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Now, considering my giant fear of roller coasters, I think it’s a bit odd that I’ve found myself in a career that is, well, pretty much one giant roller coaster.

Writing is one heck of a wild roller coaster ride. So many “ups” and, unfortunately, so many “downs” in this business.

When I first started writing, it seemed like I only had the “downs” of the business. For all the other writers out there, you know what I mean. The rejection letters. The contest entries that don’t make the finals. The folks who ask why you bother spending your free time tapping away on your computer. What is the point?

The point, for me—it was those wonderful “ups” that I hoped would come. And, very slowly, they did come.

The rejection letters stopped being straight form letters—editors began to talk about what worked in my stories and they asked to see more submissions from me. My contest entries made the finals. A few even won. (Talk about sweet!)

And it sure seemed like my ride started to go faster then. So much faster.

I wrote whenever I could. I took risks with my writing. Roller coasters require the element of risk.

Then the moment I’d been waiting for finally arrived…that wild rush that comes from a sale.

But you see—the roller coaster ride didn’t suddenly smooth out for me once I’d broken through the publishing walls. I learned there were more twists and turns waiting for me. There’s always the fear of rejection. The worry about bad reviews or sales numbers. Simply put, there will always be “downs” in this business.

Yet there will also always be “ups”—and the decision I reached…I’m going to celebrate every single positive moment that I get in this business. I’m going to open my eyes and stop being afraid and I am going to enjoy the rush of the ride.

Each moment should be celebrated. Every single success. Don’t fear the “downs”—and do look eagerly for those sweet “ups.”

Now tell me…if you’re on this roller coaster ride with me—have you had a wonderful “up”-lifting moment lately? I sure love to hear about those moments!

Cynthia Eden
www.cynthiaeden.com
HOTTER AFTER MIDNIGHT--Available now from Kensington Brava
WHEN HE WAS BAD--Available May 27, 2008, Kensington Brava