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Guest Author: Donnell Ann Bell
 Posted by Anne Marie Becker Sep 14 2011, 12:01 am in golden heart finalists, guest author, perseverance, writer's journey
THOSE DOOR CLOSING, WINDOW SLIDING MOMENTS
Hi, Ruby Slipper Sisterhood, thank you and especially to my friend Anne Marie Becker, Author of the fabulous ONLY FEAR, for inviting me to visit today. It’s so fun to have friends who are debut authors at the same time as my book, THE PAST CAME HUNTING, from Bell Bridge Books is coming out. We can annoy and pester each other, and all you old hats in the business will never know it.
Seriously, though, today I want to talk about the path to publication and the realization that things happen for a reason. Have you ever wanted something so badly, the very topic consumed your every waking moment? I can see you all nodding out there, yes, my book’s publication or I want my series to hit the New York Times Bestseller list, or … I want to be Darynda Jones, when I grow up.
Well, yes, as writers we all have these dreams. What I’m talking about is that heart-wrenching, gut-tingling need for something to happen, e.g., when your college or high school sweetheart finds someone else, or your beloved relative passes on, and you’d do anything to change that outcome.
I’ve had two such events in my life. I was engaged at 21 to a man I thought I couldn’t live without. Unfortunately our relationship was so tumultuous, my friends and family constantly warned, he’s not the right guy for you. Still, no one could tell me–I had to work through it (even as my mother threatened to push me off a balcony during William Shatner’s presentation of DEATH TRAP, when I’d decided to go back to him.) Sorry, Mom.
Years later, when my daughter was going through a break up very similar to the one I’d endured in my twenties, I was able to call upon this time in my life. I was able to say, “I’ve been there, sweetie, and this too will pass. Here’s my story.” I have a good marriage now, and my daughter could see I’d survived just fine. When I was able to comfort and reassure her, a huge weight fell from my heart.
I call events like these door-shutting, window-opening moments.
The second event was in my thirties when I decided to go to court reporting school. I’d found my niche and my chosen career as I rapidly progressed from 80 words a minute to 225 words a minute taking down testimony. I aced my academics, and passed the written state boards for my Registered Professional Reporter’s exam, and I was proficient whether inside the courtroom during trial or in an attorney’s office during civil litigation.
Unfortunately, I injured my left hand in a fluke accident, which took that dream immediately and irrevocably out of my grasp. Devastated, I went to work at a newspaper for far fewer dollars than I would earn as a court reporter. My editor quickly noticed I had an excellent command of the English language. Later, I became an assistant editor and finally the editor of a parenting magazine. Another door shut had led to an open window.
You can see where my nonfiction career has led, and that’s pretty special and exciting to me. Do I regret that I never got to practice my trade as a court reporter? Absolutely. Would I trade it for my fiction career? Absolutely not.
So how about you? Do you, like me, analyze the events of your life? Have you ever had doors closed in your face, only to realize they led to window-opening moments? I’d love to hear your stories.
Donnell Ann Bell is the recipient of numerous awards for her fiction writing and the co-owner of Crimescenewriters, a Yahoo group for mystery/suspense writers, which is 2,000 members strong. Donnell was raised in New Mexico’s Land of Enchantment and today calls Colorado home. www.donnellannbell.com
_________________________________________________________________________ To Regular Readers of the Ruby Blog:You might find the following fun facts about the Rubies useful on our Blog Anniversary, coming up September 21. Keep your eye on this space for the next few days to learn more!!! (Fabulous prizes just MIGHT be involved…wink, wink!)Vivi Andrews has contracted 12 ebooks.Liz Bemis is a history geek who rides a white draft horse in a joust show.4 Rubies are currently expecting babies (and we don’t mean the book kind!).Addison Fox writes about astrological heroes.Liz Talley writes for HQ Super Romance.Share:
              
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Hi there, Donnell! Great to “see” you!
Everyone, I can definitely attest to Donnell’s being an amazing source of support and encouragement. I know in the Kiss of Death chapter she always took/takes time to congratulate and encourage other members. So let me return the favor. 
Many congratulations, Donnell, on your debut book! “The Past Came Hunting” sounds fabulous and I can’t wait to check it out!
I echo Kathy’s sentiments – Donnell is the best! She was coordinator of the Kiss of Death Daphne du Maurier contest for a while, and I was lucky enough to be on board during her reign.
I learned so much from her, and she’s one of the most supportive people you’ll ever meet.
Best of luck with the release, Donnell!
