Chin Up, Fingers on the Keys

My friend and fellow author Erika Mailman has declared March 19 official “Keep Your Chin Up Day for Writers” – an observance I wholeheartedly support.

Erika’s post is here, and you should go read it. Every word.

Writing a novel is difficult, but some days it feels like nothing compared to the strength an unpublished (read: not-yet-published) author needs to keep moving forward in the face of rejection.

Becoming a published author takes years of practice, patience and perseverance, and many an author has failed to reach the goal because (s)he just didn’t have the strength to rise from one more fall.

Don’t let that be your fate.

When life pushes you down call a friend – preferably a fellow author – and talk it through. Have coffee. Eat a cupcake. Take the dog for a walk or talk to a child who loves you. Remember that failure is not what defines you – writing is.

Then brush off your ego, raise that chin, and put your fingers back on the keys. In the publishing version of “last man standing” (last man sitting?) only the dedicated and determined reach the goal. Be one of them.

One of us.

Big thanks to Erika* for reminding me to share this important message again, and often. Hang in there. Keep working. Never, ever give up.

*For those who might not remember, Erika is the author of Woman of Ill Fame and The Witch’s Trinity. My review of The Witch’s Trinity is here.

4 thoughts on “Chin Up, Fingers on the Keys

  • March 19, 2012 at 4:40 pm
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    Thanks for sharing that piece of inspiration! I needed that today. Heading over to Erika’s blog now.

    • March 20, 2012 at 12:43 pm
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      Glad to give a boost – and I hope you like Erika’s blog!

  • March 23, 2012 at 3:05 am
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    Thank you for posting this, Susan! You and I well know the value of being the “last woman sitting” 🙂

    • March 23, 2012 at 8:39 am
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      Amen to that – and it’s so much easier to hang in there when you can see others hanging in there too.

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