Dale Mayer’s Story

Posted on September 17, 2012 by Liz Kreger

Last week, we posted Michelle Diener’s Story. Today it’s Dale Mayer’s turn. Every Monday, either Edie Ramer or I will be sharing a story of one of the Magical Musings’ bloggers until we’ve told them all. Enjoy learning the story behind the storyteller.

I was asked to speak on my journey as a writer. But how do I separate that pathway from that of being a single mother, a daughter in a sandwich generation, or a single woman in a two person world?
For me the writing journey is more the journey of my soul – because I write what I know and I am what I write.

I’m not your typical writer in that I didn’t grow up wanting to create stories. I did grow up an avid reader of Nancy Drew, Trixie Beldon, and Hardy Boys. I did excel in writing poetry in class but not in creative writing class. Maybe that was a hint. :)

Neither was I one to while my time away on dreamy pursuits. However, I did spend a lot of time writing down the tumultuous emotions growing up. And it was my sheets of scrap paper that saved my sanity through a tough marriage and an even tougher divorce. But finding myself a single mother as sole support of four from newborn to 10 years old didn’t leave time for learning anything but multi-tasking! Thankfully, I’ve always been good at that.

But through those crazy times, I had to set a goal of something better. A dream to strive for. A hope of a special life after diapers. It was as necessary to my sanity as air was to my lungs. And in the back of my mind had always been that arrogant confidence that I could write a book. Of course, I had yet to put pen to paper. :)

But I’m nothing if not proactive. I retrained and started working as a technical writer – dry stuff, and crippling to my artistic soul – but it kept the kids in food. (Yay!) However, it wasn’t long that the Dot.com collapse happened, taking my new job with it. I ended up freelancing. That exposed me to more and more types and styles of writing. I finally decided to try my hand at fiction.

My first book was not publishable. I’m not sure my second or third are either…I’m scared to go look :) . It wasn’t long after that I started funnelling my crazy twisted imagination into my Psychic Vision series. That gave my imagination an outlet, and I caught a glimmer of hope that my dreams could one day become reality.

Somewhere in there, I contracted with Atlantic Publishing to write 3 books over 2.5 years on various nonfiction topics. More dry stuff but with my name in print and my own books on the mantle, I realized that dream was something I could make happen – I just had to reach for it. I also took my soul journey a little further by marrying my writing and lessons of motherhood together. As soon as I did, YA stories started pouring from my soul.

Currently, I have 7 nonfiction business books out and if I ever catch a few moments of spare time, I’ll add books on gardening and ergonomics – just for starters. But honestly, with 4 YA books up, 2 more to be released in the next month, and yet the first in a new and 3rd YA series due out before the New Year – along with the book 4 of the Psychic Vision series and the first of a new romantic suspense both before Christmas – well, you can see that I might not have much free time on my hands.

How do I feel about my writing journey at this time? I’m delighted. At how far I’ve come. At the heights I still get to climb and most of all – at the pit stops I get to take along the way that allow me to see survey the life I’m living – and enjoy the company of those that walk beside me.

Dreams are meant to be big, and they are meant to be realized. But then you should dream an even bigger dream. And throughout all that? Keep smiling – just as my soul is smiling right now.

Dale Mayer
http://dalemayer.com

About Liz Kreger

Liz Kreger writes science fiction/romances and to date, has two books published by Samhain Publishing ... FORGET ABOUT TOMORROW and PROMISE FOR TOMORROW. Liz is presently branching out to contemporary paranormals and is experimenting with urban fantasy.
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22 Responses to Dale Mayer’s Story

  1. Edie Ramer says:
    September 17, 2012 at 7:22 am

    Dale, you’re pretty amazing. I’m so glad you shared your story. You are an inspiration. I think whenever I feel whiny, I’ll come back and read this. I have no doubt that you’ll be a wildly successful author and that it will happen soon.

  2. Lori Brighton says:
    September 17, 2012 at 7:28 am

    What a wonderful story and message! Thank you so much for sharing! Your optimistic words are a great way to start my week!

    • Dale Mayer says:
      September 17, 2012 at 10:48 am

      Hi Lori,

      Thanks! I didn’t intend to write such an inspirational message – but it goes along with the line of – I write what I know and I am what I write.

      Have a great week!

  3. Berinn Rae says:
    September 17, 2012 at 8:31 am

    What a great story! Kudos to you for balancing so well!

  4. Sylvia Rochester says:
    September 17, 2012 at 8:50 am

    Thanks for sharing, Dale. You are a constant inspiration to me.

  5. Catherine Chant says:
    September 17, 2012 at 9:51 am

    Very inspiring story, Dale!

    Cathy :smile:

  6. Amy R says:
    September 17, 2012 at 10:09 am

    Your story is very inspiring! Thank you for sharing it. Sometimes I let things overwhelm me easily or give up. I sometimes get lost in the “mother” or “wife” role and don’t set my own goals or pursue my own dreams. You have shown that one can accomplish things while tending to the people they love that need you. Congrats on your success and I wish you much more in the future.

  7. Eliza Daly says:
    September 17, 2012 at 12:58 pm

    Great story Dale. I love reading about other authors’ journeys. And I’m glad to hear I’m not the only one who didn’t read the Nancy Drew series and then have an epiphany to be a writer. :-) My love for writing came later in life also.

    Thanks again for sharing!

  8. Cynthia D'Alba says:
    September 17, 2012 at 2:51 pm

    You’re a talented lady, Dale!

  9. Liz Kreger says:
    September 17, 2012 at 3:15 pm

    Thanx for sharing your story, Dale. It really was inspirational … and I’m with Edie. When I’m feeling whiney, I’ll have to take a look at your story and get over it. ;-)

    I always find it amazing the different avenues that a writer can and will take to achieve their goals. Congrats on finding yours.

  10. Misty Evans says:
    September 17, 2012 at 4:57 pm

    Dale, I’m so glad you found a way to mix your writing with real life. Something many of us aspire to do. Congrats on your amazing success and best wishes for lots more! You’re a great role model for your children.

  11. Pingback: An Inspiring Story - Edie Ramer

  12. Marilyn Brant says:
    September 18, 2012 at 9:11 pm

    Dale,
    I loved learning more about you and your writing journey!
    BTW, I was a huge Nancy Drew fan as a kid, too ;) .

Comments are closed.