Congratulations!

Please join me in celebrating with my friend Megan DiMaria. After a lifetime of wishing and 12 years of hard work, I was privileged to see her dream of becoming a published novelist come true.

She tells me that by 2002 she had nearly given up on her dream. At that time the company she was working for closed, and she was out of a job. Before long, she found a new one – at my company. She worked with me as a salesperson and a personal assistant until she found the niche she’s most at home in – the marketing department as my writer.

My business was smaller in 2002 when Megan joined my team. I was just beginning to look beyond my company and get more involved in the industry. We enjoyed conversations about taking risks, dreaming big and taking advantage of opportunities. Megan shared her dream of becoming a published novelist, and I was honored to encourage her to pursue that dream.

I figured, if I can chase my dreams, why can’t she?

And so she reclaimed her dream, put her head down, and took a run at getting her novel published. I remember her excitedly leaving work to attend a weekly writer’s group, I watched her read books on craft during her lunch break, and I wished her well when she would take off to attend conferences. And during all that time, she wrote and wrote and wrote, and submitted proposals to agents and editors.

Anyone who knows me knows I support those who strive for success and chase their dreams. I love to encourage others with the cheer, “You can do it!”

And she did it! Megan’s success didn’t come overnight, but in late 2006 she met an editor who loved her proposal. In 2007 she got a publishing contract for two books, and in 2008 both her novels were released (one in April and one October 1st).

I’m thrilled for her success. I think more people should take a risk on their dreams. Isn’t that what makes life fun—setting a goal and chasing a dream? It matters little what your dream is as long you get up and go after it.

So please kick up your heels for Megan! Her dream has come true. Don’t give up on yours, believe you can do it, work hard and learn how, and be persistent in your efforts.

That photo of the Expressions’ family was taken at Megan’s book/career launch party (she's wearing the white jacket).