By Phil Stanziola, NYWT&S staff photographer. Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org
Hello, SE Readers. Joan here today, hoping this year is going well for you. I always look a January as a time for new beginnings. We can move forward and stop agonizing over what we may have failed to accomplish the previous year. It’s a time to set new goals and dreams.
Today is a federal holiday in the USA, as we celebrate the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. King was a Baptist minister who became a leader and spokesperson for the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s.
He accomplished much during his short life in his quest for racial equality, including organizing the 1963 March on Washington and winning a Nobel Peace Prize. During the 1963 March, he delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech.
Sadly, Dr. King did not live to see all his dreams fulfilled, as an assassin gunned him down in 1968. He was only thirty-nine years of age at the time of his death, but his vision lives on.
As a writer, what are your dreams? Maybe you want to write novels, publish short stories, or even branch out into a new genre, but for some reason keep putting it off. Whatever your plans and goals are now is the time to begin. Stop looking back and agonizing over what might have been.
Look forward. Surround yourself with inspirational and uplifting people like Dr. King. Join a critique group or find two or three trusted critique partners. Sit down and write.
It’s time to see your dreams fulfilled.
Story Empire 
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Was amazing blog . I love it☺☺☺
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Thank you!
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A good and thoughtful reflection for MLK Day.
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Thank you!
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Beautiful post, Joan. My dream is to keep on writing for as long as I can.
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Thanks, John. I feel the same way.
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😁
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Thank you for this great post, Joan. I’m reminded of the reaction to Martin Luther King Jnr’s tragic death here in Australia. Our nation was stunned and outraged along with the rest of the world. His courage inspired a whole new generation to seek out the good in people and encourage others to do the same. My writing dream is to seek out the words that remain half-hidden in my mind’s shadows and to have the courage to present them for others to read.
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Soooz, I was only a child, but I remember the day well. Such a tragedy. It’s good to know his legacy lives on. I love the way you described your dream.
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🌹Thanks, Joan. Living it, one sunrise and one page at a time.
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My dreams are simple. Spending time with those I love and finding time to write. Nothing fancy, I like short stories, flash fiction, an occasional poem, and there is a book or two in my head.
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Michele, it sounds like you have your priorities in order. The most important thing is to spend time with those we love.
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Pingback: What is Your Dream? | Ann Writes Inspiration
Dr. King was and still is an inspiration! My dream is to make a lucrative living doing speaking engagements and selling my books!
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I would love to make a living at writing, Jan. But if not, I’d still write. It’s in my blood. Best wishes for your dreams coming true!
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What a wonderfully inspiring post, Joan!
Dr. King was such an amazing man whose life still inspires people today. My life is much more humble but I have always been inspired by dreams. Mainly the goal of writing full-time. From the time I was a child it was one I cherished and still do today. I keep trying and keep chasing it, LOL. One of these days….:)
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He was an inspiring man. I have confidence that you will someday realize your dream.
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My writer dream is to get better every year and to gain more fans. (By gaining fans, I’ll know I’ve gotten better.) Time will tell, I suppose.
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That’s a good dream, Staci. One that every writer should have. And I believe you will have it!
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Thanks. Wishing you the same.
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My author dreams are simple. Find the time to keep writing and publishing even if it’s at a slower pace. Seems more achievable than anything lofty these days.
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Sounds a lot like me, Charles. I would love to have lofty dreams and goals in regards to writing, but can’t manage it and work full-time. Most importantly, I’m writing and that makes me happy.
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Happiness should really come first. 🙂
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I totally agree!
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Excellent message Joan. Our dreams have the ability to impact the world. All of us. Serve people. Surround yourself with loving mentors. Follow your dream. Hone your skills. Nudge into fears. Enjoy the ride.
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Good advice, Ryan. Writing takes hard work, but no reason not to enjoy the ride as we journey along.
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The story of Martin Luther King is very poignant, Harmony. I have read his “I have a dream” speech. I am trying my hand at short horror stories as I write this.
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Good for you, Roberta! I’ve never tried to write a horror story. Maybe someday…
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May this year will see me married, so I guess my next step is to publish something as a married author! I’m juggling a few projects, and it would be nice to see them through to completion. Thanks, Joan 🙂
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This is shaping up to be a big year for you. Looking forward to seeing your next work.
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wonderful reminder of dr. king and what’s important
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Thank you. He was certainly an inspirational person.
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Reblogged this on Author Don Massenzio and commented:
Check out this post from Joan Hall via the Story Empire Blog that asks: What is your dream?
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Thanks for sharing, Don!
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You’re welcome.
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I have a dream… to have my novels read and enjoyed. That means getting over my fear of publishing, and getting them ‘out there’. Perhaps not a dream as honourable as Mr King’s, but (in my mind) as challenging!
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I think every writer dreams of having their books read and liked by many. Publishing is a big step and a fear I had to overcome. You can do it!
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True Joan; Publishing is my white whale. I know it shouldn’t be, but I guess because I’ve dreamed of being published for thirty something years, I’m almost too afraid to do it now that The Time is getting closer. I’d love to see SE do a post on overcoming your fear of just doing it!!
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