Do You Need a Lucky Elephant?

Is there a certain amount of luck in getting published? Do you need to know all the lyrics to The Age of Aquarius, or master a writerly gangsta handshake, or own a secret publisher decoder ring? Is getting awarded a contract merely a crapshoot?

Sometimes it is, but most often it's simply writing a killer story, and guess what...that's probably not going to happen your first time out the chute. Think of your writing as a fine wine or an aged piece of Cheddar. Translation: it takes time. Experience. And tons of writing.

Most new writers don't want to hear that. I didn't. I was going to prove the system wrong. And actually, that's a good attitude to hold on to for as long as you can. Otherwise you'll quit.

"Perseverance is the hard work you do

after you get tired of doing the hard work you already did."

~ Newt Gingrich

SOIREE QUESTION OF THE DAY:

There is a character in A HEART DECEIVED that is deeply superstitious, especially when it comes to luck . . . to the point of rubbing the belly of a porcelain elephant. Who is it? Leave your answer in the comment section, and if you're correct, I'll enter your name in the soiree drawing.