Monday, March 28, 2011

Avoid the Poison Apple

We are writers, my friends. And as such, OUR WORDS HAVE POWER. I want you to consider that. The idea really hit home for me when I was tweeting the other day and sent someone a few simple words of encouragement. He answered by thanking me for being so nice and telling me I'd earned a new follower. Now, new followers are nice and all, but that really touched me. I had an effect on him. What would have happened if I'd done the opposite? What if I'd heard what he said and responded with "better to give up now"? Of course I would NEVER have done that. And here's why:
  • If I need encouragement from my friends, why wouldn't you?
  • For all I know the person I'm speaking to is the next JK Rowling, but they haven't yet written their Harry Potter. Why should I assume otherwise?
  • I tell my kids they can accomplish anything they set their minds to if they put in the work to back it up, and I mean it. Why would I tell anyone else anything different?
  • Everyone's path is different. Yours might involve an uphill trek in the dark with vampires laying in wait, but it might be shorter than the guy next to you who has a flat, well lit path that goes on for miles. Okay I'm drowning in my own metaphor here, but everyone HAS a path, and that path leads somewhere if we keep to it.
Despite the overwhelmingly positive and supportive community we have, I admit that I've run across the occasional blogpost from an agented or published author that is a little on the discouraging side. I'm not faulting anyone. I get that this business is hard, and they may not even have intended their words to come out that way. But I emphatically (adverb alert) disagree.

Do you need talent? Well, yeah, that wouldn't hurt. But you know what? Look at singing for a second. I bet you think that's all innate talent, right? WRONG. Yes that helps, yes some are innately talented, but in reality it's practice and learning that make most singers better. Did you know that only 4% of the general population is actually tone deaf? That leaves 96% of people that have the POTENTIAL TO LEARN TO SING WELL. Why is writing any different? Learning and practicing have made an immense difference for me personally. They can for you too. Again, why assume otherwise?

So don't take a bite of the poison apple, no matter how easy it would be to believe words that make you think you can't do it. Keep going. Keep trying. Keep putting forth the effort. Because that's really half the battle. With hard work, effort, and patience

YOU CAN DO IT.

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46 comments:

  1. Laura PaulingMarch 28, 2011 at 3:24 AM

    This is so true! Working hard is not a guarantee but it seems to be the best way to move forward! Thanks, Lisa. We all need encouragement!

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  2. Suzy, The Grey BrunetteMarch 28, 2011 at 3:30 AM

    Lovely, lovely post Lisa. Thanks for such encouraging, and heartfelt words!

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  3. RenaeMarch 28, 2011 at 5:03 AM

    What a great post and so very true!

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  4. Christine DanekMarch 28, 2011 at 5:24 AM

    Very true and some great inspiration. THanks.

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  5. Christi GoddardMarch 28, 2011 at 6:06 AM

    You're always so encouraging.

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  6. JessMarch 28, 2011 at 6:49 AM

    What a great post~ it felt like a internet/virtual hug :) Thank you!

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  7. S.P. SipalMarch 28, 2011 at 8:09 AM

    We must be on the same wave-length this morning. A song that (in my mind) relates very much to this post has been going thru my head all morning:
    Just what makes that little ol' ant, think he can move a rubber tree plant...!
    Thanks for the encouragement!

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  8. Margo BerendsenMarch 28, 2011 at 8:12 AM

    Oh well said, well said! Good point about the singing too. It is so easy to assume that people are just born with perfect voices.

    Your comment about drowning in your own metaphor made me smile. And I tell my kids the same thing too and I still believe it with writing/publishing too. If you keep working hard at it, diligently, seeking every effort to improve your craft and build your platform, I do believe it will eventually pay off. Maybe not via traditional publishing and maybe not with a lot of money. Meanwhile, writing is its own reward and this community of writers is the BEST!!!

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  9. janfloraMarch 28, 2011 at 8:18 AM

    Thanks. I needed that :)

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  10. AnonymousMarch 28, 2011 at 9:00 AM

    This is a great post! And yes, I've changed my blog and everything, long story, but it's still me : )

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  11. HeatherMarch 28, 2011 at 9:05 AM

    Just what I needed to hear! Thanks hun, I'm putting the apple down. ;-)

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  12. Lisa Gail GreenMarch 28, 2011 at 9:51 AM

    You guys are all awesome!!! I think Margo's comment up there is fantastic too! Virtual hugs for everyone.

