Persistence in Writing and Life

Persist – to continue obstinately despite opposition

Persistent – unrelenting

So, one of my qualities, good or bad, is persistence. Perhaps in other areas of my life it isn’t the best part of me, but when it comes to writing, particularly research, I tend to think it’s a good quality.

As often happens with stories, writers stop and start, become dejected, frustrated, perhaps even angry that a story isn’t behaving as it should, isn’t travelling in the right direction.

Other times, there’s that one piece of research, one small elusive piece of the jig-saw that seems impossible to find.

This week I found my last piece of jig-saw, one I’ve been searching for, for almost 5 years – not a constant 5 years, but every so often, over that time, I’ve returned to this story, done yet another re-write, changed to a new format or a new voice and always carried on digging.

I’m not there yet, but I can see it now, the end of that long, challenging, mountainous but ultimately joyful road and I know the persistence will be worth it.

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Comments

  1. Gabrielle Wang You are right. persistance above all else is the mark of a successful writer. So happy for you that at last the puzzle is coming together! Xx
    December 7, 2011 at 7:32 am · Reply
  2. Lorraine Marwood That's the joy and frustration of writing- but when it comes together its magic- well done Corinne.
    December 7, 2011 at 8:39 am · Reply
  3. Chris Bell Thrilled for you have found the final piece of this puzzle. Enjoy the coming time of shaping and putting it all together. Persistence is one thing we writers can never have too much of. Well done for keeping on, keeping on. C.
    December 7, 2011 at 8:46 am · Reply
  4. Kayleen West I totally agree Corinne. Sometimes we can be but a moment away from a solution and if we stop too soon (quit) we may never achieve what we are truly capable of. Success is best surface from persistence or what I usually refer to as consistency. Even if we stall or temporarily think we can’t go any further, persistence will move us forward in some direction that is positive and productive in some way. Encouraging article to post my friend.
    December 8, 2011 at 9:59 am · Reply

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