Next Act is a Hamlet Hub series that tells the stories of our readers who have reinvented their lives, careers, or businesses. If you would like to be featured in Next Act, please contact Barbara.Poole145@gmail.com. In this edition of "Next Act", we talk to New Fairfield resident author Jacqueline Coote.
After a business career, marriage and raising her children, Jacqueline decided to live her lifelong dream of being an artist. Recently she fulfilled her second dream of writing women's fiction. While her books are the realization of her own dream, they serve another important life purpose. Jacqueline writes books encouraging other women to fulfill their dreams, just as she did. Fittingly, Jacqueline's book covers are copies of her watercolor paintings.
1) Was there a 'defining moment' of your life that prompted your 'Next Act'?
When my children left home to lead their own lives. I knew it was time for me to make a change. It was only up to me, no one else was going to do it for me.
There comes a time when you say to yourself "this is it", I am going to fulfill my dreams.
2) How has your past inspired and empowered you?
I have always wanted to pursue my art interests, but after I graduated, things changed. However, I was fortunate to meet my husband and have three beautiful children and now 3 grandsons, but I knew that I had dreams at one time and I wanted to see that them come true. I was there for my family and they were there for me. They encouraged me to paint, sell my art and later gave me the confidence to write. Another dream I always had.
I am enjoying the fact that I am writing at this stage in my life and making a difference to many women, who need encouragement and need to build their self-esteem. The books I write are about different women, who are faced with different scenarios. Although my books are fiction, I feel these situations or scenarios are most common and need to be addressed and are common in this day and age..
4) What does a day of your life look like?
My website keeps me busy. If I am not filling an order, I am writing my new book. It is almost complete. I also enjoy writing blogs and articles for Ezinearticles.com
5) What advice would you give to someone who is considering their Next Act?
Go for it...you only have one life to live. Don't let anyone tell you any different. How can we truly feel complete, unless we complete what we set out to do. Age doesn't make a difference, if anything, we should be able to handle change with all the experience we have obtained over the years.
6) What's your idea of the best vacation ever?
My husband and I have enjoyed going to the Dominican Republic every winter for the last 16 years. It is very relaxing and you can't believe how friendly the Dominican's are. We feel at home there. There is nothing like the warm breeze from the ocean and the feel of white sand between your toes.
You can learn more about Jacqueline at http://www.impressionsbyjackie.com/