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You are here: Home / KATHERINES CORNER / Tackle Your Bucket List

in KATHERINES CORNER· LIFE STORIES, LIFE HACKS

Tackle Your Bucket List

I hope some of you remember my friend Cynthia ( Cynthia Ainsworthe), I introduced her to you a few years ago HERE . We have been friends for quite some time and she is a sweet soul.  I love shining the light on authors and Cynthia is an accomplished and awarded author of several books. She had always wanted to become a writer. But, like it does for many of us, life put her dream on hold for most of her life. I can still hear my AP English teacher telling me she would be the first person to stand in line to buy any book written by me (she was an awesome teacher). Well, there’s no book, although I have it all in my head (wink) and still hope one day to let it out. But, I am blessed to have many lovely friendships with very talented authors. All of whom in one way or another have tackled their bucket list and ticked the been there done it, box of becoming an author and being published.

cynthia b ainsworthe at katherines cornerCynthia wrote her first novel, Front Row Center, which won the prestigious IPPY (Independent Publisher) Award and I am very excited to share that her novel is now being adapted to screen. A script is in development by her and known Hollywood screenwriter, producer, and director, Scott C Brown.

movie clapboard for cynthia post

I know you will enjoy this post and that you will no doubt soon have her steamy romance books filled with suspense and seasoned with crime on your reading list. Enjoy!

cynthia b ainsworthe books

cooking with passion

Tackle Your Bucket List—Get Inspired!

The word inspiration is used millions of times since its inclusion in the English language. It has been employed as a reference point for people, things, emotion and acts, good or bad. When I think of inspiration, my mind travels to those who have set an example by deeds of good, a lyric, or an emotion-evoking phrase in a novel or speech. Such is the reason why I embarked on a career in writing late in life.
When I was ten, I wrote a play for my neighborhood friends to present to their parents. I had no typewriter and wrote the script out by hand.
My early teen years sparked my interest in writing stories for others to enjoy. There, my imagination could soar and explore wondrous travels and situations. I devoured books of the time by William Goldman and relished his fanciful turn of a word and poignant use of few words, which spoke volumes of a situation or a character’s inner thought. I even attempted to write a book on a rickety Smith Corona typewriter with the use of carbon paper for the copies.tackle your bucket listAlas, my father had other goals for my life that did not include being a writer. In these days, the idea of a parent choosing a child’s profession is ludicrous; but then that was the norm. Therefore, I dutifully chose my career from the list of “suitable” professions Dad chose.
A few decades later, after college, marriage, and establishing a nursing career, I attended a Barry Manilow concert. Though I have followed his career and enjoyed his many concerts in the past, I never truly listened to his words of advice, “Do what you love, and the rest will follow.” That advice hit home to me one June day not so many years ago.

Writing a novel was a long buried dream. I realized that the number of days left in my life were limited to a finite number. I no longer had the luxury of youth to delay a desire to the lingering future. I couldn’t believe there was a story of any value within me. I hadn’t done any creative writing since I was seventeen. At the age of fifty-eight, I wondered if I could even construct a proper sentence, since my nursing career involved writing in disjointed phrases on patients’ charts. This was a challenge as I had to shift from years of living in the analytical side of my brain to my much underactive creative side.

I didn’t even own a computer and didn’t realize that typewriters and carbon paper was a thing of the past for modern-day authors. Learning computer skills with that of setting up an email was a challenge. It took me at least three weeks to learn the basics of MS Word. All I wanted to do was write a book, and now I had to figure out all the little tabs in the Word command ribbon. I thanked my daughter for showing me the “Save As” function.

It started with the “What if?” concept in my mind for my plot. One “what if” lead to another, and another. I began my manuscript on June twenty-seventh and finished my last period on September twenty-seventh that same year. I wrote every free moment when not at the hospital working the night shift, thirty-six hours per week. Ideas and characters rained in a torrent, begging to be developed and born on paper. Excited with my finished “baby” and baptized with the name Front Row Center, I eagerly shared my greater than 292,000 word creation (I had no idea I had written a tome) with a dear friend, Mark J. Dye, who advised me to seek an editor, as he considered the story good. I expected the usual kindness from a friend, but never actual enthusiasm. Since I dedicated this new baby to Barry Manilow, Mark also suggested I present the manuscript to Barry, which I did. Looking back, I would have never given Mr. Manilow a raw manuscript with construct errors—a book that hadn’t been read by a professional editor. At the time, I didn’t know what I didn’t know.

