Aw thank you, Sue 😀 And yes, I think you make a very good point. I remember with my first book, years ago, the rejections came in but one agent scribbled one sentence “you write well” (after rejecting!) and that was enough to make me start my second book. xx

Thanks Terry! I agree about some self-deluded TV talent show contestants… those who think success really can be achieved overnight without any external help or sweat and tears. But I wonder how many really poor singers there are who have voice coaches and practise, really practise a lot. If they do have that help, and don’t improve, then I think some of the fault lies with the coach. All writers (well most of us 😀 ) need editors – to show us how to improve. To tell us where we are going wrong. And, if we are an aspiring writer, who still isn’t there, to not take us on but send us away to learn more. Hemingway once said you need to write one million words before being good enough to get published. I added up once and it took me around that many, before I got my deal (novels under the bed etc). I agree, you do need that talent – but I think self-belief can definitely help you achieve your potential and be the best you can be – like you say, that just might mean keeping it real and accepting you’ll never sing like Whitney. And yes, all our aims are different. And with your success, you must have achieved many of yours!
Thanks for popping by 🙂

Thanks Daisy – and love your mantra! Just watch out for the sharks 😉 Sam x

As far as writing goes, though, there is the question of talent, too…. think of all those X Factor contestants who spend money on voice coaches, practice and practice, but will never have more than a forgettable singing voice. Working for a review team, one comes across those whose confidence in their abilities outweighs their actual flair for the written word. In fact, I’ve usually found that the less cocky the writer, the better the book!!

I suppose this is where your self-belief versus reality comes in….! And what your aims are.