Last month, I was featured for a week on Novelspot (a great site BTW), revealing my journey to becoming a writer. Trust me, my confession and the journey wasn't easy.
For those of you who missed my posts, here are the opening paragraphs to each of the seven days (titles are linked to the full articles). In many ways, my trek to writing was typical. In many ways, it was not.
It began with a letter to Santa
I had what might be termed a very unusual childhood, unless, of course, you’re one of those kids trapped in the TLC series Toddlers and Tiaras or on Lifetime’s Dance Moms.
How a Flea became my First Protagonist
Where I grew up, the summers are hot and muggy. Just going outside feels like you’re trying to breathe through mud. Even as a kid, I couldn’t wait to escape, with the West Coast and the Pacific Ocean being my ultimate destination. (Odd, because I eventually ended up in Palm Springs). However, I needed to get through childhood first.
You'll Never Make It
Anyone who knows me understands that I’m all about helping people reach their potential and goals. Lord knows I had enough negativity with losing pageants and dance contests when I was very young and very fragile.
A Glimmer of Hope
Having spent all of my high school years in an all-girl environment, I couldn’t wait to get away to a coed college. A party school, no less. At that point, I hadn’t settled on what to do with my life. I was leaning toward commercial art, since it was one of my strengths.
Don't Quit your Day Job
Being practical, I knew the chances of me becoming a bestselling author and supporting myself right out of the gate were slim to none. I switched my major in college from art to journalism, figuring I could always work for a paper while I wrote the Great American Novel. During my lecture courses, I wrote poetry, rather than notes.
It All Came Crashing Down
My early rejections often made me question my sanity in pursuing a writing career. Too often, I felt as though I was repeating the pattern from my childhood when I lost numerous pageants and dance competitions.
The end of the tunnel at last
In those first dark months without my husband, I simply tried to survive. Getting a job. Paying bills. Sobbing at night. Not thinking of the future.
Tina
Tina Donahue
"Heat with Heart"
SINFULLY WICKED (menage - Available NOW)
THE YEARNING (HOLT MEDALLION AWARD OF MERIT)
UNENDING DESIRE (BEST BOOK Rating - LASR Erotic)
SENSUAL STRANGER (BOOK OF THE YEAR 2010)
DEEP, DARK, DELICIOUS (HOLT MEDALLION AWARD OF MERIT)
Website: http://www.tinadonahue.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/tinadonahue
Tina, this series on Novelspot was excellent and brought tears to my eyes several times. Thank you for sharing this story with us.
ReplyDeleteI admire you so much!
XXOO Kat
Tina, I admire how you persevered to become the success you are now. Your stories are inspiring.
ReplyDeleteTina,
ReplyDeleteYou were a lovely young woman, and you're still lovely.
I'm so glad you continued and didn't let rejection deter you.
Thanks, Kat - it was difficult to write, but also helped alleviate some of my sadness.
ReplyDeleteHey, Cara - thanks so much. Writers are a strong bunch. :)
I appreciate your wonderful comments, Sandy. Rejection is such a bummer. Just last night I watched the Dance Moms marathon. Don't know if you're familiar with it, but poor Chloe always comes in second place. Last night she was first and won a scholarship to the Jeoffrey ballet in NY. Wow!!
Tina, I haven't watched the Dance Moms marathon. Is this the one with the women in the wheel chairs?
ReplyDeleteI'm glad Chloe was first. Everyone needs to be first sometime.
Dance Moms is the show where the little girls are training to be professional dancers. Their moms are typical showbiz types and the teacher - Abby - is a nightmare.
ReplyDeletePoor Chloe. She's very talented but always takes second place to Maddy who's a year younger (nine to her ten). Even though Chloe won the scholarship last night, Abby (the teacher) didn't once congratulate her because Maddy (her favorite student) forgot her dance routine and ran off the stage in tears. When Chloe had forgotten her dance routine a few weeks back all Abby could do was criticize her. No tears.
I think the show is very abusive to these kids. I shudder to think what poor Chloe's self-esteem is going to be like when she grows up.
Followed your story on your blog and loved it. Such honesty must always be rewarded.
ReplyDeleteFollowed your story on your blog and loved it. Such honesty must always be rewarded.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jean - as Lily Tomlin would say, "It's my story and I'm sticking to it." :)
ReplyDeleteTina, I followed your story also and I have to tell you that I was close to tears a couple of times. Thanks so much for sharing with us and giving inspiration for those who are waiting for light at the end of the tunnel. You're also a very good example of what can happen if you never give up your dreams. Standing ovation for you, my friend.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Paris - now you're bringing tears to my eyes. :) You've been so supportive and I truly appreciate it!
ReplyDeleteI loved your story. You're an amazing person to put yourself out there and share your past. The journey to achieve our goals is sometimes long, but makes for great stories once we get where we want to go.
ReplyDeleteI've also watched Dance Moms and Toddlers and Tierra's. Horrible example of parents trying to have their children live out the dreams they missed. I just want to scream at the TV and tell them to let those kids be kids, and will someone please praise them for their achievements and quit belittling them for their mistakes.
Ok, I'm done. :}
Great post and thanks for sharing
Lynd