The Heart of a Writer

 

There are writers who struggle mightily in their quest to be published. Friends and family often think they are foolish for continuing to pursue a goal that has not been one they achieved. Listen in on this conversation, which is pure fiction, but makes the point.

Maisie rolled her eyes. "Penelope thinks she's a writer, but she's never been published." 

"I know." Nora pursed her lips. "Why does she persist in striving for something she'll never achieve? All she does is make herself miserable." 

Maise nodded her head. "I wonder about that, too. Does she like to be unhappy?

Why not try something else? Like sculpture, or embroidery." 

Penelope's friends don't comprehend the heart of a writer. Today's poster points out that others might not understand a writer's journey, and that is quite alright. It's the writer who is important in this scenario. 

If Penelope has written and submitted her work for years, yet never been published, she definitely has the heart of a writer. She has a passion for the craft. She has determination. She has perseverance. And we can add patience to the other qualities Penelope has. I think she's to be admired.  

Giving up is the easy way out, and those who are only half-heartedly into the writing world most likely do stop writing. They think it is too hard. It is too defeating when one rejection after another happens. These problems are decidedly depressing for a writer, but they don't have to be the end of something the writer wanted to do for a long time.

Every writer has heard multiple stories about now-famous authors who submitted a book manuscript many, many times before it was accepted and published. We could make a very long list of those authors. Like Penelope, they had the heart of a writer, determination, perseverance, and patience. They also believed in themselves. 

Do you have the heart of a writer? I hope so. If you love to write, don't give up your pursuit of publication. And, do not be concerned about what other people think. The only important thoughts are your own.