One of my favorite quotes comes from Louis Pasteur: "Chance favors the prepared mind." His quote appeals to me because it leads me to believe that while it's good to be lucky, luck is unpredictable, but hard work combined with luck can eventually lead to success.
I was reminded of Pasteur's quote this morning after reading Margo Dill's thought-provoking post on the WOW! Women on Writing blog. I've known Margo for over a dozen years. She is a go-getter who works hard, isn't afraid to take chances, and follows through on any assignment she takes on, so I value her advice.
Margo offers some solid tips on the WOW! blog today. In "Be Ready for your Writing Career," she discusses how important it is to be prepared for any opportunity that comes your way.
What's also special about her post today is that author and literary agent Evan Marshall left a comment with a suggestion about having two synopses ready--one short and one long one. So, if you want to learn more, pop over the the WOW! blog and read Margo's post.
Quick poll. Curious minds want to know: What do you think is most important for success--luck, hard work, a little bit of both, timing, divine intervention, or something else?
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Thanks for the shout-out, Donna! :)
ReplyDeleteMargo
http://margodill.com/blog/
I believe it's a combination of things. Being prepared is important but sometimes it's also about seizing opportunities that come upon you unexpectedly, ready or not. :)
ReplyDeleteI think that what some of us consider blessings, others consider burdens, ie: wow! I have the opportunity to write 1,000 words on a certain topic, OR, UGH! I have to write a 1,000 words before deadline. I think much of life is about attitude and determination, a little about luck and lot has to do with divine intervention. I am of the belief that if it is meant to be, it will. I tell my kids, "Let go and let God."
ReplyDeleteLinda---My best friend loves frogs, because when she sees one, she thinks of Freely Relying On God...
ReplyDeleteDonna--I think it is a combination. Sometimes all it takes is hard work. Other times you work your rear end off, and you still don't succeed. Sometimes you don't even put forth any effort, and something marvelous just falls into your lap. It's unpredictable. I think there are a lot of (disappointed) people who put all their eggs in the "luck" basket. (Look at the lottery ticket lines, or the parking lots at casinos.) In my opinion, hard work is the most important...
I'm in the combination camp. It takes a bit of everything you mentioned to experience success.
ReplyDeletePat
www.critteralley.blogspot.com
I, also, am in the combination group. Persistence/hard work, talent, and luck. If the stars and planets align, those three things will converge to create success.
ReplyDeletePersistence, persistence, persistence. Plus a realistic view of the market and your own abilities. Luck is nice when it comes along, but as you say it's unpredictable. The more you network and the longer and harder you work, the more likely you are to get lucky. Most of what writers call "luck" however, is the direct or indirect result of their own actions.
ReplyDeletePersistance and a little bit of luck! Write, write, and write some more, and then, hopefully, someone will notice.
ReplyDeleteHi Margo,
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome.
Hi Madeline,
You are right. It's critical to seize opportunities, but recognizing them when they come along is also critical.
Hi Linda,
Inspired words to live by: "Let go and let God."
Donna
Hi Sioux,
ReplyDeleteThe FROG acronym is great!
Donna
Hi Pat,
That seems to be the concensus.
Hi Lisa,
Glad you mentioned talent. That also comes into the mix.
Donna
Hi Sean,
ReplyDeleteYou are right about persistence. Showing up is half the battle, but staying till the end can put you on top (hopefully).
Hi Ellie,
Your comment is so true.
Donna
I'm a believer of hard work no matter what.:)
ReplyDeleteHi Terri,
ReplyDeleteI agree!
Donna
Great post, Donna. I, too, am among the Combo Group, but I think Midlist Writer said it the best! I'm popping over to that blog right now, to see what other words of wisdom might be there!
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Donna. Put me in the combo group, too. So much is a dice roll...but the more you roll, the more likely you are to roll something good.
ReplyDelete