Success is the result of preparation meeting opportunity.
I think that's especially true when it comes to writing.
We prepare by learning the craft of writing, editing and revising our work until it shines, by participating in networking, no matter what level we're at, and of course, reading in our genre to know what's being published.
The opportunities that come to us might be querying an article, short story or full manuscript to an agent or editor, or perhaps even entering a contest.
The success comes in the form of a request for a partial or a full, an article or story being accepted, placing in a contest (or winning!) and the big one, selling that full manuscript. However, success comes in other ways, too. Even the small successes, like meeting your word count for the day, finishing a chapter, finishing a manuscript, or fixing a sagging middle, are important and should be recognized.
This is a tough business. We need to celebrate the small victories to keep hold of the joy.
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Something To Think About
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Too true, Kristen :)
ReplyDeleteWell said. Only when I was able to appreciate those small things was I able to finally settle down to pursue writing as a career.
ReplyDeleteSmall victories are what keeps you going! If you only focus on the big ones, you're going to burn out fast :)
ReplyDeleteThat is very true, Kristain. Especially when you are in a holding pattern of waiting!
ReplyDeleteteri
It's true we lose track of our smaller goals and just focus on the big ones. But big goals can't be achieved without getting those smaller goals first.
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