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Sunday, June 21, 2009

Writing: Pursue It 110 Percent

By Jill Earl

“If you have a passion for something, take no hesitation to pursue it 110 percent. It’s about focus, intensity, perseverance and believing in yourself and what you are capable of.”

I came across this quote from Alissa Augustine, a Native American deejay, while reading Language Is A Place of Struggle: Great Quotes by People of Color, edited by Tram Nguyen. Here’s a quick check-up to see how Ms. Augustine’s words can be applied to writing.

Focus. Making the time to actually write. Researching markets. Taking classes to acquire new skills and sharpen existing ones. Tightening dialogue. Getting out to network with fellow writers. That means putting down the remote when the new season of your favorite show’s starting. Or when your social networks are calling. Even when you’re about to reach a juicy section in that fab book you’re reading for pleasure.

Intensity. Do you live and breathe writing? Are you excited when you pick up a pen or turn on the computer, because you’re about to do your favorite thing? You can’t be lukewarm in this business and succeed. Well, you can, but do you really want that?

Perseverance. Are you willing to stick with your writing when the only thing you’re producing is blank pages? How about when the naysayers outnumber the supporters? And when the income is less than the outgo? Press through that wall. The ending to your novel might be waiting on the other side, along with payment from those articles you submitted weeks ago.

Believing in yourself. It’s a continual process. But if you don’t think you can be a successful writer, how can you expect anyone else to?

Look at the quote again. Are you willing to pursue the writing life 110 percent?

I am. How about you?

5 comments:

  1. I always find it interesting when I come across someone else's thoughts that resonate so loudly with my own or remind me of somthing I'd forgotten. Thank you; I needed to read this today!!!

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  2. Brace yourself: I'm going to whine here. Writing is so hard when you have a baby. OK, done. But an author told me recently to just do as much as you can in the time you have. So, yes, I turn the TV off and the music on and get writing -- even if it's only 30 minutes or less.

    Great post!

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  3. I'd be willing to bet there is some great advice in this book! I would love to do some picture books that deal with nature for both young and old alike!

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  4. I always find it interesting when I come across someone else's thoughts that resonate so loudly with my own or remind me of somthing I'd forgotten. Thank you; I needed to read this today!!!

    ReplyDelete

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