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  13. Julie MusilMarch 28, 2011 at 10:02 AM

    *shakes pom poms* Yay Lisa! What an awesome, inspiring post. Thanks for the much-needed encouragement.

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  14. Patty BlountMarch 28, 2011 at 10:07 AM

    Positive post. Thanks for the smile.

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  15. KendraMarch 28, 2011 at 10:15 AM

    I needed this today. Thank you!

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  16. UnknownMarch 28, 2011 at 10:15 AM

    Thanks for the encouraging post! Time and effort always = getting better = enjoying our craft all the more. Getting agented/published is only gravy. It's not the be all and end all.

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  17. Ashley GrahamMarch 28, 2011 at 10:25 AM

    Love this! It was just the kind of encouragement I needed today!

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  18. Lisa Gail GreenMarch 28, 2011 at 10:38 AM

    I'm so glad I could give you all a little encouragement. Like I said, we ALL need it!!! :D

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  19. Ghenet MyrthilMarch 28, 2011 at 11:57 AM

    Posts like this make me so happy to be a writer. :) I agree with everything you've said. It's important to be supportive of one another and remember that you can achieve your goal if you work hard enough.

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  20. Susan Kaye QuinnMarch 28, 2011 at 11:59 AM

    Yes! So true, every word.

    There have been actual studies (lots of them) that show people achieve more when they believe their hard work will influence the outcome. Not their talent, innate brilliance, or general niceness. HARD WORK. We all want to believe it, and we all should. BECAUSE ITS TRUE.

    Ok, enuf with the all caps. :)

    Lovely post!

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  21. Lisa Gail GreenMarch 28, 2011 at 12:13 PM

    Ghenet - Yay! I made you happy!!

    Susan - Very cool. And I APPROVE of using capitols to emphasize important points. And cuz it's FUN.

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  22. SarahMarch 28, 2011 at 12:30 PM

    What a lovely post, Lisa. It's great to have a reminder of the power of just a few words of encouragement.

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  23. UnknownMarch 28, 2011 at 1:52 PM

    Oh I wish you would have been my CP when I started writing! I mean, once, when I was just beginning, I actually got one of those comments (You should give up writing.) Luckily, I'm stubborn. But it really hurt.

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  24. Lisa Gail GreenMarch 28, 2011 at 2:01 PM

    Sarah - The power of words is never to be underestimated. We should use our powers for good. :D

    Monica - Phooey on them! I'm generally ticked at anyone who discourages like that. If you have constructive criticism that's fine. But if it's not given with the intention of helping a person reach their goal, then it's poison like the apple.

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  25. Sara {Rhapsody and Chaos}March 28, 2011 at 4:05 PM

    Lisa, awesome post. Sometimes we all need a reminder about the power of our words. Totally inspiring <3

    One of the first times I let anyone else read my work, they said some hurtful--not constructive--things. I keep that in mind every single time I give someone else feedback. Not that I'd ever be mean that way, but I make 100% sure there's no way my words could be construed that way. (We writers sometimes look for things like that without realizing it, I think...)

    *hugs*

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  26. Ebony McKenna.March 28, 2011 at 4:15 PM

    Hi Lisa,
    this is a really welcome blog post. I especially loved this bit:

    "I tell my kids they can accomplish anything they set their minds to if they put in the work to back it up, and I mean it."

    That's the truth. You set your mind to it, and then you work really hard. Now, it doesn't always guarantee the pinnacle of success, but it does ensure personal growth in some way. And that's personal success.

    There are many times when we all feel like giving up. I feel like this sometimes as well. So I take a breather because it all feels too hard and then I'm fuelled up and ready to go again.

    Waaaay back when I started, I thought about giving up. That would guarantee I would never get published. I knew then I had to keep going. Still no guarantees, but at least I'd be in with a chance.

