A Great Story of Persistence
Dec 12th, 2009 by Carlos
There’s an awesome piece in this month’s Poets & Writer’s issue by Benjamin Percy called “Go the Distance.”
In it, he talks about how Rocky Balboa is his role model when it comes to persistence and never giving up. I’d love to put the whole article up here for everyone to read, but I’m sure that wouldn’t be cool with the good people over at Poets & Writers. It’s all about how writing is so hard and easy to quit, and never quitting is one of the qualities he is proud of.
Towards the end he shares the story of a short story he wrote and got 39 rejections.
Thirty nine!
But he really believed in the story and kept working on it, sending it out, and polishing it. Eventually, the Antioch Review (a pretty big deal), published it and Salman Rushdie (a huge deal) wound up listing it as one of the 100 Distinguished Stories of 2008 in The Best American Short Stories.
Percy closes his story:
Remember that story the next time you’re feeling low at the keyboard or thumbing open a letter addressed “Dear Writer.” And then pop the Rocky soundtrack into your stereo, tape your knuckles and wrists, ram your hands into gloves, and step into that ring ready to last twelve rounds against Apollo Creed. Go the distance.
Amen!
Hey Nut! What’s up? You seem to be down a lot on yourself. What’s bothering you? It’s the holidays! Cheer up!
I’m doing fine Samurai! How you doin’?
Ah ok, good to hear! Misinterpretation on my part. Doing ok here. Only one week left of the year before the tropics come calling.
[...] Persistence is a great quality to have, but sometimes it isn’t the smartest. And when you’re starting a freelance business (or even a real business), it’s crucial not to overdo it on the persistence. Unless you are very clear on the type of life you want to lead (freelance interior designer) and aren’t willing to compromise, then you’re going to have to learn to fail fast. [...]