I was really down this week. I’ve felt completely drained, discouraged, depleted and unmotivated. I was feeling overwhelmed with life. I was lying in bed with the Writer’s Digest Magazine on my stomach staring at the ceiling.

I was determined to finish reading this magazine before the month was over. It was one of my silent New Year’s resolutions–which I really don’t believe in because I never attain the goals….so I simply call it my daily or monthly plan.  Anyway, I was looking up at the ceiling in silence and then closed my eyes for about 45 minutes before I even decided to pick up the magazine.

I started reading page by page struggling  to gain focus and concentration. I was determined to read every page because sometimes I cheat and skip the minor details in anticipation to get to the big, “How-to” articles.  But then, it happened!  As my eyes skimmed the pages, I saw my name in print!!! “Yolanda Berry” as my eyes slowly looked above my name to see the piece I submitted back in December. It was a letter that I submitted via email to the editor in frustration about how difficult it was to be recognized as a new writer without samples of your work in the publishing industry. 

They published my clip in the February 2009 issue of the Writer’s Digest!!! The title, “Write Your Novel in 2009.” I remember picking up the mail the day after New Year’s and finding the magazine in the mailbox.  The title seemed to scream, “Write it Now!” It was a very subliminal message which I took acknowledged secretly.

I’ve subscribed to this magazine for years and have been more of a dedicated reader than a writer. I read my clip and instantly got a boost of motivation!!! This is exactly what I needed to start off my New Year!!! No more procrastination. This is it!  This is worth the “Fight of My Life!!!” I can put on my running shoes now!

Thank you Writer’s Digest!!!