Having searched the internet for writing services, I landed an editor who felt I had a career in writing. She took me through the basics to a finished product. She was tough, and wouldn’t write any revisions, but forced me to learn what turns a writer into an author. As much as Mr. Manilow’s words inspired me to write, she inspired me to write well.

On a whim, and never expecting to have a chance of winning, I entered my one and only novel in the IPPY Awards in the romance category. You guessed it. I won! This was my first novel with no previous writing experience.

Recently, two short stories of mine, When Midnight Comes and Characters, have been included in an anthology The Speed of Dark compiled by Clayton C. Bye, Chase Enterprises, Inc. Publishing, which won the 2013 Reader’s Favorite International award that I share with other contributing authors. I felt extremely honored to be included among a group of very talented and seasoned authors, and was accepted as one of the judges on the book panel prior to publication. My short story, It Ain’t Fittin’, garnered the Award of Excellence in Writing by It Matters Radio

the speed of dark

I have been honored by being a guest on many radio talk shows, met and chatted with Barry Manilow several times, and made wonderful friends along my journey. I only mention my achievements to show that following your heart can be so gratifying and enriching.
What was the best part? Making friends and knowing they enjoyed my writings—giving them the gift of traveling with my characters with varied experiences.

Inspiration and taking a chance? It made a monumental change in my life. What was merely an item on my bucket list evolved into a rewarding career. Follow your inspiration and see where it might lead. Listen to your nagging inner voice and welcome the rewards.

tackle your bucket list 2018 journal

It has been a pleasure sharing my blog with Cynthia today.

Cynthia’s Dangerous Reach book 4 in the Forbidden Series is due for release this spring!

I hope you will get to know her even more through her writings and social networks too.

Her Website  BUY her books HERE

Facebook   Twitter    Pinterest     YouTube Channel   Amazon author page

Watch Cynthia’s wonderful book trailers  HERE

What will you tackle on your bucket list?

Hugs all around and I’ll see you back here tomorrow for what is surely the best blog party in blogland, TFT!

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16 Comments

About Katherine

Thank you for making Katherine's Corner part of your day. It is my sincere HOPE that you will leave here feeling ENCOURAGED and INSPIRED enough to SUBSCRIBE and visit often. The monthly giveaways are pretty darn awesome too!
Thank you for leaving a comment, I love reading them. Comments are like hugs, they make me so incredibly happy. All comments are moderated, so you may not see it posted straight away. xo

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Comments

  1. Barbara Chapman ~ French Ethereal says

    March 5, 2018 at 2:20 PM

    Hello Katherine and Cynthia!!
    How exciting, Cynthia, that your book is being made into a movie!!! I loved that you wrote out your first books for your friends and on a typewriter. I do remember those days! 😉 When I was 13, I handwrote stories about princesses and being rescued. They were pretty awful, but the fun part was using the cardboard from t-shirt packages as part of the covers, then wrapping those with Christmas wrapping paper. I then drew pictures to go along with the stories and glued them to the fronts of each book. Thanks for the fun memories and best wishes with your new project!!!

    Reply
  2. Kari says

    March 3, 2018 at 4:00 PM

    It was interesting to read about your writings and that Barry Manilow was one who got to read it. I have always loved Barry Manilow for his wonderful music and lyrics…they tell us a story and sometimes make us think about something that happened long ago or we hope will happen soon!

    Reply
  3. John Rosenman says

    March 1, 2018 at 3:42 PM

    Cynthia, What a great blog! “Do what you love, and the rest will follow.” Yes, indeed. And how amazing that you won the IPPY award on your first try! You know, perhaps there was a reason you delayed writing until your fifties. Fine wine is best when it’s given a chance to age properly.

