Chapter 1: A Milestone in Publishing

On June 24, Karen Schwartz celebrated the release of her debut book. If you have experienced the joy of publishing, this is your opportunity to share your work with fellow Challengers.

The harsh reality is that achieving recognition in this field may not happen for many of us. Despite having written extensive travelogues—one totaling 48,000 words—none were intended for the public eye prior to my contributions on Medium. These narratives served primarily as updates for family and friends, and more importantly, as personal records. By documenting my journeys in real-time, I can recall events with far greater clarity than my fellow travelers.

Though I considered the possibility of becoming a writer, self-doubt held me back. I was fortunate enough to be chosen as one of two representatives from a senior class of 100 to attend a university writers' workshop during school hours. I often felt my English teacher made a mistake in selecting me, as there were certainly more accomplished writers in our cohort.

Acting was another path I pondered; I memorized the lines for our school play, taking on a minor role while serving as the understudy for the lead. Although I never performed that role on stage, I did fill in during rehearsals. There were moments when I contemplated joining a repertory theater, but life took unexpected turns, stifling that aspiration.

Currently, I take solace in being the protagonist of my daughter’s "misery memoir," which she crafted for her Creative Writing Honours Degree just weeks before giving birth to Caelin. While she initially intended to expand the narrative, her perspective has shifted with the responsibilities of motherhood. Perhaps she will choose to publish it after I am gone, when I can no longer challenge her recollections. Alternatively, we might create a podcast reminiscent of Rosie Waterland’s collaboration with her mother.

I wholeheartedly support Lauri Novak in her publishing endeavors; her work promises to be a stunning addition to my coffee table. Likewise, Paula Shablo has produced multiple books and contributed poems to numerous anthologies. Mimira Smith’s novel is equally enthralling.

There is a wealth of talent among these writers, so be sure to explore their works!

The first video, "When I Get My Name In Lights" from "The Boy from OZ," features a powerful performance highlighting the aspirations of rising artists.

The second video, also titled "When I Get My Name In Lights - The Boy From Oz," offers an inspiring rendition that captures the essence of dreams and ambition in the performing arts.