Never Back Down

Most of you know, I'm going through the query process right now. Without getting into specifics, let me just say I made a decision the other day that I never thought I would.

Here's the thing, I want a certian type of writing career. The facts may be that I'm not good enough to be there yet. And you know what, that's okay. The fact remains that I'm not going to give up.

I have an opportunity to work hard and dream big. I don't need to settle for something that I don't really want. What I need to do is keep working and keep improving myself.

What I guess I'm saying is-you are worth it! Your writing is worth it. And if that means it's going to take you a few more years to get where you want to be, then take those years. Most bestsellers are not made overnight. If you want something, be prepared to wait for it, but keep working your butt off. More importantly, NEVER. BACK. DOWN..

Oh yeah, and don't forget to Dream Big --

Comments

Tasha Seegmiller said…
Great post and even better life motto. Keep at it!
August 6, 2012 at 7:34 AM
Kyra Lennon said…
Your posts are always so inspiring! <3
August 6, 2012 at 7:35 AM
Angela V. Cook said…
Nothing worth anything comes easy (well, for the majority of us ;) The process is extremely draining, but I think you learn and grow a lot as a writer from it. I sent out something like 120 queries for my first book, and even though nothing came from it, I wouldn't trade the experience for anything--I learned so much! Keep on truckin, Jen; you'll get there :o)
August 6, 2012 at 7:40 AM
Krista McLaughlin said…
Never give up. Those are the words that every writer needs to hear and that their writing is worth it. Wherever you go, Jennie, I know that you can do this. :)

We'll both make it someday and be there to autograph each others books. :)
August 6, 2012 at 7:51 AM
Kelley Lynn said…
Love that song. And it's so true. As long as we keep pushing on I have to believe that we will achieve what we want to. Never give up :)
August 6, 2012 at 8:26 AM
Alex J. Cavanaugh said…
Never settle for a slice when you can have the whole cake!
August 6, 2012 at 8:42 AM
Unknown said…
If you believe in yourself, you'll definitely win through. What a lovely song - I adore it and will keep playing it all day today. Thank you,
August 6, 2012 at 9:21 AM
Gabe (Ava Jae) said…
What a great attitude, Jenny! Writing isn't easy, but as long as you keep pushing yourself and working hard to improve your craft, you will succeed. :)
August 6, 2012 at 9:32 AM
Kimberly Gabriel said…
Good for you!! Whatever decision you made (I'm totally trying to guess it in my head) I love that you are pushing forward! Great post! Good luck!
August 6, 2012 at 10:04 AM
David P. King said…
Look at that J.A. Bennett power! What a great motivation to start the week. Thanks for that! :)
August 6, 2012 at 11:30 AM
Jessie Humphries said…
So...what are you doing? Writing a new book, revising, breaking into someone's house and stealing their manuscript in the dead of night? Let me know, I want to join you :)!
August 6, 2012 at 12:09 PM
Alice said…
Great advice. Dream Big is one of my favorite songs!
August 6, 2012 at 12:10 PM
Emily R. King said…
Wonderful advice! You have to know what you want and be willing to stick to it. I'm glad you feel good about your decision!
August 6, 2012 at 12:12 PM
Katie Dodge said…
I'm right there with ya, girl! Thanks for the inspiration!! :D
August 6, 2012 at 12:25 PM
VikLit said…
Great, inspiring advice. Totally trying to guess your decision. Am sure it is the right one, because sounds like it came from the heart.
August 6, 2012 at 1:07 PM
Jeff Hargett said…
A big dream coupled with the drive to attain it is all you need. You need both, but sounds to me like you've got it. Rootin' for ya!
August 6, 2012 at 1:55 PM
Jenny S. Morris said…
Great attitude to have!! And you're right if we keep pressing forward we will get where we want to be. I promise!
August 6, 2012 at 3:01 PM
Morgan said…
*love*

Love.

LOVE.

So great. Love this post. It's not a race. I don't care if it takes me ten years to get to where I want to be---because it really is the journey. I read somewhere the other day that "We don't want to reach the end of the road, we want to stay on it." And I totally feel that way!
August 6, 2012 at 4:53 PM
Tara Tyler said…
thanks, woman! you too!
August 7, 2012 at 7:02 AM
Ciara said…
That's an awesome attitude. I totally agree.
August 7, 2012 at 2:40 PM
Annalisa Crawford said…
I love the sentiment. I hope that I'll always be able to follow the precise career I want, too :-)
August 8, 2012 at 2:35 PM
Melanie Cole said…
What a lovely post! Have you read Stephen King's ON WRITING? If you haven't, you really should. I find the portion on his early career, before he made it big, very inspiring!
August 12, 2012 at 2:08 PM
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