The Persistent Writer

 By Andrea Merrell

“How many times can I be told no?” the woman asked. “Maybe this writing gig isn’t for me after all.”

I’ve heard this countless times, along with declarations such as:

• I got another rejection to add to my growing stack.
• All my efforts are being wasted.
• I’m tired of watching everyone else succeed.
  
• Did God really call me to be a writer?
• I’m so discouraged.
• Does anyone care?
• Maybe it’s time to quit.

Do any of these sound familiar? We all face some or all of these thoughts from time to time in our writing journey as we learn, grow, and hone our skills, striving for perfection.

But the key to surviving and thriving in the writing and publishing industry is persistence—not perfection. In fact, perfection is a pipe dream. An unrealistic and unattainable goal.

Rather than looking for perfection, we should strive to be excellent in everything we write. This simply means doing the very best we can with what we have and not giving up.

I know a few such people. After being rejected numerous times, one woman has become an award-winning, multi-published author. She persevered and refused to stop trying. Another, after harsh critiques and numerous rejections, went on to win several awards for her writing.

Frank Peretti received numerous rejections before This Present Darkness came out in print. He went on to publish many more novels and is reported to have sold well over fifteen million books. Even Max Lucado faced a number of rejections before he ever saw the light of publication. Other icons who endured a hard road include Stephen King, Maya Angelou, Hemingway, J.K. Rowling, and Dr. Seuss.

That puts us in some pretty impressive company. They didn’t give up, and neither should we.

If God has given you the gift and the passion to write for Him, don’t let anything or anyone take you off that God-ordained path. Persevere. Keep Writing. Keep submitting. If God called you, He has a place for your words, and His timing is perfect.

Keep trusting the Lord, and be that persistent writer.

What obstacles have you overcome in your writing journey? We would love to hear from you.

(Photos courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net, Stuart Miles, and keattikorn.)

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 If God has given you the gift and the passion to write for Him, don’t let anything or anyone take you off that God-ordained path. via @AndreaMerrell (Click to tweet.)