My Adventures in Becoming An Author A Guest Post
I am so excited to have the awesome John Choquette taking over the blog for the next couple of Mondays. He is the author of the awesome book Burlwood Forest. He will be writing about his adventures in writing.
Hey, everybody! My name is John Choquette, and I am the author of a new book called Burlwood Forest. You may remember it from a couple of months ago, there was a feature RIGHT HERE on Adventures of Frugal Mom. In case you missed it, you should check it out. Seriously.
I’m SO glad to be back though. Every Monday for the next four weeks, I’ll be partnering with the Frugal Mom to run a special series about the creation of the book – who I am, what went into it, and my plans for the future. This week I’ll be talking a little bit about my background and how that shaped Burlwood Forest.
I always knew I was going to be an author. I just loved to tell stories. When I found out there was a way I could do that AND share them with everybody, I was IN. Career days were always tough though. I mean, when other kids would show up dressed like a policeman, or a doctor, I wouldn’t know what to do. What do writers wear? Their pajamas? I was cool with that.
But writing doesn’t have a uniform. It ISN’T uniform, and I think that’s what I like about it so much. I’ve never really followed the crowd. My mom says that I march to the beat of my own drummer and thank goodness I play drums, or else I’d be lost! I’m SO thankful for the support that I was given growing up. Using my imagination wasn’t just tolerated, it was encouraged. From plays, to skits, to funny home videos, there was always a way to create something new. Those experiences shaped me into who I am. I firmly believe that you can see them in every single thing I write.
After high school, my love of storytelling took me to The University of North Carolina. College is such an interesting place. There’s really nothing more inspiring than being around SO many different types of people. That was my world for four years, and I learned SO much.
When I graduated, it was time to make another world though, something entirely new. It took me four more years to write Burlwood Forest and then I had to hire a book publicist. During that time, I finished undergrad, went to grad school, and had like a billion internships. It wasn’t easy. Sometimes, I’m STILL not sure how it happened! The one thing I DO know is that I couldn’t have done it alone.
If you’re out there and someone tells you that you can’t do something, don’t listen to them. Don’t be mean about it, but if you truly believe in what you’re doing, you should give that everything you have. I hope someday I’m able to see what you’re working on. Whatever it is, don’t give up. Anything is possible.
Check back NEXT Monday, May 11, to learn more about the process behind Burlwood Forest!
JOHN CHOQUETTE is the author of Burlwood Forest, and the owner of Pumpernickel Art, a lifestyle design and publishing company founded in 2014. His work has appeared in numerous online and print publications, and he is currently a writer for an emerging music web site. He received a B.A. in journalism from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and lives in the Triangle area with his amazing wife. To learn more about Burlwood Forest, check it out online at Burlwood Forest, on Twitter @burlwoodforest, and on Facebook. Burlwood Forest is available on Amazon.com
Nice to meet you, John. I’m excited to hear more about you, and your story.
Here from #HomeMattersParty.
I am so glad that you stuck with your true dream and kept working at it until you actually achieved it. Many people give up when they can’t see the end in sight. I hope you continue to achieve your goals.
You knew what you wanted to do and you made it happen. That is all kinds of awesome.
Knowing what you wanted to be as a child and working towards that goal is inspirational. Also good job for your parents for encouraging you. So many parents shoot down their children’s “unconventional” dreams.
I always tell my kids they can be whatever they want and not to let anyone tell them differently. I’m glad you did what you wanted and became a writer!
Thanks for sharing, I have always wondered about the process of writing a book. Good luck!
I love it when people follow their dreams and make it happen. Congratulations to you
I’ve loved writing since I was a kid too! I’ll have to get a copy of your book for my niece and nephew.
That is great that you are following your dreams! Looks like a fun book for kids!
I love hearing stories where people decide to follow their heart and be what they truly want to be. It is when people take a chance like this that they make a difference!
Sounds like you have a path you knew you wanted to take and you found the motivation to stick with it. I am very impressed with your educational background. I look forward to reading the rest of your posts in the upcoming weeks and getting to know you better.
Nice to meet you John, So happy to see you capturing your dreams.
Hello John! It will be great to hear yr story on how Burlwood forest came to be. Always good t hear from authors and their processes!
So great that you stuck with your dream and made it happen. That is awesome!
I love that you stuck to your dream. That is why I keep pushing towards my goals too!
wow, it is intriguing how book writing comes together.
I love to write and so inspiring to see someone follow their dreams and achieve – wtg!
I do so often hear author say they’ve wanted to write their whole lives. It makes me think it’s just a meant-to-be for them, and that’s why they have that passion. Hurrah for John for following his passion and making his writing dreams come true.
This is so awesome! I’m always looking for new books to read to my little ones! Thanks!
I love hearing stories and meeting people who knew what they wanted and didn’t stop until they got it. It is always an inspiration
You are so right about not listening to people who say you can’t do things. I think in a way they see our talents before we do and are afraid of what we will become. I’m excited for you and to read the features:-)
that is awesome that you are living your dreams! that book looks awesome, i’ll have to check it out.
Thanks everybody! You’re so encouraging, and I can’t wait to share in this adventure with every single one of you! I really appreciate your support and am SO excited to hear your thoughts on Burlwood Forest!
Its so important to stick with your dreams and passion and I’m glad you did. Thanks for sharing your story and inspiring those of us that read your story to stay true to who we are and what we want.