Perspective, Smile and Serve by Melinda Cochrane

​In the world of writing it is important to keep perspective. I think being grounded will take you further. I think politeness and a smile probably goes a long way as well.

If you cannot write for the love of it- the service it provides others and not the end goal of money and the number of published works- I truly don’t know why anyone would write. It is a painstaking task to sell books, to get your work out there and to keep going. It isn’t the number of book sales or money that makes me write- it is simple for me- Does it help anyone? Does it make me happy? Does it make me smile?

If my words do not help anyone- I get no fulfillment from it.As a writer trying to publish, the most important lesson I learned is to be humble and graceful- everyone has a story that is equally as important as yours- you are not necessarily going to be applauded- and that is fine- do it for you.

No one owes you anything- perspective in life is important. Once you lose perspective you become aggressive and angry. This will not attract buyers or publishers. I mean would you buy a book from a growling person who does not see the value in words themselves. Words are magical powerful entities that can change and alter life. They can give hope, understanding, and compassion. They can alter destiny- think of Martin Luther King’s I have a dream speech, it is the words that linger long after into history- into the hearts of many and ring true with hope to this day. To me, if you call yourself a writer,  to have your words remembered like this and to know that people may have felt them is a reward far greater than money or a positive review- your service is your review.

Vercay Magazine