It's why I do what I do, too, though on a much smaller level. I've learned a few things along the way and I'm finding a whole lot of satisfaction in sharing them now.
I just participated in an online conference panel on why some writers don't publish. One of the reasons given by a writer who struggled to get published was fear, which trapped her and others in the canyon of not being perfect. My response was to publish what you have that is "almost" good enough. Be brave. Get your stuff out there, or you'll never know who wants to read it, and how much they liked it. The danger for writers is believing the dark stories of failure and not the bright ones of successful perseverance. Good post.
I remember watching your success and think it was great. And I remember after publishing my first novel with a major publisher back in 1999 and thinking, this is it! I've arrived! My second book was with Alyson Books and then followed years and years of manuscripts that went nowhere. And I felt awful and I kept trying and trying.
I did some other things along the way to keep the bills paid, but always kept writing fiction.
And getting more rejection.
Finally, four years ago, I said that's it, I'm done. I've given it all I have and ... I quit.
And I haven't regretted it at all.
So Writer's: Don't Give up! can be great advice.
But IMHO, so can Writers: Give Up If It's Right For You!
I am writing non-fiction now, and loving it. But fiction was my dream.
Very encouraging, Lev!
Thanks.
This is a real-life, necessary (now more than ever) corrective to "New York ideas of success."
Thank you for this.
:-)
Your list of accomplishments makes me dizzy! But here you are, giving back, working to inspire the rest of us to carry on, to think big.
I just want you to know I hear you. Somebody got the message. Baby steps but I'm slowly moving forward.
And when I'm on stage accepting that prize, your name will be right up there on my list of friends and mentors who helped me along the way....
What? Too much?
Okay then. Let me just say thank you. 😊
Wow. I'm happy to help. Eric Erickson called this stage of life generativity, passing on one's knowledge.
That's how I felt with my six-year stint teaching at MSU again (2011-2017) and what my website is about. Ditto workshops, master classes, etc.
It's why I do what I do, too, though on a much smaller level. I've learned a few things along the way and I'm finding a whole lot of satisfaction in sharing them now.
More than I ever even realized.
An ode to stick-to-itness! Thank you for the motivational boost, Lev.
You're welcome!
Bravo!!! Love reading this.
Thanks!
I just participated in an online conference panel on why some writers don't publish. One of the reasons given by a writer who struggled to get published was fear, which trapped her and others in the canyon of not being perfect. My response was to publish what you have that is "almost" good enough. Be brave. Get your stuff out there, or you'll never know who wants to read it, and how much they liked it. The danger for writers is believing the dark stories of failure and not the bright ones of successful perseverance. Good post.
Thanks.
I remember watching your success and think it was great. And I remember after publishing my first novel with a major publisher back in 1999 and thinking, this is it! I've arrived! My second book was with Alyson Books and then followed years and years of manuscripts that went nowhere. And I felt awful and I kept trying and trying.
I did some other things along the way to keep the bills paid, but always kept writing fiction.
And getting more rejection.
Finally, four years ago, I said that's it, I'm done. I've given it all I have and ... I quit.
And I haven't regretted it at all.
So Writer's: Don't Give up! can be great advice.
But IMHO, so can Writers: Give Up If It's Right For You!
I am writing non-fiction now, and loving it. But fiction was my dream.
Different folks have different paths.
Agreed. That was my point.
And my point was in the subhead of the piece.... :-)
That's certainly the hope.