Fresh Fiction Blog | Beth Cornelison | Don't Tell Me I Can't!

I admit it. I have a 'tude. More specifically, I have a stubborn streak that hates to be told no. The surest way to fire me up to do something is to tell me I can't. I can't have ice cream for breakfast? Pass the Ben and Jerry's! I can't fit my car in that parking place? Watch me!

So when I started writing romances mumble mumble years ago and was told I can't have a musician as a hero, I took offense. The prevailing theory was that readers didn't like sports heroes (Ahem, Susan Elizabeth Phillips Chicago Stars anyone?)— nor artists, actors or musicians. Supposedly these careers had stigmas attached to them and weren't considered hero-worthy. My inner rebel immediately shouted, "What? Musicians are sexy! Musicians are romantic! Musicians can be rough and tough guys who'll protect the heroine from danger!"

The gauntlet had been thrown down, and I set out to write a musician hero readers would swoon over. Based on reader mail I've received regarding CHASING A DREAM, I succeeded.

In CHASING A DREAM, country musician Justin Boyd has a dream of making it big in Nashville. He's got the winning combination of talent and tenacity. Nothing can stop him from pursuing his dream...except a woman in peril. When Justin meets Tess Sinclair and quickly figures out she's on the run from an abusive husband, he puts his career on hold, determined to do for Tess what he couldn't do for his sister— save her life.

I've written dozens of heroes over the years, but Justin will always be one of my favorites. Justin is sexy, brave, committed, encouraging...everything Tess needed him to be. And he could sing and play the guitar like a dream. But most important to me: He was an ordinary guy pushed into extraordinary circumstances, and he proved himself more than worthy of the title "hero."

I'm so happy to re-release CHASING A DREAM as an ebook, available through Kindle and Nook, and as part of my re-release celebration, you can register for a chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card.

But first, tell me what you've done that naysayers told you you couldn't. I love to hear stories of defying the odds! Happy reading, Beth

Comments

Sounds exciting, would love to win it!
(Patricia LeBarron 7:39am September 11, 2012)

I can't wait to read your book. Sounds so exciting, a handsome man going to save the damsel in distress even if it means his own life. I love the plot! Thanks!
(Teresa Sullivan 8:35am September 11, 2012)

I remember friends saying I couldn't make straight As through high school and then again in college. I proved them all wrong.
(Pam Howell 10:38am September 11, 2012)

Naysayers told me I wouldn't be able to complete university and I almost believed them, but I studied online, persevered and accomplished my goal.
As the saying goes, those who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it.
(Michelle Donaldson 10:38am September 11, 2012)

Pam- Straight As through high school and college? You go girl! Congrats!

Michelle-I love that saying! Congrats on persevering and finishing University!

Thanks all for stopping by.
(Beth Cornelison 11:01am September 11, 2012)

Ten years ago, everyone told me that we couldn't put all our stuff in storage and backpack the world for at least a year. We came back from our travels 1 yr 11 months later, and then did it again about 5 years ago! =) Hopefully, we'll do it again, too!
(Kathleen Conner 11:48am September 11, 2012)

I was told a lot of can't growing up, I can't go to college, I can't have {fill in the blank} dream, the worst was when docotrs told me I couldn't have children -- I have two children, both in their teens now, and the reward of proving the doctors wrong
(Carla Carlson 12:46pm September 11, 2012)

I love the plot and would love to win CHASING A DREAM. I don't remember much about anyone telling me you CAN'T do something but I do remember my parents telling me DON'T do certain things. They were wise.
(Anna Speed 1:07pm September 11, 2012)

I have a bit of a stubborn streak, like you. As the youngest of three children, I grew up hearing "but you're too young" and it just made me want to do THAT (and other things) so much more! Congrats on re-release day.
(G S Moch 1:41pm September 11, 2012)

Go abroad after graduating from college instead of starting a career. Was hired by an international company when visited London and worked there for a couple of years.
(G. Bisbjerg 2:15pm September 11, 2012)