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  27. Lisa Gail GreenMarch 28, 2011 at 5:09 PM

    Sarah - Thanks, Sweetie! We do have to be careful how we say it, but I doubt you could ever be that mean!

    Ebony - :D I'm glad you didn't give up! And I'm pretty sure Ondine is too.

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  28. Ebony McKenna.March 28, 2011 at 7:08 PM

    Hi Lisa,
    You inspired me to re-post a very old blog entry (from 2007) about not giving up.

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  29. Lisa Gail GreenMarch 28, 2011 at 7:54 PM

    Ebony - I saw it! I think I commented... I feel extra special now!

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  30. Bethany ElizabethMarch 28, 2011 at 10:34 PM

    So very true!! :) Thanks for this post, it's majorly encouraging!

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  31. AnonymousMarch 29, 2011 at 5:42 AM

    Great post and very encouraging. Something we all need to remember!

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  32. Lisa Gail GreenMarch 29, 2011 at 8:14 AM

    Bethany and Catherine - I'm glad you found it encouraging.

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  33. Leslie S. RoseMarch 29, 2011 at 1:05 PM

    Love the singing analogy. It's also true of drawing. If you can hold a pencil and have eyes, you can draw. You just need to learn the skill set and practice.

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  34. Angela AckermanMarch 29, 2011 at 2:26 PM

    You have a great attitude. I do know where I'd be without encouragement, and I am more than happy to pass it on!

    Angela @ The Bookshelf muse

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  35. Lydia KangMarch 29, 2011 at 2:40 PM

    You are the best cheerleader ever!
    I read lots about how discouraging the publishing industry is, but the worse discouragement comes from me. So all the support is so helpful. Thanks Lisa!

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  36. Lisa Gail GreenMarch 29, 2011 at 4:20 PM

    Yay!!! Oh and I'm only a great cheerleader online. In person it might be kind of scary...

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  37. AnonymousMarch 30, 2011 at 4:35 AM

    Thanks, Lisa. You've inspired me this morning.

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  38. Lisa Gail GreenMarch 30, 2011 at 8:31 AM

    Kelly - SO glad to hear it!!

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  39. Tina MossMarch 30, 2011 at 9:23 AM

    Great post, Lisa! Thank you for your positive post and encouragement!

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  40. Lisa Gail GreenMarch 30, 2011 at 9:25 AM

    Tina - Thank you!

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  41. elizabethfaisMarch 30, 2011 at 9:39 AM

    Wonderful words of wisdom. Supporting each other we will all succeed...eventually. And it's more fun that way too!

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  42. Lisa Gail GreenMarch 30, 2011 at 9:41 AM

    Elizabeth - ABSOLUTELY TRUE!! It IS more fun!!

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  43. Anne R. AllenApril 1, 2011 at 10:52 AM

    I missed this wonderful post earlier in the week, but here I am thanks to Adventures in Children's Publishing (love them!)

    This is SO TRUE. I think the "teachers" who tell every newbie their work sux are just bullies acting out their own anxieties. Yes, it takes a very, very long time to learn to write well. It's the talent to stick with it that counts. I agree that almost anybody can learn.

    The exceptions are the self-absorbed people who can't listen. They can't create believable characters, because they don't know how other people think and behave. But anybody else--it's perspiration more than inspiration.

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  44. erica and christyApril 2, 2011 at 8:58 AM

    I'm so glad I found this blog today - your words really meant something to me. I've been given words of encouragement, but early on, I got a "this is so boring, I can't read anymore" critique and it really hurt. Like someone else said, at least I'm stubborn!!
    erica

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  45. Lisa Gail GreenApril 2, 2011 at 9:03 AM

    Anne - I'm so glad you found this. Yes, I LOVE that blog too. :D Yes, you have to do your part if you want to succeed and that includes being open to helpful critique.

    Erica - Being stubborn is an excellent trait for a writer! We all hear those hurtful words, and somehow they stick to us harder than the 100 kind ones that may accompany them. Look at it like a challenge instead of defeat. That's what I do. :D I'm so glad you joined me!!

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  46. Susan Kaye QuinnSeptember 6, 2011 at 11:14 AM

    OK, I DID read this before. But I like reading it again. #youreawesome

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