Ha, Don’t let Anne fool you. I learned much from her. She’s brilliant.
I think that’s why the contest is so successful. Such wonderful camaraderie and team players. Thanks, Anne!
Anne, with people surrounding me like you, you made the job so much easier. I loved every moment of working with you! How many contest coordinators can say that?
Wow, Donnell! Your blog really hit home with me. For the past six months I’ve been searching for that open window. Thank you for reminding me that it will come. One of my mother’s favorite sayings is “It will work out. It always does.” We just have to believe and recognize those opportunities for what they are.
You’re a great role model for those of us awaiting publication. I’m excited about your release and can’t wait to read your book.
Hello to my Ruby sisters. I promise I’ll return one day. Don’t forget me!
Ah, June, how could anyone forget you? So glad the blog resonated. When you have months to prepare for a release you do a lot of that LOL
June! We won’t forget you. Keep us posted so we’ll know when that open window shows up (and it WILL!).
Good to see you, June
You’re never forgotten! Look for that window, sister.
Good morning, Kathy, what lovely things to say. It’s sooo easy to promote other people; would you agree? And with so much talent to back it up! Thanks for returning the favor
So very happy for you Donnell. Can’t wait to get your book in my hands.
I had a series of events that I didn’t think I would survive. I turned to writing. A new world opened up and I survived.
SOOO glad you survived also.
Oh, gosh, Rita, I don’t know if you recognize this, I’m sure you do, writers are truly analytical creatures, but turning to writing was your way of journaling through crisis. I’m pretending I’m Anne Marie’s protagonist Maggie in Only Fear LOL.
Seriously, even when I was taking depositions of some horrendous cases, I was changing the outcome in my head. I think storytellers are born and like a match, something strikes to bring us to life. Would you agree?
I journaled but it was to write all my nasty, mean, evil, thoughts until I was sick of writing them. Then I burned the three journals. I wanted to do some creative things. It was either writing or ruining perfectly good canvases and wasting paint. So it was writing.
I very much agree storytellers are born. When I first learned everyone didn’t have stories bounching around in their heads I was stunned. Really? I mean, what do they think about?
LOL, Rita, what a sad mind not to have stories inside! We’re the lucky ones!
Hi Donnell. Congratulations on your new release.
Thanks so much, W. Lynn.
Congrats on your new release!!!!
Thanks, Lena!
“I want to be Darynda Jones, when I grow up.”
That’s the sweetest thing, Donnell. Thank you so much. I have enjoyed getting to know you and cherish our friendship.
My writing has gone through so many ups and downs that to finally have this dream realized is truly a blessing. I can hardly believe it sometimes, but as with anything worth fighting for, it has not been an easy path. And it’s one I’d completely given up on more than once in my life. At one point, I threw everything I’d ever written, (hundreds of pages and dozens of stories and mss) into the trash. Not to be a spoiled brat, but to force myself to focus on what was important at the time. Now I could just kick myself. I would LOVE to have that first ms. I never quite finished it, but still, just to have it now….
I think my biggest life twist, however, was when we found out our oldest son was born Deaf. Wow. Talk about a detour. It sent me in a whole new direction, one that I am forever grateful for. My life is so much richer because of it.
Amazing post, D!!!! Thank you so much for joining us and super congrats!!!
~D~
Darynda, wow! I got chills reading about your life detours. Your son has been a blessing, and you know what when one of the senses is taken away, the others become more acute. What’s more you pulled on your “Handle it” britches, and the steps you took to help your son, actually led to your writing career, didn’t they? Didn’t you work in the court system as a signing interpreter? Yep, you had doors slammed and windows opening big time.
Too bad you didn’t have Stephen King’s wife present to dig that manuscript out of the trash, though. Arghhh… Big hugs and thanks for the congrats!
I sure did. I worked all over the place as an interpreter, and I got a degree that otherwise would not have happened because of it as well. Definitely a window!!!
And honestly, where is Stephen’s wife when we need her? Hahaha.
big hugs!!! ~D~
LOL, yes. I know how Stephen King can moonlight. Lending us his wife when we get too near that trashcan You’re an inspiration, Darynda!
Hi, Donnell–What a great post! It’s amazing, sometimes, how disappointments sometimes steer us onto better paths.
I love your picture. We had English bulldogs when I was growing up, and they’re the sweetest creatures. And beautiful if you look long enough.
Congratulations on your release!
