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Hello all. Haven't been here much lately as there seems to be so much to read on the site and I've been trying so hard to write, write, write. This strategy is beginning to pay off as I've just sold a story to People's Friend. It's my first success with them so I'm delighted.
The only blot on my pleasure was an old, old friend describing my little success as a 'piece of luck'. Maybe he didn't mean it how it sounded, but I thought I sold the story because of years of working hard to find my own style and persisting in sending out stories despite rejections. Luck? Well, maybe I was lucky that it caught the editor's eye and was what she was looking for on that particular day. Folk who don't write don't seem to realise how much it takes to produce those two thousand words on paper.
Well done, Lily. Im sure your friend meant well with his piece of luck remark.
I think it was Cole Porters father (no doubt someone will correct me if it wasnt) who said, when someone remarked how lucky Cole was to be making so much money from his talent : Yes, the harder my boy works, the luckier he gets.
Congratulations. I've tried and failed to get into People's Friend and failed time after time. This is wonderful. People who don't write just don't get it!
Congratulations, Lily! People who've never tried
to send a short story to a magazine, don't appreciate what an acceptance means. Don't let them spoil your joy. When I won a raffle prize, a friend remarked: "You're lucky! I never win anything!" I asked her if she buys raffle tickets and her reply was: "No, because I never win!"
You ARE lucky, Lili. You're lucky you have the desire to write, lucky you have the inspiration, lucky you know how to persist and lucky you have talent. Many, many congrats from me. Lucky Lili - has a nice ring to it, don't you think?
Well done, Lily. Ignore your friend, we all know what an achievement this is.
It reminds me of people who say to me 'Oh, you're so lucky you don't have to commute' (I live in London) or 'You're so lucky to work shorter hours' - no, luck had nothing to do with it. I've always sought local jobs, accepting the lower pay for a better quality of life. Now, as well as working locally, I work shorter hours, again with a much lower salary, so that I can write - we make our own 'luck'...and it doesn't come without sacrifices (having any spare cash being one in my case! - working blooming hard on your story, when you could have slobbed out in front of the TV, in your case).
Enjoy your success, Lily, and know that you deserve it.
Well done Lily, what fantastic news. Never mind about your friend, we all know how hard it is to get into People's Friend. You've done SO well! Enjoy it.
Comments
The only blot on my pleasure was an old, old friend describing my little success as a 'piece of luck'. Maybe he didn't mean it how it sounded, but I thought I sold the story because of years of working hard to find my own style and persisting in sending out stories despite rejections. Luck? Well, maybe I was lucky that it caught the editor's eye and was what she was looking for on that particular day. Folk who don't write don't seem to realise how much it takes to produce those two thousand words on paper.
There are always the spirit-robbers (jealous, got issues, wish had done more with THEIR dreams etc......) so ignore them and listen to your heart.
I think it was Cole Porters father (no doubt someone will correct me if it wasnt) who said, when someone remarked how lucky Cole was to be making so much money from his talent : Yes, the harder my boy works, the luckier he gets.
to send a short story to a magazine, don't appreciate what an acceptance means. Don't let them spoil your joy. When I won a raffle prize, a friend remarked: "You're lucky! I never win anything!" I asked her if she buys raffle tickets and her reply was: "No, because I never win!"
It reminds me of people who say to me 'Oh, you're so lucky you don't have to commute' (I live in London) or 'You're so lucky to work shorter hours' - no, luck had nothing to do with it. I've always sought local jobs, accepting the lower pay for a better quality of life. Now, as well as working locally, I work shorter hours, again with a much lower salary, so that I can write - we make our own 'luck'...and it doesn't come without sacrifices (having any spare cash being one in my case! - working blooming hard on your story, when you could have slobbed out in front of the TV, in your case).
Enjoy your success, Lily, and know that you deserve it.