“It is not good to have zeal without knowledge,nor to be hasty and miss the way.”Proverbs 19:2(NIV)
During the great depression Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia named the lion mascots for the New York Public Library, “Patience” and “Fortitude.” He said the New Yorkers possessed these qualities.
“Patience” is what every grammar coach needs.
My first coach Thelma sent every submission back to me red-inked. A few years later, seven-well-known authors invited me into their critique group. They marked up my manuscripts in many colors. From the beginning of Wordsowers, Audrey became my critique partner. She persistently drove to my work place weekly to edit my materials. I think I wore her patience very thin.
I felt passionate about writing, but many times I left a critique session discouraged. Sometimes I cried in frustration.
“Fortitude” and my desire to please the Lord helped me go back to the keyboard and submit corrected copies. Sometimes an article went through a dozen or more crits before my patient coach said, “It’s ready. Send it.” Even then, several manuscripts rejected because of length or style.
The year I made a writing goal to have double the rejections from the year before, I accomplished the goal—my sale volume doubled also.
Prayer: Lord, give us an awareness of where we need to polish our materials. Help us slow down, study, study, study and listen to others that our words may glorify you. Amen
One thought on “Patience and Fortitude”
Critique is so valuable. And the teachable heart that allows the critique to make a difference. Thank you Kat for your many critiques of my work! Blessings to you.