To my 10 years younger self...

Dear me in 2010...

I'm sitting here on my couch ten years from where you are. You're daydreaming about your handsome fiance (he makes a hot bald guy, fyi), and studying English Language at BYU. That degree you're thinking of getting but don't really want to get? Don't sweat it. You know your priorities well and you're going to make a great decision in about six months that will change the course of your life for the better.

You're not really thinking of being a mom right now, but I want you to know that writing and being a mom go hand in hand. You won't lose your ability to write when that first baby comes along (or the fifth baby, for that matter). You won't lose your creativity. If anything, you'll get better at balancing your schedule, balancing writing time with housekeeping and loving on your babies and husband.

One of the biggest questions on your mind is "When will I get published?", and you're dreaming of a traditional publishing arrangement. Let it go. (You'll get that reference later...) Your path to publishing will be nothing like you imagine it now, but on the way you'll meet a group of women who will become your amazing personal critique and alpha reading team, not to mention some of your best friends. You're going to go on this roller coaster ride of highs and lows. A few bad reviews will ruin your day, but the praise of a New York Times Bestselling author-mentor will bring you high again. Not everyone will love your writing. In fact, a lot of your friends and family won't care to read it. Just remember, they aren't your readers, and they can support you in a lot of ways without reading your books!

That's the advice I have for you. You're going to have an incredible ten years, and as your future self, I can honestly say that you won't regret very many things, and none of those need to be mentioned here. They're important for our growth as an author, as a mother, as a human being. Know that you're motivated enough to accomplish your dreams and that you'll make them happen because you are awesome.

Sincerely,

Future Me

This letter was super fun to write. What would you say to your past self 5, 10, even 15 years ago?