My Inspiration for Writing...

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Real is what we are now.

Separated.

True love has died,

but love is still alive.

Dreams dreamt,

Dreams shattered.

Rain pours down,

Sunshine hides.

Hours

Days

Weeks

Months

Could even be years

before true love is rediscovered,

Time shall hold

my destiny in its hands.

I long for happiness.

I long for true love.

I long for you.

by Kathi DeVito

I wrote this poem when I was 17. What surprises me now, is that I just wrote it down here from memory.  When I was about twelve years old, I started writing poetry.  It was who I thought I was back in the late 80's.  I would spend hours creating what I thought back then was "good writing."  I wrote poems about everything starting with love, all the way to the dark side of my thoughts.  Reading them again now, over 20 years later, I still think they were good, for a 12 year old girl, never been in love before, shy, sheltered pre-teen.  I kept writing until after high school and two of my poems, including the one above, were published later on. Going back to the fear of succeeding, I never did anything about furthering a writing career where poetry was concerned.  For me, it was time to grow up, get a job and start my life as a young adult. 
Fast forward a few years...One morning, my mother gave me a copy of "The Notebook" by Nicholas Sparks to read on the bus to work.  Not only did I fall in love with the story, which is by far, my absolute favorite book, I also fell in love with Nicholas Sparks, the writer, not the man.  He gave me something more than just a book full of words. His writing gave me a sense of hope that I could be like him one day.  I have read each and every one of his works and each time I do, I want more.  Waiting for his next publication to be out on shelves is almost torture for me, because, well, he is my main inspiration for all of the novels I have started writing over the past 8 years, and the one I completed, Reflections.
Back in September of 2010, I finally had the opportunity to attend a Nicholas Sparks book signing in NYC.  I, being the quiet, shy mouse I tend to be at times, was unsure about going on my own.  No one was available to join me, and I did not want to miss this opportunity, so I got on a bus and travelled to mid-town to meet my writing idol!!!!  Moments before the book store let us all in to have our copies of "Safe Haven" signed, Nicholas Sparks was out on the sidewalk saying hello to all of his fans and taking pictures with everyone.  I was estatic that i decided to go afterall.  He was such a sweet man.  I was even able to tell him how he has been my writing inspiration for my own projects.  I will never forget that experience. 

My other three inspirations for continuing on with my writing are first and foremost, the love of it.  I could write all day, everyday!!!

Secondly, my mother. She has had the most faith in me since my poetry writing at 12 years old.  I'm sure it's mostly because she's my mom and wants to see all three of her daughters excel, but deep down she knows that this is my passion.  She has also been working on 3 of her own projects and now the tables have turned and I am encouraging her to continue writing in her spare time so we can both achieve our goal...together!!

Third, my best friend, Rey...He has been the most encouraging over the past 10 years. I thank him for always trying to push me over the edge whenever I felt like writing was the wrong path to take.  In some way or another, he has always taught me, and continues to teach me, a different lesson in life and not to give up hope, or give up on my dreams. 

"Reflections" will be published...this year...I don't know when, but I am doing it!!! I've put it off for too long now, and I'm honestly tired of looking at it.  I submitted it to a publisher just about two years ago and in turn received a rejection letter...It was a positive moment in my life, for two reasons: #1-the first publisher I had sent to didn't accept that genre any longer, so they said, which was fine & #2-atleast I know they looked it over and responded to me.  A few other publishers that I had sent it out to never even responded to me.  So, NOW IS THE TIME...NO MORE PROCRASTINATION!!! =)