Perseverance. It's a big word that we all need a lot of. As humans and especially as writers don't you think? I like the way Merriam-Webster defines it: continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition.
Talia had to keep working toward a solution even though she wasn't making much progress. What was her other choice? Give up and wait to die? I don't think so.
But you know what? I don't really want to talk about The Magic Wakes today. Nope, I want to talk about the ways we persevere as writers. So many of us are on this journey, all in different spots and often on different paths entirely, but all with the same end goal. We want to share our stories with others. So, whether its a dirt path, cobblestone, asphalt or zipway, we have to find ways to keep moving forward.
I wrote an article for Savvy Authors on this very topic the day my novel was released into the world--Finding the Strength to Journey On. In that post I cover 5 things that I feel are important in my journey, the things that I must always remember in order to keep from giving up.
- Remember why you write
- Be willing to learn
- It's all subjective
- Prepare for the reality of being a published writer
- Focus on the positive
How/where do you find the strength to keep writing in spite of the obstacles in your way?
right you are - a big word and difficult to learn skill!
ReplyDeleteI keep writing as a therapy - it makes me feel better - like journaling. This is valid for poetry. I've been doing this for mode than 14 years.
As for prose, I'm motivated by what I like to read. I want the same succes as my favourite writers. I have a looong road till there. But I must persevere ;)
Yes! And you can do it. I've read so many well known authors who said being successful was more about perseverance than talent. :) This is good for me because I still have a lot to learn as well.
DeleteI'd have to say the encouragement of fans also keeps me going. I never planned a second book, and certainly not a third, but the success of the first two pushed me to complete the series.
ReplyDeleteYes, I think fans would be a huge help in persevering. I'm glad you didn't give up because I really enjoyed your books and am waiting for the 3rd.
DeleteSometimes I'm just too stubborn quit. Sometimes my husband encourages me not to quit and sometimes he's my obstacle.
ReplyDeleteI forgot about stubbornness. Isn't it great that it can be a helpful quality sometimes?
DeleteRight now, I putting my Perseverance toward other goals, like getting regaining my Health. You simply cannot do anything else successfully without that. However, I agree with you that Perseverance has more to do with Success than any other quality.
ReplyDeleteThat's really true. I hope your health does get better for you and sooner than later.
DeleteVery good advice.
ReplyDeleteStrength? Yeah, I don't have any this week. Ask me next week when I'm done with this assignment...
ReplyDeleteGood luck!
DeletePerseverance has it's rewards in the end.
ReplyDeleteIt's just getting to the end that's the hard part. ;)
DeleteIt's been most helpful for me to set small goals and celebrate those victories. I have to do a lot of internal coaching to myself to not get discouraged, but it's usually just me not appreciating how far I've already come.
ReplyDeleteThat is so true! I think we let our goals overwhelm us to the point that we don't see how far we've come. Great reminder, thanks!
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