictures. I found words and meaningful quotations. I purchased poster paper and attached my collection of pictures and words to its surface. It became my vision board. I developed a daily practice of recording all of the blessings in my life in a gratitude journal.

I volunteered to facilitate workshops at local colleges, urban high schools, and support groups that desperately wanted someone to remind them that they still had dreams. Organizations requested copies of my goal-setting resources, inspirational stories, prayers, and reflections. I slowly rediscovered what made my heart sing one step, one activity, one prayer, one goal, one habit, one picture, one encouraging phrase, one journal entry, one conversation, one risk at a time.

Throughout the months that followed, my vision board evolved. My dreams hadn’t gone anywhere. Years ago, I was too frightened to nurture my own aspirations because I didn’t trust any of them could come true. So, my dreams took a nap until I woke up. “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate,” insists Marianne Williamson, author of A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of A Course in Miracles, Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.” I cut those words out and attached them to my vision board. Next to the tiger.

I love the collaborative hammering out of mission statements, constructing goals aligned with a vision, and building relationships. I love engaging in meaningful dialogue with others as they discern their dreams. I hate data analyses. I like to plan and show others how to use tools that empower them to pursue their passions. I love to write.

The same fire that melts butter hardens steel.

The process of rediscovering one’s personal passions can be excruciatingly difficult. I had to relearn how to listen to that intense brilliant voice within that knows – that’s always known – what I enjoy, where my talents lie, and what I believe.

Vocare, in Latin, means “to call.” The root of the word, vocation. When we find the courage and wisdom to respond to the Voice, we stand on holy ground.

Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, a French Jesuit priest and philosopher, said, “The day will come when, after harnessing space, the winds, the tides, gravitation, we shall harness for God the energies of love. And, on that day, for the second time in the history of the world, man will have discovered fire.”

Where are you now?

I am a keynote speaker, goals & planning catalyst, and author of the goal-setting workbook, Dreams to Action Trailblazer’s Guide. I founded a network to inspire and empower women over 50.

Do you have advice for anyone planning to pursue a second act?

My primary piece of advice: Do something. Start anywhere. Any step forward is a step in the right direction.

Any affirmations or quotations you wish to share?

From my book, Dreams to Action Trailblazer’s Guide:“Do the next right thing and the next right step will reveal itself to you.”

Blurb

In Dreams to Action Trailblazer’s Guide, Dr. Julie Connor will help you discover your dream, define your purpose, and create tangible goals. Julie empowers you with the skills and tools needed to transform your dream into a spectacular plan of action.

Where to find Julie…

Joanne here!

Julie, thank you for sharing your incredible journey. I enjoy following you online and look forward to reading your book.

Never Stop Learning

Posted on August 8, 2014 by Joanne Guidoccio

Welcome to my Second Acts Series!

Today, we have Kath Unsworth chatting about her passions and her emerging second act as an Illustrator/Artist/Writer.

Here’s Kath!

“The moment you doubt whether you can fly, you cease for ever to be able to do it.”
― J.M. Barrie, Peter Pan

Growing up in a mixed bunch of creative people was a great way to thrive. Nine siblings to be precise. My passion to draw started early. As a child I loved looking at nature. Most happiest when observing the birds, watching a spider spinning it’s web or following a butterfly in flight. I dreamed of being an artist and painting beautiful pictures to hang in galleries. I was a mad book-worm too and often imagined my own endings to books if I did not like the way the story ended.

For some reason I let my passions slip through my fingers when I became an adult.

My career crossed paths with creativity many times. Visual merchandiser, costume jewellery maker, graphic designer, being some of the more memorable experiences. But I never seemed to feel my feet lift off the ground. Or believe I could fly, like when I was a child creating art. My childhood dreams, lost in my attempts to live a busy city existence.

Life gets in the way of the creative journey and I would be lying if I said it didn’t. I did not realise I needed to change my career. It was by sheer accident I discovered a new world of art.

I fell in love, stopped work to have children. With children, came a need to write stories. All my passion for art came floating back to me.

Reading picture books to the children inspired ideas. Moving to a dairy farm the power of nature found me once more and I began to create art. Children can do funny things to a person and they inspire me every day to think outside the box. As does my husband.

Recently I sent my picture book manuscript off to an editor and the healthy dose of feedback, made me realise I still have much to learn. I’m okay with that, I am learning by doing. My first book Sugar and Spice has had its ups and downs because I am writing and illustrating it. It is not finished yet. Some say this is a big no, illustrating your own picture book in the publishing world. I believe in the beauty of my own dreams and I know what I want for this book.

I began dreaming about picture books and drawing new characters. Ideas pop into my head at any given hour. I have no education in this field and understand the road is not an easy one. I have decided to take on a few more courses to aid me in this craft.

My interest in the minuscule moments and living where I live, inspire a creative lifestyle. I will open an Etsy shop this year and start selling my art. I am thinking of offering pet portraits too. It has taken years for me to realize I am an Illustrator/Artist/Writer. My journey continues and I know I will never lose this passion to create. I am a student, all over again.

My advice for anyone wanting to follow their passion is start today. Listen to the voice inside you, it knows best. Get educated. I am learning new skills daily. I have found the road of creating a picture book is a long and challenging path. It will take me many years to get it right. Attaining new skills is rewarding in itself. Don’t rush it, even though it feels like you should. Don’t be afraid of feedback it is where you learn the most.

My art is my life, I go where it leads. To who knows where? All I know is I am learning to fly again, like a baby bird fresh from the nest. All I have to do is keep going, keep learning and never give up. Through all these crazy projects something will happen.

I will leave you with some wise and wonderful words from Dr. Seuss:

“If Things start happening.
Don’t worry. Don’t stew.
Just go right along and you’ll start happening too.”
Dr. Seuss

Thank you Joanne for inviting me to your awesome inspiring site. It has been a pleasure to write about my emerging second act.

Where to find Kath…