Dreams Do Come True

To the really young me that spent every weekend at the library, reading every Judy Blume and Beverly Cleary book she could get her hands on.

To the confident me that loved making up stories and living in my imagination.

To the self-conscious me that took poetry in college because she just knew she'd be a writer, but then let that dream go because everyone else was so much better.

To the unconscious me that had gotten lost in the accounting world and after relocating to D.C., eventually rediscovered her love of writing.

To the dedicated me that spent many late nights and weekends working on her craft.

To the fearless me that moved cross-country to Portland, OR to pursue her dream of writing full-time.

To the defeated me that gave up many, many times, overwrought with fear, doubt and shame.

And to the persistent me that eventually picked myself up again and again, reminding me why I write: to entertain, empower, and inspire.

Thanks to all the pieces of me, we did it: 

My debut middle grade novel SIR FIG NEWTON sold to Aladdin/Simon & Schuster!!!! 

And thank you, thank you, thank you to my amazing agent, Ronald Gerber, and to my editor, Alyson Heller, for believing in me and my book.

Dreams Do Come True,

PlayWrite
www.bysonjathomas.com/

Me, Myself and I

What's the hardest thing you've ever done? Definitely in my top five is attending the ten day Vipassana silent meditation retreat this past June. It's also one of the BEST things I've ever done for myself.

I've practiced meditation on and off for many years. From Thich Nhat Hanh inspired walking meditations at a solo spiritual retreat in Hawaii to weekly guided meditations & dharma talks led by Tara Brach at the Insight Meditation Community of Washington with up to 250 attendees. But I've never incorporated a consistent daily practice into my life. Until now.

My friend and hairdresser extraordinaire, Mychal, told me about the retreat five or six years ago. I'm always up for challenging myself and growing spiritually, but it just never seemed to fit into my schedule. Until this year.

This is NOT a vacation. This is WORK. This is a HUGE commitment to learn and experience the Vipassana technique. A way of meditation to eradicate suffering. And for me, it was a chance to truly live in the present moment, more connected to myself and others than I've felt in a long time.

I AM

I am silly. I am giggly. I'm a curvy, curly-headed chick. I'm a daughter, sister, listener, friend. I'm introverted and confident. I'm a writer, number cruncher. I'm a lover of Excel. I am black. I am white. I'm a tree hugger, animal lover. I'm abundant. I am grateful. I'm a dancer, singing off-key. I'm a bit crazy for latte with oat milk. I am spiritual, physical, mental, emotional. I'm sitting still in silence. I'm shouting for what I believe. I am salty. I am sweet. I am joy. I am peace.

I am many puzzle pieces. These are just a few. Sometimes they don't all fit, so then I try on something new. I am many. I am the two most magical words that ever existed: 

I am expansive. I am infinite. I am awareness.

Who are you?

Just Be!
PlayWrite
http://www.bysonjathomas.com/

Calling all Young Writers: League of Exceptional Writers

Yeah, you got this!

I've been on this writing journey for longer than I care to admit. It wasn't until 2004 when I rediscovered my love of writing and finally put pen to paper. (Yeah, I'm old school.) Since then I've written five manuscripts (two picture books, two YA and one MG), started many others, and published four short stories.

There are MANY bumps, dips and cracks along this road and the biggest pothole is fear. The fear of the blank page. That you'll never finish the first, second, or sixth draft. The fear that no one will like your writing. That you'll never be published. The fear you'll never get an agent...land a book deal...sell a book to anyone other than your mom...get a second book deal...receive positive reviews...never have a full-time writing career... It's enough to make your brain explode.

And this is why I need to get out of my head and back into my heart. There's a LOT I can't control, but what I can do is write, read, and write some more. And I can also celebrate my successes: 

I SIGNED WITH AN AGENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

As of July 31, 2019, I'm officially represented by Ronald Gerber at Lowenstein Associates!!!

Yes, there will be much more work and many bumps ahead, but for NOW, let me dance with joy, relishing in all the congratulations from family & friends and in the glow of this major writing milestone.

Don't ever give up on yourself and your dreams. Persistence is key. Yeah, you got this!

Write on!
PlayWrite

http://www.bysonjathomas.com/