Have you ever dreamed of becoming someone or something else other than whom or what you are now?
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Have you ever planned for something to go really, really well, and it does? Have you ever built a castle in the sky? Have you ever seen a castle in the sky? Maybe you’ve never seen one. Well, you didn’t recognize it as such.
Everyday, and twice on Sunday, we create dreams, hopes and plans that are either impossible, unrealistic, or have little to no chance at becoming a reality. But, they ultimately do. And that is just what happened to me. I built a castle in the sky and moved my family up high. I wanted to become a published writer, but had no idea how to do this. This is how it all happened.
I was working an average 9 to 5 job. I was doing really well, at it. I was happy with my life, work and the company I had worked for. I had two sons. I had a beautiful wife who supported everything I did and wanted to do. But, there was something missing in my life, I wasn’t at all complete and content as I thought I was. I would often have these slumpy days where I just felt really bad about myself and unsure that I was doing what I wanted to do. Better yet, what I was destined to do.
I went home feeling brand new and so ready to conquer this world of writing. All I could think of was, ‘Wow. If I can get in the door with this editor. All I have to do is show and prove.’
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I was a writer. I wrote rhymes and created hit songs. But, I was beginning to get a little too old for the rap writing scene. Npw, I’m more depressed. Now I am in a slump and I am too old to do what I love. Then one day. At my 9 to 5 job, I met a customer who said she was a writer and needed hep finding something. I helped her find what she was looking for and we began to talk. I expressed my love for writing, as well. I had just got some business cards printed, and I gave her one. She gave me the name and email of an editor friend of hers.
I went home feeling brand new and so ready to conquer this world of writing. All I could think of was, ‘Wow. If I can get in the door with this editor. All I have to do is show and prove.’ Weeks went by. No call from the writer woman I met at work that day. Then one day, I decide to put the email to use. I send the editor friend an email pitch with a sample of my writing attached. Straight winging it. I don’t know what I’m doing. She emails me back…
Dear Mr. Ruffin,
Thank you for your wonderful letter.
Christine warned me that she had sent another person my way. It has been a while since I got to work with one of her recruits, so this was a nice surprise.
Here is what you need to know: I am on a couple of tight deadlines. But, I really want to work with you because I trust Christine’s instincts.
From a quick pitch at my 9 to 5 to email exchanges of opportunities to ultimately contributing to GMP. It all happened so fast. But, I was so ready for this. From that one maybe fifteen minute interaction in a retail store to having my own preferred editor on The Good Men Project. My castle is in heavy construction, as we speak.
My first piece that was published on GMP was Santa Don’t Come to the Hood No Mo‘. This was actually the sample I sent along with my pitch to the editor friend. That editor friend got sick and could not continue to work with me, but not before putting me on to another editor.
Congratulations! I just got word from a big website called the Good Men Project that they will be publishing your article mid-December. They love it and won’t do much editing of it.
GMP gets major traffic and is a wonderful stepping stone. They were my first choice for you and I am delighted.
I am going to introduce you to their editor, Dixie Gillespie. She will walk you through the process of setting your writer account with them.
Again, congratulations!
Best,
Lynn
Fast forward a few months. I’m working with Dixie Gillespie at GMP. Getting my feet wet. I start writing more with my male point of view. Before, I was just writing to write. Now, I write with a purpose. I write what I feel, so you feel what I write.
Then, shortly after officially joining GMP, I am introduced to Wilhelm Cortez. A fabulous editor who has brought out all the best writing in me. I now have a greater idea of who I am as a writer and what I want to write. And what I want to be a result from what I write. I am so grateful for Wilhelm, I sent this to him in an email one day.
Just thought I’d send a little communicative cheer your way.
I feel like this is it. You are a dream come true!
The universe brought you to me at the perfect time. I have so many ideas in me.
The next project will have you in it, titled ‘Castles In the Sky.’
Dreams do come true.
Just last week I was this close to giving up on writing.
You helped me get back on track.
Thanks!
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