Friday, April 18, 2014

PERSEVERANCE isn't Prejudice

Once upon a time, Charles and Gabriel had a baby girl named Joylene. Joylene wasn't pretty or smart, but she was a storyteller from the start.

As soon as she could hold a pencil, Joylene wrote stories. To console herself when her father died, she started her first novel. She hoped if she wrote his story, he would live forever.

Seven years later, Joylene typed THE END and began her second novel. Two years later, she began her third. Then her fourth; and so on...

When Joylene wasn't writing or reading, she sent out hundredths of query letters. Then she filed hundredths of rejection letters. She joined critiquing groups and received many thumbs down. She was no Margaret Lawrence, but she worked hard. She knew chances were she might never get published, but she couldn't stop. 

On bad days she dropped to her knees and begged God to send her a publisher. She wanted to prove to her children that hard work and faith paid off.

Twenty-five years passed.

If you're wondering why she was so lucky, and you're thinking maybe you aren't -- Stop!

What distinguishes Joylene from you?

Nothing. 

What’s the moral of the story?


Perseverance isn’t prejudice.

27 comments:

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

You'll never succeed if you quit. Glad you kept at it!

Ida Thought said...

Was it her perseverance or prayers that paid off in the end? Good on you Joylene, either way it certainly puts things into perspective.
Ida
Reflex Reactions

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Joylene - you exemplify it .. hard work, perseverance and tenacity ... so well done .. cheers Hilary

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Joylene - you exemplify it .. hard work, perseverance and tenacity ... so well done .. cheers Hilary

Christine Rains said...

Bravo, Joylene! You're an inspiration. Perseverance is the key.

Nana Prah said...

Nice story. We must keep going to get what we desire.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Joylene never quit!

LittleCely said...

That really is inspiring. We could all learn something from that.

LittleCely's Blog

Pat Hatt said...

Have to keep at it and finding new ways indeed

Michael Di Gesu said...

Writing, like most creative aspects is our passion. We need it to survive.... We will always create!

WE will ALWAYS persevere no matter how long it takes.

Creative beings have worked and strived for MiLLENIA... Why she would we give up!

cleemckenzie said...

I've always loved the sound of the word, perseverance. I guess I like the meaning of the word as well. I also appreciate people who work hard to accomplish something that's important to them. Good for you!

Robin said...

Good for you. If you love it, never quit.

Bob Sanchez said...

Hi Joylene, in my first job (lo, these many years ago) my boss kept telling me that winners never quit, and quitters never win. As with many cliches, there's a lot of truth in it.

So good for you, and I hope your successes keep coming.

Chrys Fey said...

Never give up!

I want to get an agent and publish my series. I've been trying for seven years (not as long as 25 years but getting there) and I have had those moments where I beg God for help, but I wont ever give up even if 25 years go by. :)

Birgit said...

Only when one does not try or listens to the bad voices of fear is there then failure. Good that you keep going as perseverance means success

Nicki Elson said...

Perseverence + Prayer = Can't Lose

Michelle Wallace said...

What a story, Joylene!
I'm going to persevere... no matter what!

klahanie said...

Hi Joylene,

I was over at your place and I'm now over here.

That was a deeply moving story, my human friend. I know, despite the times you wondered where it was all going, you embraced that thought it would be as you had dreamt.

Well stated. Of course, being a dog, I would say I have, "pawseverance."

Pawstive wishes,

Penny the cordial host of the Alphabark Challenge! :)

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

I taught this in my high school health classes. The #1 key to success is perseverance. Great post.

simple girl..... said...

wow!! very inspiring post Joylene

Denise Covey said...

How many writers quit just before being discovered?

Fe said...

Kudos! You are a true inspiration! Overnight successes are never overnight...

Lisa said...

I keep telling myself to shut up when I talk down to myself about the persevering. We all have our days, and I appreciate your post today to remind us why we're here!

G. B. Miller said...

Most definitely.

3 years worth got me my first published short story. Two years after that got me my 2nd published short story. One year after that got me my first novel published.

A-Z Challenge at Father Nature's Corner

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

I'm late because my computer came back with a new hard drive and OS, and it took me this long to figure it out. Oy ve!

@Alex, thanks!

@Ida, yes, both!

@Hilary, thanks!

@Christine, thanks!

@Nana, thanks!

@Cely, thanks!

@Pat, Indeed!

@Michael, Amen!

@Lee, thanks!

@Robin, thanks!

@Bob, love it!

@Chrys, you go girl!

@Birgit, thanks!

@Nicki, yes!

@Michelle, I'm glad to hear that!

@Penny, alphabark on!

@Susan, thanks!

@Simple Girl, thanks!

@Denise, I don't know. One is too many.

@Fe, so true!

@Lisa, I'm glad.

@GB, nicely done!

Karen Lange said...

This is great, and just the thing we need to keep in mind always. Thank you! For the record, I happen to think Joylene is pretty AND smart. So blessed to call her a friend. :)

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

Thanks, Karen!