This Is Not the End; It’s the Middle

[anywherebeyond]

Right now, my computer backdrop is a simple white-on-black sign that says “I would quit, but I still have people to prove wrong.”

It’s the same thing as persistence, except with some spite in there for good measure. I’ve been a working writer since I was 19; I’m now 40. I’ve gotten one residual check in all that time. None of my books have earned

Comments

[anywherebeyond]

That is an excellent paraphrase. I have really needed to hear this lately. I know you know, man. *hugs* Last year, my agent told me that there are people who succeed in this industry who are are lucky but not talented, people who are talented but not lucky, and the vast majority who are the ones who never gave up. Hard lesson to internalize in the midst of it, isn't it?

[deva_fagan]

Perfect icon for this, Jenn! And so true! *hugs* to you both!

Saundra, I have so much respect for your perseverance and determination, and how much hard work you are willing to put into something you love. Thank you for sharing this -- it is something I need to keep hearing too.

[stephanieburgis]

I just wanted to say thank you to BOTH of you, for the entry and for that comment. I really needed to read both right now. *HUGS*

[moonlitpines]

I, for one, am going nowhere.

*popcorn gif*

Can't wait to see what you come up with, next.

[anywherebeyond]

And you will be forced to. I'm glad you submit to it gladly. *lovelovelove*

[p_j_cleary]

I have absolutely no doubt that your next set of books will be incredibly well-received, which will lead people to your back catalog of books to discover for the first time.

[anywherebeyond]

Awww, thank you. I hope you're right about that, I really do!

[stripedpetunia]

I'm pretty sure 99% of success is sheer bloodymindedness. The Black Knight Approach to Life.

For me I think the appeal of professional writing/art creation of any kind is--obviously not the money, you have to do this shit for love--the endurance of your work. Artists and writers still have value after they're dead and I think that's the only professions you can say that for. So yes, for me it's the fact that my work will still be here, somewhere, on some shelf, when I'm not anymore.

...I guess that's actually most peoples' motivation for having kids, but I don't like kids so I guess I'll write stories instead.

[anywherebeyond]

That's part of my goal, the whole living forever thing. I have to die, but as long as there is a library of congress, I live on, muahahah. Probably more like, as long as people pirate books, I will live on, since the Internet is forever...

[stripedpetunia]

The internet is terrifyingly reassuring in its own way.

[anywherebeyond]

So far, I'm finding this to be absolutely true! <3