    I saw a little video or slideshow on FB about the origins of Star Wars. The director believed in the concept, but he was the only one who did. It was hard to get money, a storm destroyed his set, even the actors hated being in it. But he continued to believe and persist. And we know what eventually happened, don’t we? Sometimes you just have to do what you love and believe in, because to do otherwise would be to let yourself down.

    Anyway, I enjoyed reading your post. It should provide insight, inspiration, and guidance to many aspiring writers.

    Reply
  4. John Rosenman says

    March 1, 2018 at 10:11 AM

    What a great blog! “Do what you love, and the rest will follow.” Yes, indeed. And how amazing that you won the IPPY award on your first try! You know, perhaps there was a reason you delayed writing until your fifties. Fine wine is best when it’s given a chance to age properly.

    I saw a little video or slideshow on FB about the origins of Star Wars. The director believed in the concept, but he was the only one who did. It was hard to get money, a storm destroyed his set, even the actors hated being in it. But he continued to believe and persist. And we know what eventually happened, don’t we? Sometimes you just have to do what you love and believe in, because to do otherwise would be to let yourself down.

    Anyway, I enjoyed reading this. It should provide insight, inspiration, and guidance to many aspiring writers.

    Reply
    • Cynthia B Ainsworthe says

      March 2, 2018 at 4:48 PM

      Thank you so much, dear John. Your encouragement makes me glow and want to climb new heights. I’m so honored to have your praise. You are a very talented multi-award-winning author, and famous, too! Hugs, Cynthia

      Reply
  5. Peggy says

    March 1, 2018 at 9:49 AM

    Bravo to Cynthia for tackling her bucket list and what a reward! As we age we realize that our days are getting numbered. I love the quote…”Take time to do what you love.” I’d better get working on the rest of my bucket list.

    Reply
  6. heartloveshome says

    February 28, 2018 at 9:48 PM

    Love your story. Great inspiration for any inspiring writers out there.

    Reply
    • Cynthia B Ainsworthe says

      March 1, 2018 at 2:15 PM

      Heart Loves Home, Thank you so much for reading my article. I’m glad you enjoyed it. Hugs, x

      Reply
  7. Marla Martenson says

    February 28, 2018 at 10:56 AM

    Awesome post, thanks for sharing your story! I LOVE learning about other authors journey… xo

    Reply
    • Katherines Corner says

      February 28, 2018 at 10:59 AM

      hello my darling friend! It’s a pleasure to introduce Cynthia to you ( your next) xo

      Reply
    • Cynthia B Ainsworthe says

      February 28, 2018 at 6:11 PM

      Marla, Thank you for reading my post. I’m glad you enjoyed my journey. Much success with your writing. 🙂 xoxo

      Reply
  8. Cynthia B Ainsworthe says

    February 28, 2018 at 7:21 AM

    Kathie,
    Thank you for having me as a guest on Katherine’s Corner. I am honored and humbled. I hope I have inspired your followers to take a chance to try that adventure that is lurking deep down.
    Much love and hugs,
    Cynthia <3

    Reply
    • Katherines Corner says

      February 28, 2018 at 10:46 AM

      it is a pleasure to have your friendship and to support your wonderful talents my friend xo

      Reply
  9. Janine Huldie says

    February 28, 2018 at 7:19 AM

    Absolutely loved getting to know Cynthia a bit better here today, especially how you did indeed follow her dreams to wiring that novel of hers and more. Thanks for sharing and wishing you both a wonderful Wednesday now!!! xoxo <3

    Reply
    • Katherines Corner says

      February 28, 2018 at 10:47 AM

      Janine, you are such a wonderful friend, thank you for your lovely comment and we wish you a day as sweet as you are xo

      Reply
      • Cynthia B Ainsworthe says

        February 28, 2018 at 6:09 PM

        Janine, Thank so much for reading my piece about following a buried dream. That was so kind. Much success to you. Hugs! xoxo

        Reply

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