What day is it? Tuesday? Perfect!
How was your weekend? Mine was restful. I did absolutely no writing and it showed on Monday when I was a writing machine.
On the novel front, I have one more day of tinkering to do with it and then I will return it to the editor (my good friend Jaye Denman) and then she will do her magic. Once she finishes then I will make final corrections and it will be done…..finished….and then it will be time to publish and market.
I read a fascinating article about Pulitzer-prize winner Gilbert King. In fact, I wrote an article about it which will be posted later this week, but I wanted to touch on it now.
In the article, King explained that writing the best novel possible was his total focus. He gave up on the social media; gave up on his blog; all he did was concentrate on making his book the best it could possibly be. That way, when he was finished, he could look himself in the mirror and know that he had done his best, win or lose.
It took him four years to write it, and then he was rejected by the first thirty publishers he queried….but he didn’t give up.
Even after it was published it received good reviews but lukewarm sales…..
And then he won the Pulitzer!
QUOTE OF THE DAY
Confucius
THOUGHT OF THE DAY
So here’s the thing: Don’t give up! Believe in your writing….be the best writer you can be…and then don’t give up.
WRITER OF THE DAY
From Sweden I give you my friend Linda. You can find her on HP by following this link. By the way…Linda is quite the accomplished photographer as well.
PROMPT OF THE DAY
From this past weekend…our brand new urban farming center. So exciting!
CONTEST OF THE DAY
Mason’s Road Literary Prize is now accepting blind submissions to their literary journal contest. Check them out here.
AND THAT’S IT UNTIL THURSDAY
Thanks for stopping by. Remember, don’t give up….don’t quit before the miracle happens.
Bill
“Helping writers to spread their wings and fly.”
Billybuc
Artistry With Words 
Love that you did indeed take time off this past weekend and totally worthy of it indeed. Will say, love hearing your mantra that we should never give up and very much agree with you. And so excited that your novel is getting closer and closer to its release date now, too. Happy Tuesday again, Bill 🙂
Thank you so much, Janine! The book is a long process but so worth it….now have a great day my friend.
I have lost count how many times I was tempted to walk away from my writing for various reasons. Then one day I realized that I love it so much I can’t walk away. I may not be able to achieve the goals I have set yet, but I know that as long as I keep at it I can. Thanks for these words of wisdom. Reading your posts have helped me to stay focused and learn new things every day.
TL, I’m very happy you didn’t walk away from it. If you love it then that is the only incentive you will ever need. Thank you for your kind words.
This post reminds me of a conversation that my husband and I had this past weekend. A writer can’t write half-heartedly and be successful at writing. It necessary for a writer to believe it what the writer does and in the process. With every word, the writer should grow as well. You have to believe in yourself.
You really do, Donna! Choose your path and then work your butt off on that path. Half-efforts have few rewards. 🙂 Thank you for the visit my friend.
I think I need to work off my gut, lol.
🙂
Oh, I WISH I could give up social media and blogging and just write a book or two, or three! But alas, social media IS what business is all about today… unfortunately. I’m trying to be positive about it though because I need to build up my brand. I want to go forward with this health journey and that means networking and connecting. Doing that before publishing this next book. Sometimes I wish we didn’t have all this technology – with all it’s advantages, I have to wonder if it wasn’t easier in the old days. Then again, how on earth did they get people to buy their books?! Hope you’re having a great Tuesday Bill.
Mel, your thoughts echo mine from time to time. It is much easier today in some ways, and much harder in others. We have to do what we have to do. With the author I mentioned, he decided to just risk it all on the book…and it paid off…but man alive, what a risk, huh?
Have a great week, Mel, and thanks.
I wonder how Gilbert King survived all those years he concentrated on his novel? That would be a dream come true. I wish I had that option.
Sha, he worked his ass off. He worked odd jobs, did freelancing, anything he could to pay his bills…it is a great success story that all writers can appreciate.
Always need inspiring words like this. Thanks Bill and have a great day.
Thanks Greg! You do the same and tell your wife hello for me.
It’s wonderful that he had that focus – and the four years is making me feel better about my slow progress! Sending you a smile for your day, Bill 🙂
Thanks Christy! That four year figure made me feel pretty good too. Have a great afternoon and thanks for that smile.
Mmmmm…the best book possible…ME TOO!
Money is not the goal – having the best product possible and then getting folks to READ it – PRICELESS!
have a great wednesday, Bill-bro!
Thanks Sis, and I agree, although money would be a sweet bonus. 🙂
Another boost for perspective working week. Thank you my friend. Good morning Bill.
Man is destined winner; depends on personal decision to reach that goal. Knowing of great success stories do encourage, and you are in every given opportunity in many different ways emphasizing not to give up. Though we have to realize that everyone is walking alone on his / her success path , doing the best we can do while measure of success is done by the others…
Wishing you blessed and prosperous week.
Michael my friend, good morning. I love your line “man is a destined winner.” Beautiful thought this morning.
Have a wonderful day, and blessings always
bill
Such an inspiring story of Gilbert King. I did not know about it.
I loved your quote, Bill. So inspiring and yes, gotta push hard for it is right in there within us, all we ought to be is be aware!!
Thanks Ruchira. There was more to the story that I didn’t include…it really is inspiring.
Wow–that kind of focus is amazing. To write the best book you can–That just appeals to me
It appeals to me, too, Audrey, as I continue to nip and tuck my novel. I’m wondering if I’ll ever be able to say “this is the best I can write?”