EVERYBODY SAID I DIDN'T HAVE THE STUFF TO GO LIVE MY DREAM I
DID SHOW THEM AND I'M LIVING MY DREAM AS A WRITER IN A
MAGAZINE. LOVE IT PICK ME
(Shelly Caggiano 3:23pm September 11, 2012)

Sounds wonderful. Congratulations and best wishes. Many said
that it was impossible to achieve a dream. I did just that.
(Sharon Berger 5:28pm September 11, 2012)

Beth,
Just wondering if Chasing A Dream will come out as a re-release in paperback? I'm assuming there is one in print from when it was first released. It's the type of book I'd enjoy...love what I've read so far!
(Linda Luinstra 5:28pm September 11, 2012)

This looks great. Thank you for the chance to win it..
(Holly Vanderhule 5:30pm September 11, 2012)

People not listening the the nay-sayers is where most of the
world's greatest discoveries and inventions come from. Keep
up the great work Beth!
(Jaime Zalinski 8:28pm September 11, 2012)

Going back to school to make a complete career change. The only person you need to listen to is yourself!
(Sara DeCamp 9:58pm September 11, 2012)

This is a bit embarassing, but things happen. My husband lost his job about 6 years ago, and we lost our house. While he was working, I was helping my Father take care of my Mother, at their house, who was dying from Alzheimer's disease. We fought tooth and nail to save our house of 13 years. When we were about to be evicted, I had a talk with my Father, and he was angry about the situation. We had no choice but to pack everything we could into our small pick-up truck and pop-up camper, grab the dog, and head for the nearest campground, which was to be our new home. We moved around to different campgrounds for a while, until we could find an apartment to move into that we could afford. At our age, my Husband is automatically discriminated against. Anyway, now my Father suffered a couple of falls in his house. My Sister decided to put him in a nursing home for people with dementia. I've gone to visit him, even though I now live 200 miles away, and he asked me if he could move in with us. He still owns his house, but needs someone to move in with him and give him constant care. At this point, I'm unable to move back, because we have responsibilities where we now live. My husband is the caretaker here, and we can't just get up and leave. Our place is too small to accomodate him, and he doesn't have dementia. I don't have power of attorney, so my hands are tied, and my heart is broken. If he would have helped me out, this never would have happened. We could have helped each other. At the time, he needed a little help around the house, some nutritious food, and some medical care. As for your book, I would love to read it, but I can't afford an e-reader yet. I'm still getting my life together. The card would come in handy, though. I love the cover of the book. I've always loved guitar music.
(Peggy Roberson 10:09pm September 11, 2012)

Book sounds lovely - do you know the release date for the Nook? It's not available at BN.com right now.
(Mary C 10:46pm September 11, 2012)

I can't remember anyone telling me I couldn't do something. Maybe it's because they know I would prove them wrong.LOL
(Rita Wray 11:44pm September 11, 2012)

Your book sounds great. Would love to win it. I've never been told I couldn't do something. I was usually encouraged.
(Carol Woodruff 1:07am September 12, 2012)

My naysayers was my in-laws!! My husband had two children from his first marriage that ended badly, but him winning custody. Since I was mothering his children I thought to have my own also. We had a son. I loved being with child. So got pregnant soon after first was born. That was when all the negativity started with his parents and sister. My next was a beautiful girl. I felt I wanted another to be complete. I got pregnant again easy enough, kept it a secret. At almost 5 months I miscarried. That was how his family found out, when I was in hospital and at memorial service. They wanted to be kind during my sad time, but were still negative in their comments. It was so very hurtful. Soon as I was able I attempted again, was successful, but lost it at six weeks into the pregnancy. I was devastated, thinking I could not carry another child. But my stomach never shrank. I thought a tumor. Couple months, still swelling, I saw doctor and he ordered an ultrasound. TWINS!! I was on cloud nine!! His parents were angry now. They were saying we could not raise six kids. The twin babies came early, boy and girl, were tiny but healthy, just needed weight. I was so very happy, my family complete, I thought. But God gave me a surprise with another girl when twins were almost two. I had five children with oldest being five, three in diapers, plus two early teenagers. To end my story, I am so happy to say, I have seven wonderful children that I was blessed to raise and care for. They all are great, caring people with good morals and values. They will contribute much to the world. Had we listen to the naysayers, four would not be here, and they were meant to be. Yes, five teenagers was hard and expensive, just as four in college is now, but I would not trade my choice and God's choice for nothing in this world. Follow your heart, not the naysayer. Yes, we would have more money, but their love is priceless and forever.
(Brenda Leon 3:47am September 12, 2012)

