Perseverance

January 2, 2012 by ellaquinnauthor

I’ve been reading other authors’ posts about their New Year’s resolutions and it occurred to me that the success or failure of any undertaking requires the same commitment. Two of my favorite activities are writing and sailing. What do sailing, writing and New Year’s resolutions have in common? Perseverance. Many people want to write and may even start a book, take classes, and join a critique group, but never finish it. Likewise, people dream about sailing, attend boat shows and look at boats. Some even buy a boat then leave it tied up at the dock or on a trailer in the backyard. In order to succeed at either activity, one must keep at it. Finish the book, buy the boat. Publish the book and let go of the dock. Continue to write, sail or accomplish whatever your resolutions are.

26 Responses

on January 2, 2012 at 13:08 | Reply Lauren Smith

Love the post. Such a good message. I was thinking just the other day that perseverance was the key to achieving anything, that and a lot of hard work!
- on January 2, 2012 at 13:31 | Reply ellaquinnauthor
  
  I think perseverance is a lot of hard work. Thanks, Lauren.
on January 2, 2012 at 13:31 | Reply Paisley Kirkpatrick

I’ve been told I must be the most stubborn person around, but I prefer to think of it as perseverance. I ‘practiced and learned’ for 22 years. It paid off the moment I was offered a contract. I was gobsmacked, but it such a satisfying way. Someone loved my story enough to want it – all the hard work – which never was really work at all – paid off. Yes, never giving up is the way to go. 🙂
on January 2, 2012 at 13:32 | Reply Keena Kincaid

Great post. I don’t sail…would like to, but I need to get closer to water before I start that journey.

Happy New Year!
on January 2, 2012 at 13:35 | Reply jennajaxon

Excellent post! You cannot accomplish anything without perseverance. I seem to be blessed with a stick-to-it-ness because if there is something I really want to accomplish, I will do it no matter what. If you are going to be a serious writer you have to push through to the end, no matter what. Great post to start the New Year, Ella!
- on January 2, 2012 at 13:36 | Reply ellaquinnauthor
  
  Thanks, Jenna.
on January 2, 2012 at 13:36 | Reply Lia Davis

Great post! When I set out 2 years ago to write a book and have it published I didn’t know how much hard work went into it to get it to the finished product. But I learned quickly and pushed forward. I’m glad I did because there is nothing better then getting that contract offer. I love writing now more than I ever thought I would. Another key to success that goes with perseverance is passion.
on January 2, 2012 at 13:36 | Reply Brenda

I too think perseverance is the key. And it is a lot of hard work. There are days when we all wonder if we can do it, but we find the strength. Good things come to those who keep on trying.
on January 2, 2012 at 13:52 | Reply D'Ann Linscott-Dunham

I don’t think anyone has more perserverence than me, 20 years writing without a contract and still trying!
- on January 2, 2012 at 14:00 | Reply ellaquinnauthor
  
  You’ll get there. You’re stories are wonderful.
on January 2, 2012 at 13:54 | Reply calliehutton

The synonym tenacious is my favorite word. All the blogging, encouragement, classes, critiques, social networking, and joining loops won’t help if you don’t sit your butt in the chair and write–your book. And keep doing it until that contract is in your hot little hand.

Happy New Year everyone.
- on January 2, 2012 at 14:01 | Reply ellaquinnauthor
  
  Absolutely.
on January 2, 2012 at 13:58 | Reply Marie Higgins

You are so right! I love this word now!! PERSEVERANCE! Thanks!!

~Marie~
on January 2, 2012 at 14:06 | Reply Suzie Grant

Well said, Marion. I really couldn’t have said it better. I had no idea you were another sailing lover! My dream is to one day move to the coast and sail along the east coast after I retire. Someday can’t come soon enough for me lol.

I’ll tell you I’ve been at this writing thing for almost nineteen years now. It’s been a trek but there isn’t a thing in my life that I regret. Perseverance is key to anything in life. I live by a favorite quote which I’m sure you’ve heard me quote before lol.

“Obstacles are placed in our path to determine whether we really wanted something or just thought we did.” Dr. Harold Smith”

So here’s to a new year and new goals. May we conquer each obstacle by putting one foot in front of the other.
- on January 2, 2012 at 15:09 | Reply ellaquinnauthor
  
  Thank you for your great reply.
on January 2, 2012 at 15:06 | Reply Jennifer Lowery~Author

Perseverance is my favorite word, lol! So true, Marion. Your site is beautiful. I am setting writing goals and hoping to accomplish much this year! Great post 🙂
on January 2, 2012 at 15:30 | Reply Sheri Fredricks

I can say I’ve single handed sailed in 20 knot winds before. Yeah, I dumped it and stood on the keel to right the boat, but I learned. While I’m not the sailer my father is (he single handed from California to Hawaii and back), I have his perseverance. I think I’ll write that word on a sticky note and put it next to my PC.
on January 2, 2012 at 15:45 | Reply khakicrouch

I think that is the key to anything perserverance. I keep plugging away and I have found by being on a loop where I’m accountable for my writing it helps me keep going. Good post Mation.
on January 2, 2012 at 16:42 | Reply Diana Cosby

Marion,
So true, and a fabulous reminder to persevere in our goals. I wish you a wonderful New Year. May it be filled with friendship, laughter and love. *Hugs*
God bless,

Diana
on January 2, 2012 at 17:30 | Reply caseamajor

The hero in my first MS (which has yet to find a home) says “The difference between success and failure is the direction of your will. It is always too soon to admit defeat.” I love Avant. (Really I do) And he has a point.

Thanks for the great post.
- on January 2, 2012 at 17:41 | Reply ellaquinnauthor
  
  I agree. But part of perseveance is finding away around things. You have publishing options now that you didn’t have in the past.
on January 2, 2012 at 17:53 | Reply Samantha Grace

Ella,
What a great post and a great reminder to keep going. Happy sailing!
on January 2, 2012 at 19:35 | Reply Angelyn

May the wind always fill your sails, Ella!
on January 2, 2012 at 21:15 | Reply Ally Broadfield

Great post, Ella. I have words that inspire me posted on the wall above my desk and I’m going to add Perseverence. I don’t actually sit at my desk to write since it’s covered with clobber, but I do see the words everytime I walk in and out of the room.
on January 4, 2012 at 13:53 | Reply Tess

Perseverance…isn’t that the truth!!!! I think it’s the name of the game!
on January 27, 2012 at 14:22 | Reply Kathryn Kane

You are absolutely right about perseverance! If you quit, you lose. But if you keep trying, there is always a chance.

I think you might like this quote from Benjamin Disraeli: “Through perseverance many people win success out of what seemed destined to be certain failure.”

Regards,

Kat