When You Hear a No, You’ve Got Someone’s Attention
I always wanted to write children’s books. As a child I read endlessly – the classics and books by Enid Blyton. I read The Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew mysteries and Lord of the Rings. The Thornbirds I read at 10 years old. I also used to write a lot and draw.
With the demands of my parents, I went to law school. The best thing about law school was the training of the mind, critical thinking, criminology, and questioning every decision. I worked a few years in corporate and copyright law. I was studying 14 hours a day. Law is interesting, but not the same when you practice it. I was always stressed and didn’t like it.
What made you decide to finally realize your lifelong dream?
My dream was to publish my stories. I came across information by researching the publishing industry and published my book. People were asking me to help them so I offered them advice. Since everyone was asking me, I decided to start a self-publishing consultation company. I now offer self-publishing and everything else that is associated with it. I have a wealth of knowledge.
What were the specific obstacles that you faced?
Sometimes family and friends think they can’t do something, so they tell you that you can’t either. As long as you get through the hurdle, you can do it. I started so late in life and I constantly heard, ‘Oh…how did you do it? It’s impossible.’ Well, it’s not.
Money was not an obstacle. You can start a business with no money. You can start a dream without any money or with minimal money.
I started the corporation with my named spelled backwards. It was hard and a lot of work. At one point it consumed the whole family.
What helped you get through them?
I went ahead and did it. I wanted badly to see my dreams materialize.
Were there people who tried to discourage you?
At first it was my spouse. Isn’t it always the spouse? That’s not his dream. He wouldn’t know how to do it.
Because some people don’t know how to do something, they think it can’t be done. However, my husband became my number one supporter and my business partner. He created a beautiful website for me and now encourages me every step of the way. He’s a great guy. I made sure that family always came first.
How did you feel when you finally accomplished your lifelong dream?
I slept with my book under my pillow for weeks. It is done! Now I have a tangible product. I knew from there that I had to continue my journey. I’m still writing.
What advice would you give to others who are contemplating finally living their dream?
It’s never, never, never too late. Just go for your dream. You will leave this earth with your name and something to remember you by. It can be something important to you so that your family and friends will remember you for it. Don’t not do it because of the hurdles. Dreaming is free. It’s yours to do. No one can stop you from doing it.
Get used to the no’s. When I hear a no, it means I got someone’s attention. They wrote to me or they called me back.
To read more about Gawri and her self-publishing consultation, click here.
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