Everyone in my family complains about my reading. Well I love to read
and the more you complain, the more im going to read. Im not a partier
or a shopper. I love to read! Get over it. Lol
(Kim Cornwell 6:42am September 12, 2012)

Of course musicians are great characters! I have read Crossroad Blues and Leaving Trunk Blues by Ace Atkins, a crime series.
What have I done that naysayers opposed? Well I work as a tree surgeon so I often get "that's a strange job for a girl" and once I had priced the job and when I turned up next day to work, the householder, a bank manager, looked at me and said "where are the men?"
When I first looked for a mortgage three different bank managers agreed to give me one but in each case the head office came back and said no. Single woman, small business, seasonal income - that is my presumption anyway. If I could prove I was discriminated against because I am female I could sue. I had to rent for four and a half years but then took on a mortgage and have only a few years left to go.
(Clare O'Beara 6:48am September 12, 2012)

I jumped off a two story building because I wasn't supose to :)
(Sally Hannoush 8:21am September 12, 2012)

I'm very determined (translate that to stubborn) so can't is a challenge to me. I've never been very athletic so people told me I could never be a golfer---HA! I play almost every day in the summer and have become quite good at it.
(Sue Farrell 10:05am September 12, 2012)

I'd love a chance to win- I'm not sure any of my stories are interesting enough to
post, but I've enjoyed a few that did.
(Debbie Burdeen 12:57pm September 12, 2012)

Happy re-release! I like when books are re-issued because it gives me a chance to read them.

I am learning how to cook and it's one of those things where the more you do, the better you are at it :)
(Na S 1:18pm September 12, 2012)

Thank you for your post and giveaway, Beth. I've done lots of things that naysayers said I couldn't do. But as for doing them successfully . . . well, maybe someday.

"Chasing the Dream" sounds like a wonderful read. Keep up the good work!
(Mary Anne Landers 6:30pm September 12, 2012)

I lived under a controlling parent due to my Chinese culture. It was a slap in the face when my cousin who happens to be 6 years older than I am, told me I am unable to live independently and cannot survive if I leave home.

That got me very angry that the first thing I did when I graduated from college was to move out. I then started wondering what other things my parents and relatives have said to me to discourage me from finding out what I can really do.

I have a bucket list just to find out what if I'm able or not able to do certain things.
(Kai Wong 9:42pm September 12, 2012)

sounds like a good read. went onto college after my divorce, raising 4 sons still at home----20 yrs later, I am still proud of myself!!
(Barbara Studer 10:04pm September 12, 2012)

If I am told I can't do something for whatever reason, I usually give it my best & prove them wrong.
(Mary Preston 11:12pm September 12, 2012)

Hearing, "No," makes me want to do the opposite, so I understand.
(Alyson Widen 7:42pm September 13, 2012)

My Grandmother always told me 'There's no such word as can't. Kant was a philosopher"
(Shirley Nienkark 2:57pm September 14, 2012)

Sounds like there are a lot of other stubborn people out there like me! But Sally, jumping off a building? Yikes!
Thanks everyone for stopping by!
(Beth Cornelison 9:18am September 24, 2012)

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