The Blog

Today’s I AM WRITER tip is inspired by author Kathryn Stockett, best selling author of THE HELP, which is now in theaters.

I read about Kathryn Stockett’s experience with her first novel THE HELP on Shine. She wrote this book because it was the book she wanted to write. After completing the novel, she received rejection after rejection from agents and still she would not give up. Even after everyone basically lost faith in the book, she would not stop writing and rewriting the novel she wanted to write.

Kathryn Stockett writes:

In the end, I received 60 rejections forThe Help. But letter number 61 was the one that accepted me. After my five years of writing and three and a half years of rejection, an agent named Susan Ramer took pity on me. What if I had given up at 15? Or 40? Or even 60? Three weeks later, Susan sold The Help to Amy Einhorn Books.

The point is, I can’t tell you how to succeed. But I can tell you how not to: Give in to the shame of being rejected and put your manuscript—or painting, song, voice, dance moves, [insert passion here]—in the coffin that is your bedside drawer and close it for good. I guarantee you that it won’t take you anywhere. Or you could do what this writer did: Give in to your obsession instead.”

I AM WRITER ~ Step #2
Don’t Give Up

If you’re in a slump, if you feel you’ve failed at writing, that maybe you weren’t cut out for publishing, read Kathryn’s story of perseverance and determination and Don’t. Give. Up. No, it doesn’t mean you’ll become a bestseller. It means someone has to believe in your dream and that someone starts with you.