Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Owning the bruising

One of my soccer coaches once told me that if you don't have any bruises at the end of a game then you didn't play hard enough. I have to say I've had my share of bruises on the soccer pitch. I once had one that went from ankle all the way to my knee after getting kicked in the shin. Last summer I had a nasty one on my arm and to end this indoor season, I got this one.

To me, a bruise signifies that you played hard, and I have to say I’m kind of proud of them.

Why would I endure such pain you might ask? That’s simple, for the love of being in the game.

Although we don’t typically get physically bruised in our quest to be a published author, our egos and hopes often take an emotional beating. There aren’t many of us who don’t shed a tear over a harsh critique or feel frustrated after a rejection.

But we need to do look at these things as badges indicating that we are in the game, because there’s a lot of people out there who want to play, but don’t.

I went to listen to an author once who told a story about how a few of her friends started a competition to see who could be the rejection queen. In the end, she got her publishing contract and so did her friends.

Yes it would be nice not to bruise, and maybe somewhere out there is someone who got an agent on their first query, but just think how good of a story you’ll have when someone asks, “How did you get published?”

So just keep on bruising.

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

Great analogy! We learn from those bruises! And the photo of that bruise--ouch!

Kasie West said...

Love this analogy (especially because I'm always getting bruises). And that is one nasty bruise, Patti. Thanks for reminding me that half the fun in getting published is the journey.

Susan R. Mills said...

Great post, Patti! Bruises are part of the game.

Shannon O'Donnell said...

Wow. I love, love, love this analogy! Fantastic post, Patti - one of my favorites of yours! :-)

BK Mattingly said...

Great analogy! This post definitely made me smile.

patti said...

Patti, quit taking my analogies from me!!!

LOL.
YOu are a great writer, know it???

Love this place.
Patti
P.S. and i am not prejudiced b/c of your name!!

Carolyn V. said...

Ow! That looks painful Patti! But awesome analogy! We do have to take a few bruises to play the game. =)

Elana Johnson said...

Yikes! Is that you? And I agree. You need to get out there and get rejected or you won't get published.

Heather said...

Great analogy Patti - it is something that is good for all of us to think about

Tamika: said...

Perfect analogy. As a lifelong Miss Priss I'm ready to get dirty!

Terri Tiffany said...

I think we need those bruises so we know how hard we really have tried!

JKB said...

Hear hear.

The bruises just show us how brilliant the fireworks will be when it happens. :-)

Julie Dao said...

Fantastic analogy. Bruises make us stronger and take us one step closer to the goal.

I have an award for you at my blog!! :)