How many of us have said we wanted to do something and didn’t do it—yet? How many items are on our “Live-It” lists? (I hate the term bucket list). As passionistas, our lists are probably longer than the average person. However, even as consummate dream chasers, there’s still so much that we would love to do. And unfortunately, because life somehow gets in the way, there’s so much that we’ve all left undone, sitting on the backburner of life awaiting its chance to become a “do it now” item.

What’s interesting is that the bigger those items are, the more time we take to getting around to it and the more obstacles we place in its path. Obstacles like, “I would, but,” and “If I had more time.” How about this one, “But I’m already so busy.”  Here’s a better one—fear! But wait! As passionistas aren’t we supposed to be fearless! Aren’t we designed to give life the business, stretching it as far and as wide as it can go so that we can get all we can from it?

The short answer is ABSOLUTELY! However, when reality sets it, we realize that we really aren’t super women so we need to start getting picky! Okay, we can’t do it all, but we can do some of it, perhaps push for most of it. Today, I’m charging each of you to pick one big item, something you’ve always wanted to do and would love to indulge in and remove it from the your life’s backburner. Bring it to the forefront and find a way to start making it happen. Give it a plan. Put a date on it, even if it’s months away. Add it to your calendar and set some reminders. It’s time to conquer something big in a fabulous way. There’s no better motivational booster than accomplishing something huge that you’ve always wanted to do.

Today’s post is encouraged by a cousin of mine who was born and bred in the south. She’s moved around quite a bit but never lived up north. As a child she visited New York often and always left in wide-eyed wonder. Though she was a southern girl at heart, there was something about New York that she found intriguing. A small part of her wanted to live the New York life. What kept her from making the move? I’m sure it was many of the same “valid excuses” that keep us from doing big things. But today, I want to applaud that woman because she finally cast all fear and doubt aside, said “I’m not getting any younger,” and forged ahead. She packed up her child and their lovely little doggie and headed for the Big Apple. Now she’s not only living a dream and enjoying the journey that it provides, but she kicked fear, doubt and all other excuses in the butt and did the darn thing and she’s now happier for it!

So go ahead dream girl, pick one—just one—and go for it, fearlessly, brilliantly, boldly like a good passionista should!

I applaud that and want to applaud you too so be sure to share your journey with us. If you’ve already set out to do something big, dramatic, and beautifully bold, let us know about it and keep us posted.

Fabulously yours,

You fellow passionista!

Meet passionista, Katrina Butler Hill, a self-published author of the novels When the Well Runs Dry and the follow-up When the Well Runs Dry: Hushed Secrets in which she tackles issues of step-parenting, teenage pregnancies, affairs and homosexuality. In her writing she seeks to expose the true realities of relationships. She is a writer who is not afraid to discuss the topics that many have found to be “taboo” or “inappropriate”.  She’s just the kind of passionista we like here at SheBiz–beautiful & bold.

In honor of National Novel Writing Month (November. And so we are a little late with this post) we have asked Katrina to share on her passion for writing and how she completed her first novel.

1.      November is a time when many first time writers are buckling down from the 1^st-31^st to begin the task of creating their first novel. What was your process in writing your first novel “When the Well Runs Dry”?

My days are pretty full so it made sense for me to allot time for writing at night once. Starting out I wrote for a few hours twice per week for about a month. As the plot developed I found myself consumed at the oddest moments. I would actually stop in the middle of a conversation with someone, turn off the vacuum cleaner, turn down the radio or take out a piece of paper in the grocery store to jot down ideas as they popped into my head.  Writing “When the Well Runs Dry” was fun and took the place of my nightly television watching.

2.      You are also a fitness trainer, so obviously exercise is something you are passionate about. How passionate are you about writing and why?

I am very passionate about writing because of the response I received from my readers once my first novel was released.  I have many books in my head and hidden in my heart that I plan to publish in the near future.  My characters are real people with real issues. Readers easily find their refuge, safety, hurt and heartache between the pages.

3.      Finding a place to sit and write is important, especially when you are a parent. As a mother and wife where and when did you find time to write your first novel?

My best writing is done in the middle of the night when the house is quiet and everybody is asleep. I can write for hours once I start.

4.      We all find inspiration somewhere. Whether places we have traveled, friends we know, movies and music, etc. What inspired the story line of When the Well Runs Dry?

As a trainer you become a counselor, a listening ear, a mediator and more importantly you become a shoulder to lean on. I am inspired daily by my clients, friends and associates who share all sorts of interesting stories that I spice up and water down to fit the scenarios in my books.

5. What was the toughest part about completed your first book, did you conquer that by the time you began the second book?

The toughest part about completing my book was setting aside time to get the book published. Making the phone calls, sending the emails, going to UPS, etc. takes a lot of time and has to be juggled between my other responsibilities. It is still a mountain I’m climbing.

6. What advice can you offer to authors during NANOWriMO that will keep them encouraged along the way?

My advice would be to stay focused on the audience you are trying to reach. Know who you are talking to and whose life you plan to impact.