From an Unknown Writer to a Best-Selling Author
By: Gary Westfal
Tags: Mindset, Purpose, Writing, Inspiration, Self Improvement

Photo Courtesy of Stefan Keller of Pixabay

From an Unknown Writer to a Best-Selling Author

I remember it as if it happened a moment ago. I was talking with my wife, attempting to explain another one of my lucid dreams to her. She listened patiently as I described the details and sordid emotions of the alter-conscious experience, and then, with six simple but powerful words, she opened the pathway to my purpose.

“You should write about your dreams.”

I had always considered myself a fairly good writer. In retrospect, my writing skills were average, but my passion for writing was strong. And therein lies an opportunity for me to draw your attention to something that most people miss.

You don’t have to be great to get started on the path to your purpose. You just have to start.

When I started writing about my dreams, my purpose was to bring clarity and meaning to my alter-conscious encounters, to learn more about myself, and to see beyond the reality that surrounds us on any given day. What started out as a method of self-prescribed therapy, turned out to be a completed manuscript to my first novel.

You Already Have the Elements You Need to Get Started

I had no idea where to begin, so I took stock of what I did have…

I had an objective/a goal.

I had my dreams.

And I had a computer.

Photo Courtesy of Michael Paredes of Unsplash

My objective was to write what I saw in my mind’s eye. My dreams would provide the content. And my computer would capture it all as I feverishly typed with two forefingers and two thumbs, my only typing skills to this day.

I had resolved early-on to write without regard to making much sense. When you’re capturing dream content, not much makes sense anyway, so I had inherent permission to “let go.” This actually helped open the pathways of deep creativity for me as I began filling in the gaps between dream sequences with my own creative imagination. Little did I know then, where that method would take me.

I first began writing a few days a week for about a month. And, seemingly without noticing, I was writing almost every day. When you operate in your lane of passion and purpose, amazing things begin to take shape.

If you’re passionate about doing something, you’ll know it fairly quickly. Your passion will ultimately lead to your purpose. Note: This is a process that may take some time to develop. Your purpose will resonate so deep within your soul that you cannot be separated from it for very long. It’ll call you. It will be on your mind constantly. Your learning curve will shorten because your thirst for knowledge will increase. You’ll begin seeing yourself as that which you are; in this case, a writer. You will begin to see the world through a different perspective, which is the Universe’s way of revealing opportunities to those who are aware enough to recognize them.

The Transition

I can’t clearly recall a specific moment when I made the transition from a dream transcriber to a writer, but before I knew it, a storyline was taking shape right before my eyes. Characters were appearing — some of whom had played a scant role in my dreams, some of whom were a part of my newfound imagination — all of whom were now were at my side showing me scenes and revealing thoughts, emotions, and dialogue to create an epic storyline. The more I saw the more I wanted to know.

That first writing journey was an unforgettable experience. In fact, the journey lasted just over three years. Now, if someone told me then that I’d write a novel and that it would take me three years, I would have never believed it nor would I have been very happy about taking on such a “momentous” task. But therein lies the point.

It’s never about “the task.” It is always about the journey. And, if you don’t enjoy the journey, you’re on the wrong path.

Three years…

I had a completed manuscript. But I had no idea what to do with it. So, I passed out a few copies to friends and beta readers who all came back with similar remarks — outstanding read! You should publish it.

From an Unknown Writer to a Best-Selling Author

I pitched to several (over 100) traditional publishing houses and was turned down by every one of them. Despite that, I never questioned my value as a writer nor did I ever believe the manuscript wasn’t good enough. Instead, I lived by an empowered mindset I had decided to adopt early on…that, no matter what, I’d find a way to publish.

I ultimately decided to create my own independent publishing company and self-publish the manuscript. I’m glad I did because that first novel that no one would accept, turned out to be an Amazon #1 Best-Seller in the Thriller genre…which just goes to show you that, if you believe in what you’re doing and refuse to quit, you can indeed make it.

Photo Courtesy of the Author, Gary Westfal

Takeaway

Every one of us has a purpose. If you’ve been looking for your purpose, my advice to you would be to stop looking and start doing. Action is the catalyst that brings about enlightenment and purpose. Think about the things that bring you joy when you do them. Then…do them. Something will resonate. And, when it does, do everything you can to embrace it, learn about it, and live it. Passion will emerge as a result. And passion is the precursor to your purpose.

A purpose-filled life empowers you with greater insight, awareness, and enthusiasm, providing you with a distinct advantage over those who are still waiting on their purpose to be revealed. If you’ve already discovered your purpose, be sure to feed it often. Otherwise, discontent and disappointment will prevail. And that’s never pleasant.

Above all, don’t get so caught up in discovering your purpose that you ignore your passions. The Universe has something for everyone. Your purpose will be revealed through your passions. Ignore your passions and you’ll live with regret. Embrace them and you’ll be empowered to soar to new heights!

Here’s to Your Best Life!