Tough Enough?

Recently, I have been reading a lot of information that several editors, agents, and publishing liaisons have recommended that I read. It has been blogs, books, e-books, and magazine articles about the craft of writing and the ways to get around the pitfalls of the publishing world. I find most of these people funny in their approach. What they all pretty much say is the same thing in slightly different ways with a different cover / presentation. I will say that I appreciate the information especially from one literary agent and one publisher that has been on both sides of the picture as a writer and editor for a publisher. I also appreciated the knowledge given by all the others willing to share and play in the sand of writing so I can better determine what the future pursuits are going to look like and save my headaches and sleepless nights.

Then I read this one blog by one literary agent and it got me really thinking. She talked about how everyone who wants to be a writer needs to adhere to the most important rule of the writing process. This rule is having a “Thick Skin.” She admitted that she is not thick skinned and neither were all but one man who commented on her blog. A ton of brick seemed to hit me at that moment with one question flashing in my brain. Why do people love to lie to themselves and others that they have it all together and really do not?

Jesus told his followers in the Scriptures of how they can know what a shepherd should look like and sound like in John 10: 1-6 and then proclaiming that he was the Good Shepherd from verses 7 to 21. Jesus proved what a thick skinned individual looks and sounds like by his actions. So why are we trying to be thick skinned and be another Jesus? Why do we need arrogant people to show they are really weak and are indeed thin skinned? The geniuses of this world have their weaknesses. The people who have had a hard time in life already know they are thin skinned so why point it out and not be positive. Being positive is not that hard. It just takes a moment in time to do it. It will make you feel better and them as well. If you don’t try being positive, then what was Jesus’ death for? Are you tough enough to be a one man show? Are you tough enough to figure out all your problems without God? Why try to do it and then realize that we are all thin skinned. Be kind one to another look at the good it does. Be blessed this week!

Brad

P.S. If you would like to read that awesome blog by that agent go here : http://cba-ramblings.blogspot.com/2009/03/are-you-thick-skinned.html

Also for all the people that wrote helpful books to make it easier, Thanks! Go read Acts 4:32 – 37 and remember what it says because I think it describes those people who wrote those book and might just show you a glimpse of you.