by Peter Leavell, @PeterLeavell

I walked out of a day job and am writing and teaching one class at a private academy full time now. How did I make my dreams come true?

I spent money on the things that fueled my obsession. I wanted to write fiction and to be a smart, well-read fellow. So, for me, that meant I paid for—

• books on writing.
• fiction books.
• bookshelves.
• writing conferences.
• a formal education.
• an informal education, involving lectures, tutors, and Great Courses.
• dinner dates with my wife.

When you want something bad enough, especially when you see clearly who you want to be, start now. But permission must be had to spend money on your obsession.

Here’s your permission: You have my permission to spend money on the things you obsess about. (I’m guessing, since you’re here with me, it’s writing. There are a few things that people obsessed about I wouldn’t give permission for, so if it’s not writing, let me know what your obsession is, and I’ll get back to you.)

When we give into our obsessions, like I did mine, we grow in that area and become experts. Some love sales, graphic design, mechanics, wedding planning, hosting, book writing, bookshelf building—there’s room for everyone.

But it takes money.

Work day jobs hard, like I did. Work your obsession after work. And like me, slowly over a decade, the obsession took in more and more money, until I was able to cut the day job completely.

Dino Hunters: Discovery in the Desert

Siblings Josh and Abby Hunter don’t believe their parents’ death was an accident. After taking pictures of the most incredible find of the 1920’s—proof humans and dinosaurs lived together in the same time and place—desperate outlaws armed with tommy guns are on their tail! Only Josh and Abby know where the proof is hidden—in the canyons of Arizona’s desert. When an intruder searches Josh and Abby’s bags inside their new home, the two convince their uncle Dr. David Hunter to return to the canyon and find the pictures they’d hidden. But the outlaws are just as eager to find the proof before Josh and Abby. Can Josh use his super-smart brain to outfox the villains in time? Will Abby’s incredible physical abilities stop full-grown men? And will their uncle believe them?
Dino Hunters is an apologetics-adventure series aimed at the middle reader to help them trust the Bible from the very first verse.