Hi, Nancy! Thank you for your thoughts on the article and for your compliments on Coach. Coach isn’t my dog, but I love him just the same. He was ran over if you can believe it by a workman, and it was so scary. But he was a tough little thing, and pulled through with nary a scratch. Flip Wilson bought his children an English bulldog. He wanted them to see that something so ugly could give so much love. Beautiful eh. And when I look at Coach, he’s not the least bit ugly! Thanks for commenting today.
Congratulations on your release, Donnell! Great post. I’m grateful for all the set-backs, rejections, and closing doors in my life because they’ve formed who I am.
Oh, Vivi, what a profound thing to say. Can you imagine the people we would be or the roads we would have traveled if everything went our way. No one wants to read about a paved highway. We need to throw in curves, and rock slides and pit crews to shake things up a bit. These upsets exactly shape who we’re destined to be. And right now we’re just on one part of the journey. Thanks for stopping by!
Well said, Vivi. People sometimes ask about life’s regrets… I’m proud to say I have none. The good, the bad, it all shapes who we become.
So good to see you here, Donnell, and to hear the new book is releasing. Wow. It sounds good. I’m chockful of TBRs but I’ll have to add that one.
Hmmm…I think my kindle needs charging. Better go plug it in.
Congrats and enjoy your window
Hi, Liz. I so feel your pain about TBRs, but it’s a good pain to have, right? Thanks for commenting and letting me be part of your blog today!
Donnell, great post! I’m a big believer in things happening for a reason. The last couple of years have been chock full of doors closing/windows opening moments. I’ve kind of learned how to hang on for the ride.
And count my blessings, because even when thinks look bleak, I’ve still got a ton to be grateful for.
Your book sounds fabulous! I love when characters are confronted with things (and people) from their past. Those second chances are always so much fun to read about.
Cynthia, I’m glad you’re hanging on. Sometimes when those difficulties are staring us right in the face it seems so hopeless. Interesting how when we look back we wonder what we got so stressed out about — at least I do. I’m trying to handle things more in stride because that old saying, “this too will pass” is so true.
Oh, and absolutely, I love stories that give characters second chances. Thank you!
Congratulations on your release, Donnell! And thank you for The post–it’s so inspiring to hear how those opening windows lead to dreams coming true! I was like Rita with stories constantly bouncing around inside my head, but I never thought of writing them down until I was nearing the end of law school and getting surer by the day that I didn’t want to be a lawyer. Like you, I changed the outcomes of the cases we studied in my head. And my first ms was a historical inspired by research I was doing into women’s property rights at common law. I’m still waiting for The Call, and I don’t expect that historical to be the one that makes it happen, but I will always love it, and will never really regret going to law school because–besides the fact that time spent learning is never wasted–if I hadn’t been so unhappy about becoming a lawyer, I might never have turned to writing as an escape or realized that it was what I really wanted to do.
You know, Sally, I suspect I would love your historical because it sounds like a lot of YOU went into it, a lot of what you’ve learned and a lot of subtext as well. Don’t be surprise if this book does lead to the CALL. You just never know. Oh, my gosh, how could you ever regret going to law school. No one can take that education away from you. You will use it, and it will open all kinds of windows for you!
Wow, Sally – I didn’t know you went to law school. I was in similar circumstances with pre-med. I knew sometime near the end that I didn’t want to take the MCAT and go to med school. Then I went toward psychology and got a counseling degree, but I didn’t want to stay in that either. But it wasn’t wasted… I channel all of those experiences into my characters and I’m sure you do the same at some point with your education, too.
Welcome, Donnell! I’m so happy for you!
I’ve had a few such door closing/window opening moments, the most profound of which was when my father died. My mother, brother, and I became much closer as a result of his sudden passing, and my husband and I decided to start a family of our own.
Jamie, I’m so sorry your about your father. Those events take everything beyond our control. It’s how you regain control that continue to shape us. I love your open windows! Wonderful.
What inspiring stories, Donnell. And how fortunate your family is to have a mom/wife able to draw on those seminal moments. I firmly believe we cannot let life’s successes and failures define us. Rather, I want to define my life in light of my experiences.
Since the age of 14 I’d wanted to be a teacher, never intended to marry and have a family LOL. When I met my husband, however, I knew like writing on the wall, that he was for me! Twenty years later, I’d reared seven children, engaged in a lot of temp jobs to supplement Boyd’s teaching income. Finally, at age 42 I was able to realize the dream of that 14-yo girl. I was able to get my California credential (I already had a BA in English) and begin teaching!
Who says you can’t have it all. In its own good time, of course.
