Writers can learn a lot from boxers.Harsh critiques? Jab.
Rejection? Left hook.
Horrible review? Upper cut.
Crappy sales? Haymaker.
You will never make it in writing, or boxing, unless you can learn to take a punch to the face. Boxers don't quit because it hurts. They don't cry foul when their opponents bloody them in the ring. They train harder and come out swinging. And, unless there's a knock out, there's more than one round to fight...save some energy for all twelve. Maybe this round is a loss, there will be another. Then another. Stay in the fight. Learn to block, duck, and dodge until your punching skills improve. Condition. Practice. When that bell sounds, step into that ring and be ready. Your face punch is coming.
*Cautionary Note: Sometimes all those knocks in the head cause head trauma, so let's keep this metaphorical and refrain from banging heads on the desk.
Elizabeth has a new book coming out, another fantastic romance! I can't wait to read it!
Jo Leigh Harper comes from a long line of trouble-making, white trash stock.
Tanner Coulter comes from a longer line of wealth-creating, blue blood stock.
Jo graduated college top of her class, moving toward a future full of possibilities.
Tanner dropped out of college, trading a law degree for drinking games and one night stands.
A family crisis throws the rich party boy and the poor genius girl together. The attraction is immediate, though neither one is a heart-in-the-sand-drawing believer in true love. But as the summer sun heats up along the shores of the Outer Banks, so does the connection between them. Maybe, just maybe, they can win at love by defying reason.
Author Bio:
Elizabeth is a multi-published author of books for people who are believers in happily-ever- after, true love, and stories with a bit of fun and twists with their plots. The mother of four young men, she tackles laundry daily and is the keeper of the kitchen. She lives along the shores of the Ohio River in West Virginia, but dreams daily of the beach.
photo credit: Istanbulls v Paris United via photopin (license)
Get your adrenaline pumping and you won't feel those blows for hours!
ReplyDeleteAdrenaline is so good. Pretty much like that euphoria of possibility!
DeleteWriting something new is always a good way to get that adrenaline going again. (For me, anyway.) :)
DeleteVery true, have to roll with the punches
ReplyDeleteYep, staying flat footed will get you knocked on your behind!
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ReplyDeleteI'm glad I got into the ring and will keep fighting to make it. :)
That's right, keep swinging!
DeleteThat's true, Suzi! It's something just to make it over the ropes in the first place. Not everyone has the guts for that.
DeleteI've had so many haymakers, I can't even feel my face anymore.
ReplyDeleteNumb is good. Now, go punch back.
DeleteThanks for having me over Rachel!!
ReplyDeleteOf course, Elizabeth! Happy to have you!
DeleteSounds like an interesting book, especially because of the issues and misunderstandings between people from different economic groups; I think a lot of people can relate to that.
ReplyDeleteI also like the comparison of boxing to writing; I'll definitely keep those words in mind the next time I sit down with my dissertation director to go over my latest draft. It often feels like I'm in a boxing match then, and it usually feels like I'm losing; I haven't stopped fighting yet, though. ;)
Ugh. Dissertation. I could barely spell it. Keep taking the punches, anything worth having is worth being black and blue for.
DeleteI do like a Cinderella story!
I enjoy your writing, Elizabeth. I'm sure this one will not disappoint either. As to the boxing, I'm sure you've nailed the perfect metaphor for this business.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Lee!
DeleteToday I got a harsh critique from a beta reader and it was like ten rapid-fire jabs. Ouch! But I'm putting my boxing gloves on and tackling my book once more.
ReplyDeleteYeah, those those hurt. I like to send each to several betas...then compare notes!
DeleteFantastic metaphor! It took me years to learn to take a little hit. Now I plan to stay in the ring indefinitely. :)
ReplyDeleteI still don't like to be punched, but yeah...I'm in it for the long haul too.
DeleteYes, being a writer feels like boxing sometimes for sure. This is a nice reminder that it's a good way to get tough. That romance novel sounds lovely, too!
ReplyDeleteThanks Shell! Yes, every success comes with plenty of heart break.
DeleteYeah, there are times when a knock back feels like a punch in the face or a knock out.
ReplyDeleteNothing like a gut punch to remind you you're alive.
DeleteThat's the problem. I got tossed out of the ring last week, and forgot to step back into it. Thanks Elizabeth!!
ReplyDeleteThat ring belongs to you Dixie! Don't let anyone toss you out!
DeleteNo banging head to desk. Got it. ;) I totally agree with you. People talk about how hard querying is and how much rejection hurts, but they don't realize that at least those punches are taken privately. After publication you get to take the punches for all to see.
ReplyDeleteThose public jabs are the worst. I will never, ever trash another book in public. All but the Ya- Ya Sisterhood. I hated that book. But it was totally persona. Excellent writing.
DeleteCongratulations Elizabeth! Cover is eye catching. And yes writers can learn from Boxing!
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