Dream Fulfilled . . . Now What?

Several years ago, God placed a dream in my heart to write. I have always considered myself a good writer, dating back to eighth grade when my English teacher noticed my talent and asked me to be a reporter for the high school newspaper.

Do you know what an ego boost it was for a chubby, awkward 13-year-old being asked to join the “big leagues” of the Jenkins High School Review? HUGE.

From that point, the ink was in my blood. I became editor of that paper as a sophomore, continued through high school, and majored in journalism in college. I then took my first detour.

With no major market newspapers or tv stations lining up at my door after my college graduation, I went to graduate school and began the path to becoming a college professor. I don’t regret that decision, and the massive volumes of research writing certainly sharpened my skills.

In my teaching career, I have been a newspaper adviser, mentoring young writers. When I moved to a new college in the early 90s, I even resurrected my own writing and became a newspaper columnist. That lasted for a while, until life happened–another detour.

Several years later, after I became a Christian, God called me to write and planted that aforementioned dream—specifically, a dream to have my own book published. At times, it seemed like a pipe dream, but, after many false starts and rejection letters, I finally got an agent and had a book traditionally published, with my co-author Holland Webb.

After years of anticipation of seeing my name on the cover of the book, it was a surreal experience to hold that book in my hands. IT FINALLY HAPPENED!

Then the pandemic hit, with quarantines and lockdowns one-month before the release date. My co-author and I faced many challenges, but we adjusted and learned the ins and outs of marketing a book during a once-in-a-lifetime national medical emergency.

It’s been nearly a year since the dream came true, so now what? What is one to do once the dream is fulfilled and the book is in hand? Continue writing, of course.

Is it really that easy? Yes.

I love watching basketball and following my favorite teams. It’s such a thrill when one of my teams wins a big game, such a great feeling. But then the coach has to bring the players back down to earth to get ready for the next game. It’s the same in writing. The thrill of seeing a book published is an awesome feeling, but then it’s time to get back to work on the next project.

So, it’s time for to gear up for the next game, to get back on the horse, jump back in the ring.

Hmm . . . maybe my next book can be about cliches . . . stay tuned.

Carlton Hughes, represented by Cyle Young of Hartline Literary, wears many hats. By day, he is a professor of communication. On Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings, he serves as a children’s pastor. In his “spare time,” he is a freelance writer. Carlton is an empty-nesting dad and devoted husband who likes long walks on the beach, old sitcoms, and chocolate—all the chocolate. His work has been featured in Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Dating Game, The Wonders of Nature, Let the Earth Rejoice, Just Breathe, So God Made a Dog, and Everyday Grace for Men. His latest book is Adventures in Fatherhood, co-authored with Holland Webb.