"A ship in the harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for." – Jehn G. Shedd.
"A new idea is delicate. It can be killed by a sneer or a yawn; it can be stabbed to death by a quip and worried to death by a frown on the right man's brow." – Ovid.
Two quotes today. Both refer to risk. Shedd implores others to venture forward, that safety and protection are valued, but impose severe restraints. Ovid warns of the risk inherent in creativity. Taking a risk does not predict or guarantee a positive result. Indeed, creativity can be snuffed – will be snuffed – sometimes by gestures not intended to cause harm. Yet, they do.
What transforms creativity into a success? I chose the name of the publishing entity behind my book, Show Up Press, after giving the concept of success much thought.
"Eighty percent of success is showing up." The quote is attributed to Woody Allen, and sometimes to his co-writer Marshall Brickman, with "success" being replaced by "life" in some circumstances. No matter how defined, the most basic requirement for success is giving the effort necessary to be at least present for it. For the writer, it means getting in front of the keyboard. Leave the harbor.
What, though, is success? I contend that completing a goal is a fine place to start. Most goals can be subdivided into lesser goals that simulate a stairstep model of progress toward the final product. Writing a book can be divided into many parts: inspiration, outline, chapters, revisions (many, many), edits, helpful assessments, professional editing, and publishing. Each step requires one to show up. All of them require leaving the harbor. All of them demand risk.
Does placement on the bestseller list mark success? Is it in industry accolades, contest prizes, or 5-starred reviews? One answer is yes – definitely. Another more modest measure is to have created the very best product you could, considering your talent and abilities at the time. It's true that a novel is never finished, so much as it is finally abandoned. When you feel little more could be done to assure quality, consider that a success, and be proud. Behind your creation is work, dedication, determination, talent, and bravery; bravery because here comes the next part: reaction.
Luck. Circumstance. Whim. Fashion. The list of contributing factors, omitting talent, contributing to success is long. I don't particularly like Las Vegas. Several times, work obligations took me there. I packed my contempt for glitz and show each time. I felt for the "side" performers, singing, playing, performing on the many mini-stages offering free or reduced admission shows. How many felt certain they had equal or more talent than the headliners but remained unrecognized and unappreciated? Why? Because talent is only a portion of the overall formula for success. Same for writing. Be prepared for a sneer or yawn that will sink your project, leaving you wondering what it takes to succeed.
Just don't go back to the harbor.
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