For as long as I can remember, I wanted to be a writer, and my dream was to publish a book. I couldn’t help but think how nice it would be to see my name on the cover of a best-seller.
There were some stumbling blocks I had placed in my own way, though. For starters, I moved from my home country to the United States, and although I spoke some English, I had been taught British English in the school I had attended, and I found it difficult to understand American English, which is much different, in case you were wondering.
In addition, I had come here with my American husband who had a small son. Family life kept me busy, and at the time, learning the American English language was nearly impossible. Therefore, I felt that my chances of writing a book were pretty close to zero.
As time went on, I had two daughters, which kept me even busier. On the plus side, my English had improved — although it was still far from good enough to be considered book quality.
Going back to school
When all three of the children were enrolled in school, I, too, decided I wanted to go back to school. So, I happily enrolled myself in a learning establishment — the local community college to be exact. I took every writing course they offered, including journalism.
Before long, I was offered the position of lifestyle editor, which had just become available at our local newspaper. I gladly accepted the position.
Publishing book was dream come true
After working at the newspaper for several years, I felt that I was finally ready to write that book.
I decided that, although I was getting a little past the romantic age, I would attempt to write a romance novel. I felt this genre might be easier to write — and I kept the content nice and clean.
With that idea, my first book was born. Although it was self-published and will never win a Pulitzer prize, I am just as proud of A Mother’s Sins as if a world-famous publishing firm had given it the light of day.
Given the opportunity, I eagerly went back to school and overcame the language barrier that was standing in the way of my dream. Now I can proudly hold in my hands all six of the books I’ve written.
Ursula
Coffeyville, Kansas
Read more inspiring do-over stories by CAPPER’s readers in Stories About Second Chances.
