Hopes. Dreams. And Trafficking in Happily Ever After.

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Howdy y’all, from frosty New Hampshire, and welcome to my first ever blog post! I really did mean to get around to this before now, but you know… life. So, here I am, finally getting around to it, and since the experts tell me I’m suppose to use this inaugural post to tell my story, here goes…

I’m a Jersey girl raised in the deep-south, now blessed to be living and writing in New England. Before my “big break” (more about that later) I spent fifteen years wearing heels and schlepping a briefcase as an executive in the jewelry industry. Then, at the height of the Great Recession, I suddenly found myself the recipient of a big fat pink slip and a serious case of burnout. I was officially being downsized. Thank… heavens. 

Little did I know, what felt like the end of the world was actually the beginning of a dream. You see, for four years I’d had a novel bouncing around in my head, a dead women with a secret to tell, if only I was brave enough to tell it. But brave is easier said than done when you have a mortgage to make every month. The thought of trying to make a living with no formal writing education scared me to death. Lucky for me, it didn’t scare my hubby, who convinced me not to go back to work, and instead, take my shot.

So that’s what I did. And then about halfway in I got cold feet. What if I was no good? What if my story concept didn’t fly? The time had come to put myself out there and find out if I was really onto something, or if it was time to head to my local Taco Bell and pick up an application. I found a local writer’s group and joined, agreeing to submit a sample of my work for critique the following week. That’s when the magic started. 

I was a wreck on my way to the meeting, terrified I’d return home with my dreams around my ankles. In fact, if it wasn’t for my husband, I probably would have chickened out entirely. But I went. And because I went, because I did the thing I was terrified to do, (yes, terrified) I wound up meeting my agent that night. She had popped into the meeting to scout local talent, and would I be interested in letting her read the rest of my chapters. I mean… what are the odds?????

Two weeks later, I had an honest-to-goodness literary agent. A few months after that, I signed a two-book deal with a Big Five publisher. My dream had come true, and in a way I could never have mapped out for myself. Five books later, I’m still pinching myself, and still as much in love with writing as I was the day I began this journey. But here’s the real reason I love telling my story… if it can happen for me it can happen for anyone. I also learned a few things. I learned that even when everything seems to be falling apart, the Universe has your back, that it rewards action, especially when that action feels scary, and that there’s no such thing as a dream that’s too big. And that, my friends, is why I traffic in happily-ever-afters. Because they’re real!

As you’ve probably guessed by now, I’m a big old cheerleader, and as I continue to grow this blog I hope to create a forum that’s not just about books, but also about what’s possible when we honor our dreams and live a life that truly feeds the soul. Yes, I’ll be talking about my books, sometimes shamelessly, (did I mention I have a new novel releasing May 1st, called When Never Comes?) but I’ll also be talking about the writing process, posting reviews, hosting fabulous authors, sharing bits of my world, and maybe even a recipe or two. I’d love to have you join me, to swap ideas and maybe share the stuff that speaks to you. I’d also love to hear what else you’d like to talk about, so drop me a comment. Love and Light, peeps, until next time!

For more information on my books visit: ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1

 

 

 

10 Comments

  1. Elaine M Lolli on February 3, 2018 at 2:08 pm

    Hi Barbara, Welcome to the world of blogging! I have read all of your books ( in fact, you responded positively about my review of “Love, Alice” a while ago). Certainly wouldn’t expect you to remember that, but it made my day! Looking forward to reading your latest in May; undoubtedly, it will be reviewed on my blog. Your story is inspiring to anyone who loves to write. The struggles are many, but the rewards are immense. I’m a follower!

    • Barbara Davis on February 3, 2018 at 2:12 pm

      Wahoo! You have the honor of being the first ever commenter on my blog! Thanks so much for your kind words and would love you to review When Never Comes. (are you on NetGalley?)

      • Elaine M Lolli on February 3, 2018 at 6:28 pm

        I’m busy with my own blog, but have often thought about posting reviews on NetGalley. On my To Do List! Thanks, Barbara

    • Betty kadezabek. on February 3, 2018 at 4:50 pm

      Love Alice was a incredible read I could not for the love of me figure the story out until it hit me. Bc I try to actually put myself into the storyline that way it’s written about me and my secrets. Brings I am not a writer but how I wish. But live Alice mysterious knock out writing loved the story line and I swear I do the same thing. Leave. Notes on my grandparents and parents grave. Love this. So surreal and gripping great to the last page. Keep it coming ,,,

      • Barbara Davis on February 3, 2018 at 5:00 pm

        Thank you, Betty! I love hearing that you actually leave notes on the graves of your loved ones. It felt like such a poignant thing when I came up with the idea. I love knowing that people actually do this!

  2. Jenny Collins Belk on February 3, 2018 at 4:55 pm

    Congrats on your new blog Barbara. I am a fan of your writing. You just get better and better. Looking forward to enjoying your new blog and I can hardly wait for When Never Comes.

    • Barbara Davis on February 3, 2018 at 5:01 pm

      Thanks so much for all your support. It means more than you know!

  3. Elaine M Lolli on February 3, 2018 at 7:24 pm

    I’ve often thought about posting reviews on NetGalley. On my To Do List! Thanks, Barbara

  4. kblifewaves on February 4, 2018 at 3:51 am

    Congratulations Barbara on your blog and I so look forward to reading When Never Comes. And a WoW surprise to read that you, like me, are a Jersey Girl with a love of the South. And to think I almost moved to Portsmouth NH back in the 70’s.

    • Barbara Davis on February 4, 2018 at 1:53 pm

      Let’s hear it for the Jersey girls!

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