Oh my gosh, Jo, this blog is giving me goosebumps today. As I read that you put your dreams on hold, something occurred to me. Seven children later and a lot of life experiences to call on, you are probably — strike that — are an amazing teacher. I’ve read your posts http://fivescribes.blogspot.com/2011/08/five-scribes-readers-today-im-excited.html on diction and syntax. Excellent learning experience.
In your case I don’t think you slammed a door. I think you simply left a window open to pass through later. Thanks so much for stopping by!
Hi, Donnell, congrats on your book, I’m so happy for you! I’ve had many of those door closing, windows opening experiences, as a matter of fact, I’m going through one and looking for a window right now.
I wish you much success!!
Diana, just breathe, sit back and wait. This too will pass and a new opportunity will present itself. You may not recognize it as such at the time, but I believe it will. Hugs on what you’re going through.
Great post, Donnell. I’m so thrilled for you!
My gram always said, “Where faith abides, God provides.” I believe that with all my heart, and it’s never failed me.
Recently, Hubble and I discussed the twists and turns of our life together, the mistakes we made, the things we’d change if we could, but then realized, if we changed them, so many of the good things wouldn’t have happened. It’s a crap shoot, but it’s hard to regret a mistake that, while horrid at the time, brought good things in the end. Doors and windows. Amen.
Gwynlyn, you know what, I’m one big cliche today, but you’re a half-full kind of person. Your grandmother was so wise, and I truly believe we grow from all of our setbacks.
I know you’re going through some things right now. Sounds like you have a wonderful foundation to call upon. There’s been a lot of growing up and growing together in your house. Hugs.
Donnell, you’ve been through some of my door-closing/window-opening moments and helped me deal with them. I’m forever grateful to you and yuor sound advice. Every one of the rejections in my career led to something bigger and better, and I’m grateful for all the learning moments I’ve had.
Congrats on your debut book. I’ve read it and it’s fabulous! Can’t wait to add the book to my keeper shelf!
Boy, Misty, you got that right. It certainly hasn’t been one way either. You’ve been this sensible, wise-cracking rock. I’ve had a lot of fun being your friend. Thank you for saying such nice words!
Congrats on the debut, Donnell. I’m another stories in my head person like Rita. Through everything in my life, I’ve rewritten the events to make it easier to get through. Gives me something to concentrate on until the window opens.
Oh, Kate, you are a wise woman. You know those events that are so important at the time? You lose the nuances. By doing what you’re doing, you’re keeping them fresh and alive for when you do turn into Rita and start writing Wow, your window is going to fly wide open! Thanks for commenting
Donnell,
Congratulations on the debut. The book sounds fantastic.
I’ve had so many moments of doors closing and windows opening. I know they will help me become a better writer. (Although I could do without the angst that comes with those stupid closing doors!)
Oh, hugs, on the angst, Nan. But I’m afraid it comes with the territory. If you don’t remember the angst you won’t learn much from it. Save if for your characters, what do you say? Hugs.
Hey, I wanna be Darynda Jones when I grow up too!
Congratulations on your debut, Donnell! It’s nice to know doors aren’t locked forever and there are also many other doors to step through.
Really, Vanessa? I’m not the only one who wants to be Darynda Jones. Who would have thunk it
Yes, lots of avenues are opening up. This is an exciting, interesting time to be a writer. Lots of door slamming, windows opening in this business 
Thanks for letting me be part of The Ruby Slippered Sisterhood blog today.
Congratulations, Donnell on your release!
I know you’ve waited a long time for this day.
To echo almost everyone, you’ve supported and encouraged me from the moment we met. You’re a great lady.
Connie, You’re so talented, how could I not. Plus, you’re one fantastic woman. Thanks for your support! Hugs.
Great job, Donnell. Love ya! Proud for ya!
Ah, thanks, Mary, right back atcha, girl friend!
Donnell, mega congrats on your release, so very happy for you! And what a great way to look at life. When those doors close from now on, I’ll definitely be looking for a window!
Tina, congratulations on all your success! Yes, I think closing windows often lead to opening windows. May not appear so at the time, but it’s as Robert Frost says… the road less traveled has made all the difference. Hugs!
Donnell, on behalf of the Rubies, thank you so much for being here today and sharing your experiences. They are truly inspirational, and I think we’re all watching for those open windows.
And happy book birthday tomorrow! Can’t wait to read THE PAST CAME HUNTING!!
Thank you, Anne, for having me! The powers that be tell me now it’s September 19th, so I just have to open another window and wait