Odds mean nothing to one who defies them - for the good or for the bad. Odds are only important to those who never seek to surpass them.
There's not much chance of winning the lottery, but people do it.
There's not much chance of getting hit by a meteorite, but it happens.
If you happen to fall into either of the above groups, all the people to whom they didn't apply mean zilch.
There's not much chance of having the "next big thing" be the thing with your name on it (for that matter, there's not much chance of having a professionally, commercially published book with your name on it, period.)
Who cares? It's going to happen, and odds or no odds, the fact is that you could be the one it happens to. The only certainty in the game is the certainty of inaction.
Consider yourself properly motivated -- NOW GO WRITE OR I SEND THE POLAR BEAR TO YOUR FRONT DOOR!
/ reluctant-writer PSA
5 Chiming In:
You're so right about this. I always laugh when people talk about "the writing odds" as if it will scare away all the competition. My folks taught me a long time ago that the only competition you should worry about is the one you see in the mirror everyday.
I say don't write in spite of the odds or because of them. Write because you're compelled to, and because the stories in your brain will take up too much space and give you a headache if you don't. Write because it's the best high in the world---the odds be darned :)
Love this photo--and the sentiment. It all comes down to persevering, believing in yourself, making the best of your manuscript.
Martina
I've been editing my manuscript for a year now, give or take a week. It took me six years to write it, although I never wrote as writing but more as a hobby but still. I'm not certain how long it will take but one day, I will be published. I know this because I will not stop.
Never give up, never stop writing.
I love what an advice columnist said when someone asked her if she (the writer) should go back to school, having been discouraged by someone who said, "It'll take you years to get your degree!"
The columnist said, "How long will it take you to get your degree if you DON'T go back to school?"
Thanks for the encouraging words!
Marian Allen
I recently read a 10,000 word story that the author wanted my opinion on. I told her it was a dandy story and should have taken no more than 1500 words. I edited just the first paragraph to illustrate. To my shock and amazement, she was very grateful for the criticism. I don't expect to get that reaction often.
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