Which brings me to the topic of today's blog:
Talent vs. Perseverance
I think a lot of writers like to believe that it is a God given talent that makes them writers. Do I believe in talent? Abso-friggin-lutely. I do. I think every person has their own set of strengths and obstacles - we all get gifts through no effort of our own. I'll tell you what I tell my daughter - Being very smart isn't an accomplishment, it's whether or not you use that to your best ability. Having things come easily to you in any area of life is not a point of pride. You get no credit for being talented as far as I'm concerned - hard work and determination are more important... If you've put in the blood, sweat, and tears to become a better person and positively impact those around you or in the world at large, then you've earned my respect.
This doesn't mean you have to be a smashing success or best selling author - personal success, the way you impact those you touch, is more to me... but this particular blog takes the topic and puts it into writing as a field specifically.
I think talent is important in writing. I think some people are born with a better ear or more innate talent for writing. But they don't become brilliant without effort. The reason, I think, that it looks easy for them is because putting your heart and soul into an endeavor that you truly love is not a hardship. Success may not come quickly or easily, but the road there is enjoyable when you love it.
Perseverance, to me, is more important. Anyone can learn to write. Shall I say that again? (Check your ego's at the door, fellow fiction writers) ANYONE CAN LEARN TO WRITE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have to say, I don't know why someone without a talent or love for writing would pick such a rough field.... but yes, they can learn to write. Can you tell the difference between brilliant writing and a writer who's become good at the mechanics? I think most of us would agree that you can tell the difference.... We've all read books with that tell tale lack... which means, what? I'd say it means that author's perseverance put them ahead of all of the talented writers out there who have a million excuses for why they're not published but, if they were honest, would admit that they haven't tried as hard. I'm not saying every non-published writer isn't trying. I'm saying anyone who keeps trying and learning and writing will eventually meet with success.
Do you feel that talent is all important? Or do you feel that perseverance and luck have more to do with success?
