I bolted into the market where my coffee kiosk used to be and stumbled upon baskets of tomatoes zucchini and celery. So what is this, is the universe speaking to me? Ah, but when I looked to my right, I saw the Starbucks sign.

With coffee in hand, I reclined in a cushioned seat and ruminated on the night before at a literary awards ceremony. Did I think I would win the award I was nominated for? Had I taken myself too seriously? How far out on a limb am I supposed to go to get noticed by people who matter? Some might say she thinks she is important, and I would respond she doesn’t want to miss out on an opportunity that might mask itself as a rejection.

Know that if your goal is to be an author someday, you must begin making a presence. Authors ought to be prepared to put themselves out there, for how else will that one individual that matters notice your work?

I am no longer shy about hanging on a limb. I dipped my toes in the dreaded author water when I published books and called myself an author.

Coffee tastes good this morning.

Olive Rose Steele is the author of CRY TOUGH (A Novel)