Welcome guest author Coco Ihle and leave a comment to win a free copy of her book SHE HAD TO KNOW.
Words of Wisdom for Dreamers by Coco Ihle
We’ve all had dreams. What are yours? Have you had some fulfilled? Are you still in the process of realizing your desires?
Doggedly pursuing our dreams gives us a sense that they may come to fruition, that we may actually accomplish something in our pursuit. The more passion and determination we possess, the easier it is to move toward our goals, and having a support system helps us emotionally and practically.
Years ago when I first started writing, I shared with friends and relatives my intention of writing a book one day. Some encouraged me to go for it, some said it would be too difficult, an impossible accomplishment. I chose to go for it, despite what pitfalls I might encounter. One friend in particular shared with me a poem that has been a mainstay in my quest. The author is unknown, but I would thank him/her if I could. Here it is. I hope it will encourage you, as well.
I wish I were a could be
if I could not be an are.
For a could be is a maybe
with a chance of reaching far.
I’d rather have been a has been
than a might have been, by far.
For a might have been has never been,
while a has was once an are.
I’ve been thinking about the journey I’ve made to become a published author. As I look back, it hasn’t been short or easy, but it has been rewarding. Persistence through all the stumbling blocks, and even working through discouragement from time to time, has made my dream come true. My wish for you is that you have a good support system, dogged determination and persistence to make your dreams come true. I think it’s worth it. I hope you do, too.
I’d love to hear any secrets you may have in fulfilling your dreams. And for someone who leaves a comment and would like to write a review of my book, SHE HAD TO KNOW, I’ll put all the names in a caldron, stir the brew and select a winner for a free copy. Thank you so very much, Marni, for having me as a guest on your blog.
Coco Ihle’s debut mystery, SHE HAD TO KNOW, has autobiographical elements involving two reunited long lost sisters’ harrowing adventures in a castle in Scotland. A product of foster care and adoption, Coco spent over fifty years searching for her sister, and found her in 1994. In her former career, she was an internationally known belly dancer who was privileged to perform in Greece, Turkey, Mexico, Spain, Hawaii, and for appearances with the Today Show’s Willard Scott, actors Cliff Robertson and Whoopie Goldberg. She was a magazine staff writer, fundraiser for many charities and an instructor at Auburn University. A contest won her a spot in the Florida Writers Association anthology, published in 2009 and she is a contributing author in an anthology from Second Wind Publishing, recently released. She is a member of MWA, SinC, FWA, the ALMA Society and Clan Buchanan of Scotland. She lives near Tampa, Florida. http://www.cocoihle.com
Auntiemwrites Crime-Mystery Author M K Graff 
I have known Coco Ihle for decades and have never met a more creative and artistic person. She has made leather palm trees, amazing costumes, plays a Celtic Harp, tackled projects that would be daunting to anyone else. All that and she is beautiful and sweet. I admire and respect her tremendously. I once had a dream that II wanted a life-size performing camel. Took seven years, but Hubert Humpy is a reality. He has two types of fur, a pvc pipe body, eyes that open and close like baby doll eyes, big leather toenails, a nine-piece jointed oak vertebra tail that works by pulling a piece of broom handle attached to weed-eater line, and a moveable neck made of black drainage ditch pipe with sections removed to make it more flexible. He also spits water through aquarium tubing in his upper lip. I have also been a belly dancer – for over 40 years – which is how I met Coco – we performed in many of the same shows. I wish her all the best with her books!
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Meant to add that Hubert Humpy dances because two dancers stand upright in the two humps. They each wear fur leggings. He has won numerous prizes for best costume. That is only One of my dreams that was realized!
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Oh, Julena!!!!! How I remember Hubert Humpy!!!!! He stole the show so many times!!!! Hahahaha!!! Thank you for your compliments, but talk about creative—–that’s you to a T. Do you still have your Have -Husqvarna-Will-Travel sewing machine? Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving me such a memorable comment!!!!
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Julena, that sounds fascinating!
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