Blessed are the persistent, for they will inherit everything. I know I've said that before but I think it bears saying again. Blessed are the persistent. You may not inherit literally everything, but you've certainly got everything to lose if you give up.
Former US President, Calvin Coolidge said this way: "Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistance and determination alone are omnipotent." And in the words of former House Speaker, Newt Gingrich: "Persistance is the hard work that you do after you are tired of doing the hard work you already did."
The road to getting published is often long and dusty. Rejection becomes your companion. Discouragement circles like a vulture. Distraction whispers in your ear and offers delectable temptations: begin a new website, start a writers forum, administer a critique group.
Do anything but write.
My personal journey has been all of what I have just described. I have been distracted, discouraged, and almost broken on many occasions. But for those of you who have followed by blogs, you know I've kept pushing on thanks to lessons learned in the proverbial school of hard knocks. (Thank you, Jim Harrison, once again.) The rewards have definitely been worth it. And what it demonstrates is this: an obscure writer - one of the little guys - from one of the farthest corners of the planet, can overcome incredible odds and become a published author. Here is a summary of what's been happening:
My previous novel, The Second Thirteen, is currently optioned for film. More information about that is available on my website (see link below).
My latest novel, The Identity Factor, has been scooping some awards and wonderful reviews. (Click HERE to read the reviews posted on Amazon.com. Other reviews and award announcements are posted on my website.)
My January 19, 2008 book signing (and Jacob's Creek wine tasting) at The Mystery Bookstore was an official satellite event for the "G'day USA" festivities in Los Angeles (click HERE to visit the G'day USA website). With music by The Veronicas, last year's prestigious event honored actors Russell Crowe and Naomi Watts, plus Australia's irreplaceable "Crocodile Hunter," the late Steve Irwin. Australian film, music, tourism - this and more was presented to the world during two weeks of G'day USA activities in Los Angeles and New York, reaching a worldwide audience of 400,000,000. That's right: four hundred million. That's quite a stage. And for the first time, authors were invited onto the G'day USA platform. To say that I was excited to be the first author to host a satellite event is an understatement.
Yes, I know I've said it before, but I think it bears saying again: blessed are the persistent.