A Horse Teaches Me to Dance Fearlessly

I recently did some hands-on research for my fourth novel. One of my main characters loves horses. Since I grew up in Brooklyn, and have no point of reference, I turned to the wonderful wide web and sent a Facebook message. Within minutes I have several sources. I do love the Internet at times.

The next day I had an appointment with Lisa Drouin Martin of Trotting Forward. My husband drove me to Bethel, NC. I was grateful for his companionship and on our way, he shared with me his experience with horses growing up in Haiti. He said, “We used to ride bareback.” Hum, I’m thinking, I’m not riding any kind of back. I’m only going to talk.

I told Lisa before our meeting that I was afraid of horses. These creatures are massive. At any point, I believed they could choose to overpower me. Although I understand for others, there is a horse/human connection.

At our arrival, we met Zeus, a beautiful dark brown horse. Zeus is an older horse and was getting some shoe maintenance done for balance. I really gave him a hard stare as Lisa graciously greeted us. I looked at his face, and mouth noticed it did look slightly aged. I also noticed that as we stood there and gnats flocked to him, he stood calmly and endured his shoe maintenance. Zeus wasn’t intimating at all.

I continued to watch him as Lisa chatted and explained Zeus’ story to me. At some point, I don’t know exactly when I reached out and touched Zeus on the front of his face. Later Lisa told me; Zeus doesn’t like to be touched there, but he doesn’t mind that I do. She said, “He must sense my softness.” I’m beside myself. I’ve been complimented by a horse.

We moved on so I may meet a former show horse, Mac, short for Mackenzie. I had to cross the rope to get closer. Mac didn’t seem to notice me. He hung back, grazing on the grass. Lisa said, “That’s not like him. He usually comes full speed ahead to check folks out. He must sense your trepidation.”

I appreciated Mac’s perception. After a while, he eased up slowly to us. Lisa expertly positioned herself between us. She knew Mac was ready to explore. Closer now, I saw his face. It was younger looking than Zeus’. I said, “Hey, they don’t all look alike.” Lisa revealed, “They have different voices, too.” Wow!

Mac became curious now. He got close to me and took a nip at my sweater sleeve. I stepped back, saying, “I’m afraid, I’m afraid.” I was also laughing. I didn’t stand back for long. I stepped forward and touched Mac. He stepped forward. I stepped back, then forward again -- like we were dancing.

Finally, our dance ended and Lisa and I crossed the rope. Lisa said, “You say you’re afraid, but you kept coming back to Mac. You’re not afraid, you’re cautious. In what other areas of your life are you that way?”

This was the million-dollar question. This was me! Thinking I’m afraid of things that I should seemingly be fearful of -- like a thousand pound animal.

Fearful thoughts can be more hindering than the actual emotion of fear. Realizing this with Mac and Lisa, I instantly felt lighter. I felt like crying a good cleansing cry. Now I know that stepping out of my comfort zone and into faith sometimes feels like facing a thousand pound animal. It could overpower me, or it might be gentle. How will I ever know, if I don’t step forward?

No longer afraid, and Lisa knew, she asked if I’d like to sit on a horse. I enthusiastically answer, YES! She chose Zeus. He’s gentle and kind. I thank him for letting me mount – I like him. I like Mac even more. Mac got in my face, challenged me, and we danced away my fearful thoughts. It’s a dance I’ll remember for the rest of my life.

In what area of your life are you ready to dance toward fearlessly?

Brook Lynn Dorcent

Author/Inspirational Speaker

Founder: JUST WRITE! - A Club for Writers

Missing the Mark (Novel One)

http://www.amazon.com/Missing-Mark-Romance-Brook-Dorcent-ebook/dp/B005F9V596

Pressing Toward the Mark (Novel Two)

http://www.amazon.com/Pressing-Toward-Mark-Series-Book-ebook/dp/B007OA1UFI/ref=pd_sim_kstore_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=1C79FVRRS40KYAJ98N3W

Forgetting Betrayal (Novel Three)

http://www.taylormadenc.com/tm-shop/forgetting-betrayal

(Novel Four - Above All - Now Available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble)

Spirit Over Will (Devotional)

www.brooklynndorcent.com

Why Not...Read for Love

So, You Say You Want to Be a Writer...

The words burn at your fingertips, rumbling passionately within your soul, ready to explode like an array of beautiful fireworks. You look up, visualizing each letter, each word, each sentence, each paragraph, each chapter, and finally, you have birthed your book. Compelled to manifest the vision, you begin writing. However, have you prepared for the journey?

“Journey? Where am I going? I’m just sitting here penning words,” you say.

I’ve come to tell you, if you’ve a desire to share your creations with the world, you’re going on quite the trip. Buckle up and hang on!

So what should you pack for this trip?

1.     First and foremost you are going to need God’s Grace. Pray. You cannot do this alone.

2.     Second, preparation. Prepare your love ones, especially if your writing might take some attention away from them.

3.     Third, network. Talk with other writers and gather their experiences.

4.     Fourth, broaden your knowledge. Attend a writer’s workshop, or class. If possible, go to a writer’s conference.

5.     Fifth, think it through. Consider how you will publish you work.

6.     Sixth, build fortitude. You’re gonna need it! Not saying agents and publishers will repeatedly reject your work; but they might. Be prepared for the NO, while expecting a YES. What I mean by that is, if you receive a no, allow it to motivate you to seek your YES even harder. Don’t give up!

