What Following Your Dreams Looks Like

If you want to know what following your dreams looks like, you need to check out Kathryn Daugherty's story. 

Kathryn Daugherty is an award-winning romance writer who resides in Pella, Iowa. In ten years, Kathryn has had two short stories published, two novels self-published, and has received awards three years in a row at the All Iowa Writer's Conference for her short stories (2012, 2013 & 2014). Her published works include:

• White Lies - Secret Attic (A United Kingdom publication) - May 2007
• Secret Alliance - Writer's Journal Magazine - November 2007
• A Case of Hearts - 1st full length novel - 2013
• She Promised Her Heart - 2nd full length novel (1 of 3) - 2015

An Amazon review titled "Move Over Nicholas Sparks, You've Got Competition!" states the following regarding her most recent novel, She Promised Her Heart:

"I'm tough when it comes to doing a review, no matter who the author might be. That said, I had reservations about doing this review when I was recently asked to read this novel...I can only say I highly recommend this book. I'm definitely glad I had a chance to read it. I'll be watching for future books from this author. Any avid reader should do the same." ~ Susie Rigsby

Kathryn's achievements thus far are impressive, but what is even more impressive is how she got to where she is today. Her story is an inspiring one--one we can all learn from. 

Kathryn has only been a writer for a short period of time. She began her writing career in 2005 when a back surgery sidelined her from engaging in many major physical activities. After spending several weeks in the hospital healing and re-building the strength in her back, Kathryn decided it was time to take a chance on her dream--becoming a writer.

The starting point for Kathryn was a difficult one. She did not have the opportunity to go to college when she was younger, so she was behind on the general mechanics of writing (grammar, punctuation, formatting, etc.). She had read a lot of books in her lifetime, but she struggled a lot at first with writing complete sentences, inserting proper punctuation, and establishing flow. What Kathryn did have working in her favor was her creativity and the ability to type. In fact, Kathryn often acknowledges and thanks her father for encouraging her to learn how to type in high school. He believed typing skills would serve her well in the future, and he was right. Not only were her typing skills useful in a number of previous occupations, but they allowed Kathryn the opportunity to pursue her passion for writing.

Kathryn's first step consisted of taking an online romance writing course where she learned the basics of the genre and some general writing mechanics. From there, she attended conferences and workshops. In between conferences, workshops, and some classes, Kathryn would spend a great deal of her time reading, researching, and honing in on her writing skills. Eventually, her confidence grew and she started writing short stories. Early on, her sister served as her editor, reviewing and offering feedback regularly on the stories she put together. Kathryn then found a contest or two and submitted her work. After a couple contest entries here and there, she saw success in having her first short story published through a United Kingdom publication (Secret Attic). 

Kathryn's confidence in her writing continued to grow. As she continued writing short stories, she found a number of writers in her hometown and in the surrounding communities pursuing the same goals (writing short stories and novels). With a common goal, Kathryn provided and received support, encouragement and critiques from other fellow writers on a weekly basis. Soon came her next published short story, then an award or two, and the next thing she knew, she was writing and publishing her first novel, A Case of Hearts in 2013.

Kathryn's story inspires me. She took one step at a time. Knowing Kathryn personally, each step was not easy. Each step came with doubt, struggle, frustration, fear, naysayers, doubters, and complications, but she just kept moving forward. One step led to another step, which led to another step, which led to another step, and pretty soon, Kathryn was living out her dream. Kathryn continues to live out her dream today and has two more novels in the works that will be sequels to her book, She Promised Her Heart.

So what can we take away from Kathryn's story? How does her story apply to our lives and pursuing our own dreams? I can think of three things in particular:

1. Just start - It is not rocket science. Quit making excuses and just start. You'll be amazed at how quickly things start to fall into place. One step leads to another, which leads to another, which leads to another. Think of your dream as a journey and remember, "The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." (Lao Tzu)

Step 1: Decide what you're going to go after and start. Take a step.

2. Work on your craft - Will Smith once said, "The separation of talent and skill is one of the greatest misunderstood concepts for people who are trying to excel, who have dreams, who want to do things. Talent you have naturally. Skill is only developed by hours and hours and hours of beating on your craft." Going after your dreams takes time and effort. If you really want to excel, you are going to have to put in the time and effort to be successful.

Step 2: Make time in your schedule for it. Actually plan time to work on whatever it is you want to do. Even if it is 15 minutes a day, that 15 minutes a day can turn into an hour and 45-minutes of productivity.

3. Utilize your resources - Our resources are infinite. It may take some time to find them, but they are, in fact, out there. Kathryn spent a significant amount of time searching for contests, workshops, conferences, and eventually a like-minded group of people who were interested in pursuing the same goals. You are bound to struggle and fail. Utilizing your resources will help you meet your goals, will challenge and encourage you along the way, and may even help you reach your destination even sooner. 

Step 3: Seek out three resources you can turn to consistently to learn more and do more. Make one of these resources a support group that can challenge and encourage you along the way.

Kathryn Daugherty is an inspiration. Though I am not much of a romance enthusiast, I am proud to say I have read all of her published works and have found them to be quite enjoyable. Her stories are not too "love-y, dove-y" and they all have a lesson behind them, which is even better. If you wish to learn more about Kathryn and her work, visit www.kathryndaugherty.com and/or checkout her books on Amazon:

A Case of Hearts

She Promised Her Heart

One more thing: 

It is a pleasure to share Kathryn's story. Her journey has a special place in my heart as I have had the privilege of witnessing this adventure unfold from day one. I have supported her through the ups and downs, trials and celebrations, and I could not be more proud of her accomplishments. As her son, I have always looked up to her and admire her dedication and work ethic.

Way to go, Mom! Keep following your dream and thank you for inspiring me and so many others as you do! Love you!

Kathryn Daugherty

_______

*Image taken from www.kathryndaugherty.com