Persistence
I collect quotes. This week, I've been fortunate enough to see a couple that I've noted down in times of discouragement bear fruit.
"The greatest results in life are usually attained by simple means and the exercise of ordinary qualities. These may for the most part be summed up in these two: common-sense and perseverance."
-- Owen Feltham
"Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Persistence and determination are omnipotent." -- Calvin Coolidge
What happened?
I was offered a monthly column in the magazine I write for. Out of the clear blue.
Encouraged, I offered to guest blog for the Children's Literature Comprehensive Database. And they said yes.
Then, I found the local university's community education program is looking for instructors and new courses -- write up a proposal and submit it. Currently, no one is doing *anything* for writing, much less writing for children.
I started brainstorming course ideas and thought I should expand my publications list to include more magazine titles. And a relatively new magazine I'm a good fit for appeared, soliciting submissions.
On top of it all, my house is empty. Everyone is off pursuing their own interests. Which means this tortoise can plug away at her craft for hours without interruption! WAHOO!
That mysterious, intangible state of being we call "flow" has somehow graced my writing life for the moment. I'm trying to avoid holding onto it too tightly, but rather pause in wonder at it's presence.
(Photo by jq_tan on Photobucket.)
Have any inspirational quotes you'd like to share? Leave them in the comments, please!
"The greatest results in life are usually attained by simple means and the exercise of ordinary qualities. These may for the most part be summed up in these two: common-sense and perseverance."
-- Owen Feltham
"Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Persistence and determination are omnipotent." -- Calvin Coolidge
What happened?
I was offered a monthly column in the magazine I write for. Out of the clear blue.
Encouraged, I offered to guest blog for the Children's Literature Comprehensive Database. And they said yes.
Then, I found the local university's community education program is looking for instructors and new courses -- write up a proposal and submit it. Currently, no one is doing *anything* for writing, much less writing for children.
I started brainstorming course ideas and thought I should expand my publications list to include more magazine titles. And a relatively new magazine I'm a good fit for appeared, soliciting submissions.
On top of it all, my house is empty. Everyone is off pursuing their own interests. Which means this tortoise can plug away at her craft for hours without interruption! WAHOO!
That mysterious, intangible state of being we call "flow" has somehow graced my writing life for the moment. I'm trying to avoid holding onto it too tightly, but rather pause in wonder at it's presence.
Have any inspirational quotes you'd like to share? Leave them in the comments, please!
Posted by Keri Collins at 1/29/2010 6:40 PM 
Categories: uncategorized
Tags: quotes writing persistence
Categories: uncategorized
Tags: quotes writing persistence
Yaa-hooo! I'm hollering loudly at the moment (but on the inside to avoid scaring Isabel, who is sleeping). Tell me please, how do I subscribe to the magazine? And what is the blog URL? And please, will you keep us posted on when you post?
As for quotations, you know that I'm a fellow collector. Here are a few appropriate for your fabulous news:
"The challenge is in the moment, the time is always now."
- James Baldwin
"The thing always happens that you really believe in; and the belief in a thing makes it happen."
- Frank Lloyd Wright
"Writing is the only thing that, when I do it, I don't feel I should be doing something else."
- Gloria Steinem
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How perfect that you're the first to respond, as in truth, I almost wrote "Mari, this means you!" when I asked for quotes!
I think the magazine subscription link is here. My column won't be on-line, I think. A couple of my past articles are here and here. They were both cover features this past year. I've contacted someone about doing a cover feature, but no response yet so I may bump him in the next day or two. It's exciting to have so many writing projects to think about. I've discovered a definitely do better writing on assignment. Maybe it's my affinity for school!
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While not specifically about persistence, this quote has a definite element of not giving up to reach the heights to which you strive. "No one can really pull you up very high -- you lose your grip on the rope. But on your own two feet you can climb mountains." Louis Brandeis
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Love it! I think it resonates with the typical American ideal of making it on our own, taking charge of our own lives rather than depending on others.
I'm also laughing because we watched "The Sound of Music" last night and your quote made "Climb Every Mountain" start up in my head again.
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