Guest Post by Rachael Ritchey, author of the Chronicles of the Twelve Realms

Available on Amazon US and Amazon UK

The Twelve Realms seem an idyllic nation, yet sinister powers are at work and those who’d forgotten magic existed are learning

it has never been more alive.

Audio version of blog post:

Tony, thanks so much for having me here today.  I’m thrilled to be able to spend a little time giving encouragement and sharing one of the biggest reasons I do what I do. I’m a fairly new writer in the scheme of things, but I plan to be around in the writing world forty years from now and maybe even be a recognized name, at least among certain—hopefully large—circles.

My name is Rachael Ritchey. I sing in the shower. I snore. I dance in my living room just for the heck of it, I cry and laugh at movies. I’m an author, a wife, a mom, a dog-walker (or runner. She’s fast!), a chauffeur, a fabulous laundress, and so many other things I can’t even think of right now. There’s enough in life to keep me busy and push that first one I mentioned, the author part, right out the window. I appreciate every part of my life, but writing is something I’m inspired to do, too.

It’s easy to feel guilty about doing things we enjoy where there are so many other worthy, maybe more pressing priorities to accomplish in a day, but if you love to write I want to encourage you to make time for it. Even though there are twenty-four hours in a day, 168 hours in a week, the time will never present itself without you being purposeful about taking the time. It may only be five minutes here or thirty minutes there, but if you love writing, carve out a time for it. Keep your other priorities, but set aside time to do this thing that you love, too. This is true of any pursuit enjoyed outside the responsibilities of life.

The first full-length novel I wrote, The Beauty Thief, came out of a time where I was taking care of all the necessities of life, but I’d forgotten to do what inspires me, too, and in the midst of it I lost myself. You could say The Beauty Thief is the answer to my own inner struggle. I felt ugly on the inside, selfish, and listless, but in the midst of a prayer cried out to God for a way to banish my self-centered ugliness, this story formed in my mind and stuck in my heart. After a week it was still there and I had to write it. In the midst of this unfolding story my own heart changed. I found, or I was given, this gift of something that spoke deeply to my own heart and mind: writing stories. It was something I’d given up along the path of being a contributing member of society, a wife, and then a mother, which are all worthy pursuits.

I feel a little selfish saying that doing this thing I love, when I love my family and my life so much, is the key to inspiring me to keep plugging along, but at the same time I know that the ones I love benefit from my mind and spirit being freed by also embracing the part of me that is passionate to write.

It may seem like there’s no time in your day, but if you love to write like I do, making that time, setting aside even a short fifteen minutes will be a step to realizing your passion and feeding your soul.

Be inspired today.

Rachael Ritchey

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About The Author

Rachael Ritchey was born and raised in Northern Idaho with a short, seven year stint in Alaska. Inspiration from the picturesque places she grew up has played a huge part in her imagining of the fantasy world she created. . Her enthusiasm for archaic settings of the past stems from her appreciation for true history, which influences us even today. When she's not delving in to the fantastical world of the Twelve Realms, or researching ancient weaponry and the like, Rachael is with her family in the real world on the eastern side of Washington State where there’s plenty of inspiration to dream. You can find out more about Rachael's writing at her website rachaelritchey.com and find her on Facebook and Twitter @RachaelRitchey.