Laura wants to know What keeps you going (either trying to get an agent or to get published or finish that WIP that's kicking your butt) when you know the odds are stacked way against you?
Kat posted before me, and Kate comes next.
Those of you who've been following me for a while know I like 80s music in addition to the Beatles, so I thought Phil Collins could provide us with some music for this post:
When I first read Laura's question, my immediate answer was "Stubbornness." I say sometimes that I'm as stubborn as I'm short. I tell my husband this is a good thing, because otherwise I wouldn't have waited so long for him to propose. I'm not only a Taurus (notorious for being stubborn), but according to the book The Secret Language of Birthdays, I was born on the Day of Steadfastness:
Apr.28 people are capable of using their physical , emotional or psychological presence in an imposing, if not intimidating way. Among the most determined people of the whole year, they will not give up once they have embarked on a project or a course of action. Against great odds, seemingly contrary to their best interests and that of those closest to them, they will hold out , no matter how persuasive or commanding their opponents may be. The drive to manifest their position is powerful, and what they stand for not easily forsaken.
You have been warned. ;)
Of course, even stubbornness may not be enough to get published, especially when looking at the statistics of how many queries get rejected by agents, how agents can't sell every book they represent, and by how few books earn out their advances. There are much easier ways to find fame and fortune than by writing books. But they're not the main reasons I write (though I wouldn't turn them down, at least the fortune part). I write to connect with others and find the people who get or grok me. Such connections and people are priceless. The struggle to find them will make success much sweeter when it arrives, whether I have a single reader or millions.
7 comments:
OMG! You picked my favorite artist of all time for this one. I am such a HUGE fan of Phil Collins, and this is a great song choice.
Okay, on topic I agree with what you're saying. Aries people seem to share some of the same traits as you Tauruses, as I know I can be very stubborn. Of course, I'm on the edge of being a Taurus anyway (Apr 19), so maybe that is part of it. Great post, Sandra.
Well, Pisces are dreamers, so I'll just have to keep dreaming of making it one day. The worst thing is to give up without even trying. The odds can be beaten. Just carry a large enough stick.
Eric: I'm glad you like the song.
Michelle: I love the last two sentences; they're so quotable!
thought provoking questions.
check out short story slam and make a submission today.
Woohoo, Phil Collins. Oh yeah, I'm probably as huge a fan of him as you are of The Beatles.
Stubbornness is a great quality in a writer. I'd almost say it's mandatory.
Stubborness and connections - a WINNING combo to be sure!
I always said I'd be happy if even one person "got" Deathday. And it's true. Connecting with people is so worth it.
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