Three years ago, by most accounts, I was a successful person.
I was a respected international consultant. I held several track records and won equestrian show jumping awards. I had traveled around the world and was the friend of high-ranking officials -- including a president or two -- in numerous countries..
Yet I felt like a failure. Why? Because I hadn't achieved what I wanted the most -- to be a successful writer.
So, against the advice of well-meaning friends and relatives, I quit my career, returned to the United States and devoted myself to writing full time. I had three goals: 1) be an award-winning writer, 2) have my books turned into films and 3) live off my writing.
You can imagine, then, what a thrill it was when my forthcoming book, Who Killed Fidel Castro?, recently won first place in the Lighthouse Book Award for mystery-thrillers.
I dedicate this award to all my doubters, who only fueled my resolve to work harder, and to my fellow writers. Don't give up your dreams!
Photo: I just learned I had won first place at the Lighthouse Book Award ceremony in Ponte Vedra, Florida.

There's no other way to put it -- I got my socks knocked off last week when the phone rang, and I heard the voice of a well-known Hollywood producer who was calling to request a copy of Who Killed Fidel Castro?
This is actually the third request from film producers who are looking at the story. But this is the first time the producer called me personally.
I'm sure I sounded like a blabbering 15-year-old. I asked him, "Am I talking too much?" And he said, "Go ahead. Knock yourself out."
I don't know what, if anything, will come from this. But it's exciting to think I might fulfill my second goal this year.
Photo: Award and manuscript with judge's comments.

My daughter Shelley and my son-in-law Ferris gave Mariate and me an all-expense-paid weekend at Edgeworth Inn in Monteagle Assembly, Tennessee. What a divine experience!
The village is frozen in time -- the 1800's -- and includes hiking trails, like those pictured here. The Edgeworth Inn reminded me of Thomas Wolfe's home in Asheville. We sat on the porch and felt the rest of the world melt away.
I urge you to visit Monteagle Assembly if you have the opportunity. But, a caveat: As one old-timer told us when we asked for directions, "Take a right down yonder. And make sure you take a bucket of money with you."