Authors' Journeys

LaDonna Paulette

It's Never Too Late!

I awoke this morning thinking of our profession, and the journey we've chosen. There is not a career anywhere, I believe, that promotes such growth and diversity as the creative field. We're constantly stretching ourselves, and learning life lessons from the experience. The reward system we face is different from the norm, we actually do our craft free for many years in some instances because, well, we must.

The author photo above is of Helen Hoover Santmyer. Years ago when my husband and I were raising our little family, I grabbed a book on library day with my girls. Standing in the small aisle, I flipped to the back and that was my first glimpse of Helen. I smiled, and my throat clogged. I'd held my dreams so tightly most days, it's a wonder they could breathe. I jotted my stories after the girls went to bed, and awoke to life as mom and wife. What was the shelf life for dreams, I wondered? I was very happy, but this niggling inside kept urging me to just start. Little did I know my path would be a long one, but something designed just for me.

It would be many years later that I'd glimpse my first book cover, and smile that same smile. And yes, my throat tightened, and I looked at it through a blurry haze. It was so beautiful, and it meant the world to me.

Helen was 88 yrs old when, AND LADIES OF THE CLUB, was published. It stayed on the N.Y. list for eight months. It was her first novel in 50 years, her previous ones published in 1925, and 1929. I loved this woman's spirit the first time I laid eyes on her. It spoke of determination and a zest for life. Those are my heroes, the writers who persevere no matter how long it takes. I never had a deadline for publication in my mind. I knew if it was meant to be, it would happen. Sure, I got frustrated, angry at myself mostly, and wondered if I was clutching a gossamer dream of my own making. Luckily, over the years my perception changed, and I saw the world differently. Patience wasn't there to punish me, its purpose was to help me grow. We don't fight anymore I'm happy to say.

So, whenever I feel challenged along the way, I glimpse Helen's photo and smile again. Everyone needs a touchstone, and I guess she's it. There's many women I've met along the way, and I'm always thrilled to hear new stories, and realize publication isn't just for a select few. Writers come in all shapes and sizes and I say, Hallelu! I'll be 53 when I hold my book in my hands for the first time. All I know is I'm grateful, delighted, and more determined than ever to be the writer I was meant to be.