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