Don't use words too big for the subject. Don't say 'infinitely' when you mean 'very'; otherwise you'll have no word left when you want to talk about something really infinite.

C. S. Lewis

A Quote From The Archives

Last year I did an interview with Jay Asher.  He shared some great knowledge!  When I asked him what his favorite quote was he had some amazing things to say. Happy Monday everyone and enjoy this great quote from Jay Asher...

“Well! Here comes ol’ Charlie Brown!”

That line wasn’t intended to be inspirational when it was written, but it is! It’s the text from the first panel of the very first Peanuts comic strip, and I’m a huge Peanuts fan. When he wrote that, Charles Schulz had no idea where his big-headed characters were about to take him. I love the idea that we, as artists, never know when we’ll create something which truly connects. All we can do is keep trying new things.

NEVER SURRENDER

Lately I’ve been thinking about why writers quit. The other day I ran into an old critique partner and our conversation went a little like this;

Me: So how’s writing going?

Friend: Oh I gave up a while ago.

Me (now with sad face): Really!?!

Friend: It just got discouraging!

After a few moments of smiles and catching up, my friend was on her way. This made me feel so gloomy. She’d always talked about her dreams and excitement of getting published one day.  As I walked away I could only wish I wasn’t the one who’d discouraged her. So today I’m hoping (for those thinking about that route) to encourage you in your dreams in writing.

My life is made from lists. Here is a list on why people probably quit…

1. Too much work

2. Lack of confidence

3. Don’t know what to write

4. Don’t have the time

But as my mama always said, “If the good list out weighs the bad, keep going!”

Here’s a list on why people write…

1-100. WORDS CAN CHANGE THE WORLD

102. Cheaper than a psychologist

103. One day it will be appreciated

104. It’s fun

105. One day it may change someone’s life

My good list definitely out ways the bad!

Here are some handy persevering facts...

Thomas Edison conducted 18,000 experiments before he invented the electric light bulb.

Dr. Jonas Salk worked for 3 years before he succeeded in finding a medical weapon against polio.

Abraham Lincoln failed six times before he was elected as President of United States.

Albert Einstein said: "99 times out of 100 I am wrong, but that hundredth time, I'm right"

One thing all these amazing men had in common was how they never realized their potential without the character quality we call perseverance.

Per•se•ver•ance

Steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement.

So hence forth writing friends and don’t give up, even if you write one word a day because YOU CAN!

What would you add to the Good List?