Tuesday, November 8, 2011

When Should I Throw in the Towel?

In my humble opinion—never!

My writing buddy, Vonda Skelton, is fond of reminding me it only took me 13 years to become an overnight success.

Now I use the word success as a term of comparison, not ultimate destination. But yesterday was a major milestone for me, it was the day my first print book hit the shelves.


This book is the book of my heart—and one I never dreamed I’d write.

When I began my writing career, my youngest son was three and my oldest still in grade school. As a responsible parent, I had their future at least partially planned.
They’d all excel in school. Then they’d choose a major and spend four years in college, where they’d each meet the girl of their dreams, get married and start a family.

God had another path…

Our oldest son chose the Marine Corps instead of college and the journey began.

The writing years between grade school and today held plenty of ups and down (Vonda, quit laughing, sometimes understatement is appropriate). And many times I was close to throwing in the towel. So why didn’t I? I have to admit, a lot of it had to do with just plain ole hard headedness. But it was also made up of other things. Here are just a few that kept me going. 
  • When I got discouraged, I always returned to the last thing I felt like God had told me. I camped out there until I had clear direction.
  • I stayed active in the industry. By staying visible, I inadvertently created a situation of accountability. I really didn’t want to face telling all those people I was quitting.
  • I developed a small group of friends who wanted to become full-time writers as much as I did. Our group provided each other the support and commiseration successful writers so desperately need. 

Today, with the perspective of time and distance, I can state unequivocally that sticking with it was well worth the effort. I challenge you to stay the course, find a band of fellow travelers and get ready for the ride of your life!

So what’s your story? How do you keep going when quitting seems like an option?

Don’t forget to join the conversation!
Blessings,
Edie

19 comments:

  1. I am so happy for you Edie!!! Congratualtions!

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  2. Thank you that your focus is not only on your own success but that of helping those coming behind you!You and Vonda are great examples.

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  3. Blessings and gifts are forged through some of the most awful times, no? I am so happy for you Edie. God certainly did Romans 8:28 your experiences.

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  4. So excited and pleased for you. This book is a milestone for you but I know it will also touch and transform lives.

    Just as you have touched and transformed the lives, like me, that God has placed in your path.

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  5. What a joy it has been to make this journey with you! Praising God for blessing the work of your hands and your heart!

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  6. Congratulations, Edie! I'm so glad you never threw in the towel.

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  7. Thanks for your example of persistence.

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  8. You have no idea ho much I needed this, especially now. You're a great example of pushing ahead, no matter what. Thanks for being a friend and mentor.

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  9. Thank you all for chiming in! Part of what makes waiting worthwhile is the close friends I've made along the journey. It's also such a blessing to be the encouragement others need - I received that encouragement myself. Blessings All - E

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  10. Hey Edie,
    Congratulations on your book! I'm so happy for you! Your persistence and hard work are a great example to the rest of us writers. I was just having those doubts last night when I got back some editing. The attack appeared in "Am I just kidding myself? Can I really do this?" But thanks to people like you, I left my pity-party and decided to try one more time!

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  11. Congratulations on your book! May God greatly use it for His glory in many lives. And thank you for your encouraging ways - I thank the Lord for you.

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  12. Thank you, Edie, for everything. Congratulations and may the blessings continue!

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  13. Thanks for the inspiration and encouragement! Bravo to you for persevering! Congratulations!

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  14. This post makes me so happy! Congratulations on release day!!!!! I'm so glad you continue to push forward and invite others to join you. :D

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  15. Congratulations on your book, Edie! What an accomplishment! Thank you, too, for today's article with its profound wisdom. I so appreciate it and you.

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  16. I keep going when quitting seems an option because of your statement, "When I got discouraged, I always returned to the last thing I felt like God had told me. I camped out there until I had clear direction." I always want to be in the center of God's will doing what He wants me to do! I've waited for almost seven years for my book to published. I believe He wanted me to write it and get it published. Maybe eight is when He will open the door! For now it is on my blog to help people until it gets published! Congrats:)

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  17. So proud of you and excited for you, my friend!!

    Thanks for the encouragement!!

    Love and hugs

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  18. Edie - I can't wait to have you sign my copy! And so thankful you kept writing!

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  19. I love the book cover. Congrats. And I totally agree with the sentiment of never throwing in the towel ... I think persistence is the key - at least I hope so. : ) I'm with Margie - thanks to you and Vonda for forging the way.

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