Tuesday, April 23, 2013

T IS FOR TENACITY

by Kathy Cannon Wiechman

A poster hangs outside the door of my office. Tenacity! it proclaims. It goes on to give a definition:
te.na.cious: adj. 1. Persistent; determined. 2. Holding strong. 3. Having great cohesiveness of parts; tough. 4. Relentless.

I don’t know how cohesive my parts are, but I strive to be tenacious. The choice to be a writer requires it. I write, rewrite, revise, and submit. I try again and again and again. Persistent.

I attend workshops and conferences and learn all I can about the publishing industry. Determined.

Rejection is the one step in the process I can’t control. But I can’t let it destroy my confidence. Tough.

Rejection has to be my signal to look again at my work, change it if necessary, and send it to the next editor (or agent). Holding strong.

If this novel/short story doesn’t make the cut, maybe the next one will. Or the next. Or the next. I will not give up! Relentless.

Yes, World, I am a writer and I am tenacious.

You can't be afraid of a little hard work in this business.


12 comments:

  1. It sounds like you know your stuff. I have no doubt you'll succeed.

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  2. This is one of those posts, after reading which you go, 'I can do this!'
    Thanks for sharing!

    Sania at Embracing Dawn

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  3. Replies
    1. It's a great word indeed, & one which promises reward for the dedicated tenacious. Thanks, Erin.

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  4. Press on Regardless is what my grandmother used to say :)

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    Replies
    1. I love you. And your grandmother. And I am pressing on regardless.

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  5. I love the idea that you, and your original writing buddies - are Swagger Writers ;) It sounds like you've got the hang of tenacity. :D

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Elaine. Writers make the best friends. And getting encouragement from friends makes tenacity easier.

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  6. Great post. I feel very inspired.

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