Publishing Obsession

  I just watched one of my favorite movies for the third time. The movie is, Julie & Julia, with Meryl Streep and Amy Adams. Julie & Julia is based on the real lives of two women from two different times, whose connection came through a love of cooking and Julia Child's cookbook, Mastering the Art of French Cooking.

Sometimes, I feel guilty for taking time away from writing to sit in front of the TV and watch a movie. But I've recently realized that good movies often inspire me to be creative just as much as a good book.

On the surface, the movie seems to just be about food, but it is the underlying theme, of working to achieve your dreams, that draws me back to watch this film again and again. One of the scenes where I feel like the actress is speaking from my heart is where the character of Julie is in yet another funk about her lack of success.

Her husband says, "You wrote a novel."
Julie says, "Half a novel, and no one wanted to publish it. You're not a real writer unless someone wants to publish you."

It's true. It doesn't matter how many times I say, "I'm a writer". In my mind and heart, I won't be a real writer until someone wants to publish me.
So, just like Julie & Julia, I will keep trying. I will be thankful for those encouragers in my life who push me to keep plugging away. I will pick myself up when I get discouraged. And someday soon, one of my novels will be published in the children's book market. Then, I will call myself a real writer.