Alex Haley
For eight years the struggling young writer wrote
incredible numbers of short stories and articles for
publication, and for eight long years they were rejected.
Fortunately, he didn't give up, and for that he--and
America--will always be grateful.
On one occasion... an editor wrote an encouraging note on a
rejection slip. It simply said, "Nice try." I think you'll
agree that most of us would not rate that little comment
very high on the encouragement list, but it literally
brought tears to the young writer's eyes. He was given new
hope... he simply would not give up.
Finally after many years of effort, he wrote what has deeply
affected the entire world and helped him to become one of
the most influential writers of the '70s. I'm speaking of
Alex Haley and his book ROOTS...
The message is clear: If you have a dream and really believe
you have some ability that can be expressed, pursue that
dream. Don't give up.
Author unknown. If anyone has a proprietary interest in this story please authenticate and I will be happy to credit, or remove, as the circumstances dictate.
Thanks to WITandWISDOM(tm) - March 5, 2001 subscribe-wit-wisdom@xc.org