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Words to live by…
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I read a lot of children’s books. To me, an excellent children’s book is just plain an excellent book, and one that readers of all ages can enjoy. Right now I’m reading this absolutely marvelous story.
I looked up the book’s website, and found an interview with the author. I particularly appreciated this bit:
Q: How can I become a writer when I get older?
A: Write a lot—every day, if possible—read a lot (including a few reputable books on the craft of writing), and stubbornly refuse to be discouraged. If you like to tell stories and compose sentences, and if you work hard at being good at these things, then you are a writer even if you haven’t published anything. And if you keep at it long enough you very well might publish something. I know a lot of excellent writers who haven’t been published, though, because there is a certain amount of luck involved in finding publishers who appreciate your particular kind of writing. So if you want to be a published writer, you should also try very hard—every day, if possible—to be lucky.
That is how I would describe the last year of my life. Trying very hard – almost every day – to be lucky.
NOTE: I’ve edited the post to remove the book title, because I realized little children might google it, find my blog, and fall into sin.
September 16th, 2007 at 6:31 am · Link
Stubbornly refusing to be discouraged here…
September 16th, 2007 at 5:50 pm · Link
Seems like your trying is paying off. Sorry I missed your TMI Tuesday. I’m just getting the hang of this one-handed typing. Tortured heroes are so my drink of choice.
September 17th, 2007 at 6:41 am · Link
I’ll admit you seem to be quite lucky in many things, Tessa. But don’t ever believe it wasn’t talent that has made all the difference. You are a great writer and all that luck wouldn’t amount to a hill of beans if you weren’t.
And I’m with Maggie, must not get discouraged now.
September 17th, 2007 at 8:34 am · Link
Lucky! What a great statement. I was just telling dh that it seems to be 5% talent and 95% luck! But we write because we love it and not writing would be like cutting off our arms, or in his case never seeing another football game again.
September 17th, 2007 at 11:05 am · Link
Persistence is the key to success!
I, too, refuse to be discouraged —
September 17th, 2007 at 3:55 pm · Link
Ok, I know the rest of the post was really inspirational, but I can’t quit laughing over the ‘fall into sin.’ :0)
September 17th, 2007 at 9:00 pm · Link
Maggie, Ericka – I’ll admit, the “refusing to be discouraged” part is the hardest for me. I’ve come to an agreement with myself. I’m allowed to get discouraged from time to time as long as I don’t stop writing. If that makes any sense.
Lenora – thank you so much for pecking your way over to my blog! I hope you get better quickly! And I hope Mr. Bell is taking goood care of his lady.
Terri and Renee – I’m not sure what the proportion is, exactly, but I’m tolerably certain that both luck and talent are required to get published, just as the quote suggests. If I get published, I’ll try to determine my ratio of X% luck and Y% talent and let you know, LOL.
Gillian – I’m so glad someone finds me amusing. 🙂
September 18th, 2007 at 6:35 am · Link
What a great Q&A quote! Love it.
P.S.
Where is TMI Tuesday? *sobs*
September 25th, 2007 at 6:29 pm · Link
because I realized little children might google it, find my blog, and fall into sin
THIS is why I keep coming back. Even if I’m like, a week and a half late.
You slay me.