Just Keep Swimming...

I was at a swim meet this weekend with my son. There was a swimmer who really gave everyone in the aquatic center something to think about. This guy swam the 200 Free Style and broke a national record. But get this.

HE WAS 100!

He beat it by 2 minutes. 

Now, for all of you who exercise seriously, quit complaining when you are tired. But for those of you who write, or for that matter, do anything, you need to ask yourself why you want to quit.

This guy did not give up. Was he the fastest? No. Was it pretty? Not really. But the key is, he did it. 

I am sure he had some tough days when he was training. I am sure there were days when he woke up thinking he didn't want to go to the pool to swim. I am betting that maybe today's race hurt a bit. But he did not give up.

I honestly see so many authors out there who have some great ideas and a talent for writing. Unfortunately, after receiving letters of rejection, they just give up. They quit. After who knows how many times they were told the editor or agent was passing on their project, they just stopped. 

You have to understand that the publishing industry is a tough business. There are far more authors out there then there are slots for those books with publishers. This is also an industry where you writing may be good, but it is not "good enough" or "it just doesn't work for that editor or agent" or "it is just not something people are buying now." You have to ask yourself why you started writing in the first place. 

I am betting you loved creating those characters. I am betting you loved the adrenaline rush you got when you started typing and the words just worked perfectly. So go back to that feeling. 

You are not the only author out there who has bad days with writing. It happens to everyone. So, suck it up and be reminded of my new inspiration. Remember, he was 100 and he did not quit.