Thursday, April 17, 2014

O is for Optimism

O is for optimism. It’s this big O that sustains us. It’s this amazing light that fills our hearts with renewed hope. If not for this wonderful feeling I am sure none of us would write.

A close blog buddy of mine wrote ten books which were rejected time and again. It was her eleventh book that got her an agent. If not for optimism I am sure she would have given up after the third or fourth book.

Another close blog buddy of mine has parted with three agents as they could not sell her books. She is optimistic that she will find the right agent.

Has optimism ever left your side? How have you dealt with those no optimism days?


Note: this is my post for the A to Z Challenge. My theme is Emotions and Feelings writers experience.

23 comments:

  1. I've definitely dealt with those days without optimism, but thankfully they don't last long and I'm back to writing again.

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  2. As a family historian, I remain optimistic that I will find that document or make a connection that will enlighten me about my family's past. Without optimism, all research would stop.

    Wendy at Jollett Etc.

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  3. I started writing in 1994. Got my first agent in 2009. Sold my first book in 2012. There were SO many missteps along the way--tons of rejections, interested publishers that never quite panned out... The only ones who eventually make it are those who keep going despite the many obstacles. I don't know if it's optimism as much as sheer determination!

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  4. I can be hard to remain optimistic in the face of rejection. Those are the days, I rely on my writer friends and try to work through it.
    Elizabeth at http://scribblinginthestorageroom.wordpress.com

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  5. I struggle to stay optimistic and positive but I'm learning I can be optimistic AND realistic at the same time - recognize there's a problem or an issue then set about trying to solve it or fix it with as good an attitude as possible. :)

    Madeline @ The Shellshank Redemption
    Minion, Capt. Alex's Ninja Minion Army
    The 2014 Blogging from A-Z Challenge

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  6. Hi Rachna
    I must admit that I'm not always optimistic especially when I look out at the world and it's leaders, but I know there's always hope.

    You're friend persevered because she was optimistic and that is a good reminder to us all: be optimistic and pursue your dream.
    I haven't given up, everything is just on the back-burner at the moment.
    Great post.

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  7. I'm a pessimist at heart-- optimism isn't my strong suit.

    Damyanti, Co-host A to Z Challenge April 2014, My Latest post

    Twitter: @AprilA2Z
    #atozchallenge

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  8. What an inspiring post, a reminder to never give up!
    Deb@ http://debioneille.blogspot.com

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  9. I felt less than Optimistic this week but I am sure with a good night sleep and a walk on the beach I will find it again. :)


    http://ceciliaaclark.blogspot.com.au

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  10. I have ups and downs but usually I stay somewhat optimistic. Great post.

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  11. Rejection is hard on a writer. Once we realize that other great writers have all faced rejection in some form, it's easier to take. If it weren't for optimism, there wouldn't be any published books:) Great post!

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  12. To be human is to be un-optimistic AT TIMES.... But our hopes and dreams resurface and we GO FOR IT!

    Life is full of many surprises, good and bad... We just have to let the bad ones slide off our backs and CHEER and keep the momentum going when all is good!

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  13. Hi Rachna,

    When those times that my optimism may well be thwarted by those who would try to detract me from my realistic optimism, I use it as a catalyst to stay even more determined.

    Gary

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  14. I'm a realist-optimist, so I can fall back on the realist part. But there are still times when I grow discouraged. (Especially when slogging my way through a first draft.)

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  15. You have to be optimistic if you're a writer. It's what gives you hope.

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  16. Oh the writer's big O. Definitely one we should have if we are serious about our passion. I struggle with getting discouraged a lot, but optimism does come back after a while, and that's all I can ask for. Keep on going, right?

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  17. I'm mostly optimistic when it comes to my personal life and my writing. But when it comes to looking at the whole world, with wars still going on and governments still fighting and killing their people and children still be abused, etc.... I'm hard pressed to remain optimistic.

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  18. Amazing testimonies here. So glad you shared - it does give me hope. Optimism is a good thing, something I don't think of too often. Unless you consider faith optimism. Thanks for sharing! Writer’s Mark

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  19. I feel optimistic on most days. If I have a bad day, I cheer myself up by having coffee or lunch with a friend, or watching a funny movie, or digging in my garden. Pulling weeds is very therapeutic.

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  20. Good word choice Rachna. In those moments when optimism is failing, I try to go run if possible. When I return I will always be too tired to feel sorry for myself and then after a short reprieve, am ready to try again.

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  21. I always have tons of optimism and determination no matter how bleak things look. I think you have to be that way or you wouldn't succeed at anything.

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  22. I am so happy I clicked on your blog in today's whirlwind visit. Am usually a very optimistic person and keep trudging on no matter what. Today I felt disheartened and wondered if I should keep trudging on. Reading your blog post was the first kick start back to my usual self ♥

    Have a wonderful day,
    Sylvia van Bruggen

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  23. I think Optimism is the writer's best friend. It's what makes us keep plugging away after every rejection. What would we do without it? Like Lynda, I have non-optimistic days now and then, but it always comes back and urges me on to hope for better outcomes.

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