7.     Seventh, develop a support system. You’ll need someone in the business to turn to for guidance, friends to pray for you, family to support you. No one is an island.

8.     Eighth, create harmony. Writing can easily consume you. It can create discord in your life. Some days I don’t want to stop. Yet, I can’t have a productive life typing away at my computer all day. Make sure the other elements in your life do not suffer. Church, Work, Family, Friends and Rest.

9.     Ninth, take courage. The day will come when you will have to verbally introduce your work to the public. Don’t lose heart. Be brave!

10.  Tenth, read books and watch movies. Yep, I said it. Reading is FUNdamental. Reading increases your analytical and writing skills. Watch movies that make you think, or think about the movies you watch. Every movie began as a script. Somebody wrote that!

Well, that’s my top-ten list. Hope your bags will soon be packed, and you’ll be off on your journey. Bon voyage!

Hope to hear from you. I love your comments and want to learn about your writing journey!

Brook Lynn Dorcent

Author/Inspirational Speaker

Founder: JUST WRITE! - A Club for Writers

Missing the Mark (Novel One)

Pressing Toward the Mark (Novel Two)

Forgetting Betrayal (Novel Three – www.Taylormadenc.com)

(Novel Four - Coming 2014)

Spirit Over Will (Devotional)

www.brooklynndorcent.com

Why Not...Read for Love

Freely Give, Freely Receive

I’ve read the best way to get your book into the hands of the readers is to venture into the world and introduce yourself. After taking a long break from my journey, I decided it was time to get moving again.

As soon as I made the decision, an opportunity presented itself. I immediately secured it, and participated in a local vending event.

Loaded down with inventory, ready and willing to share my work, I hoped and prayed I would make good connections. As soon as the doors opened, I began to engage with the public.

I felt so honored strangers would take an interest and investment in my work.

What really awed me was one particular customer. She wanted to purchase a devotional. I explained, however, I had given all my change away. She handed me the twenty-dollar bill and said, “Keep it.” Shocked, I lifted another devotional, asked, “Would you like another book?”

“KEEP IT!” she said more firmly. Her friend reached out and I handed her the book.

Stunned, I stood, watching the woman walk away. What manner of generosity was this? I didn’t even get the opportunity to ask her name, or sign her book. She freely gave, looking for nothing in return, and walked away.

Rolling the moment over and over again in my mind, I understand now. This woman demonstrated the premise of my latest novel; “Forgetting Betrayal.” The story teaches; we must not only forgive, however, we must forget as well. Giving the first, without the second, binds us.

Imagine if my customer would have demanded her change. I would have had to search and work for her forgiveness until I satisfied my debt. This would have caused me stress, and her time. This did not happen. She was kind to me, sensitive.

My heart wonders about the offender sometime.  Although they may plea for our forgiveness, we  may stand in demand of their efforts. We expect them to continue to work for our forgiveness. We misunderstand; misuse our power. Forgiveness requires no exchange of work.  We must freely give. We must freely receive.

My customer chose not to waste her time demanding my efforts. She forgave the debt and moved on. How liberating for us both!

Brook Lynn Dorcent

Author/Inspirational Speaker

Founder: JUST WRITE! - A Club for Writers

Missing the Mark (Novel One)

Pressing Toward the Mark (Novel Two)

Forgetting Betrayal (Novel Three) - http://www.taylormadenc.com/tm-shop/forgetting-betrayal)

(Novel Four - Coming 2014)

Spirit Over Will (Devotional)

www.brooklynndorcent.com

Why Not...Read for Love

The Sound of Ice Cream

I miss the carefree summer days of growing up in New York. And sadly, I regret our children no longer play with the freedom that we once knew. That freedom comes with the fellowship of playing with the neighborhood kids. Of course being in the presence of so many children bought about conflict. Occasionally we’d have a scuffle, but a couple hours later, we’d forgive and forget and play some more.

The highlight of our days involved Mister Softee – the ice cream truck. Hearing the familiar melody serenading our block, summoned us into a panic. We’d run back to our house, call for money from the ground floor of our fort-like built homes. And where was mom? She was always on the top floor at the back of the house. “Ma! Ma! The ice cream truck, can we have some money?”

Sure enough on the days she had a few coins to spare, she’d put them in a paper bag and throw them out of the window. Ah, ghetto style Brooklyn living. I’m not ashamed. Living it built character and taught me that everything doesn’t have to be perfect. You find conveniences and work with what you have.

Certainly, we are not perfect, and neither are our relationships. I believe that is what I learned most about living in our community with so many friends. Not all of us are going to get along at the same time. However, for the most part, no one is going to hold a grudge. For when Mister Softee summons, it means lay it all aside. Run, get your money, chase the truck, enjoy your ice cream and gather with your friends.

Yes, that was the best part. We’d come into a circle of fellowship and cherish our ice cream moments together. Togetherness is what I miss.

In the spirit of summer, I pray we hear the sound of the ice cream truck summoning us to lay aside the differences, accept our imperfections, gather together with family and friends and cherish the ice cream moments. Oh, how sweet it is!

Brook Lynn Dorcent

Author/Inspirational Speaker

Founder: JUST WRITE! - A Club for Writers

Missing the Mark (Novel One)

Pressing Toward the Mark (Novel Two)

Forgetting Betrayal (Novel Three - Summer 2014)

(Novel Four - Coming 2014)

Spirit Over Will (Devotional)

www.brooklynndorcent.com

Why Not...Read for Love