A colleague recently shared the toughness required to be published. Here's the story. If they say no to your art, try again. If they say no, try again. Try, and try and try. You want to say you've tried. If you knock on the door and it is shut in your face. Knock, again. Knock, again. Try the window. Try the chimney. If nothing is working, get an axe. Huff and puff. I think you get it. This person is going to get in the house.
I am sure if you quit trying, doors will in no way open to you. You must respect your work--no matter how bad it is. Focus on emotional connection. This is what every creator is doing. Fuel your work with a purpose that noble and good, but avoids heavy handedness. Do not think the Universe owes you This is a big place and the life and times of a grain of sand (O, the insignificance) holds little weight in a vast universe.
But, of course, you are here "to contribute a verse.' You are here to not "go gently into the night." Above all, "life is no crystal stair." Pour your words out like you have all the water in the world. Be like your cup will never run dry and share your positive vibes with all the folk. The only thing that can trap our indomitable spirit is bowing down to the voices that say give up.
You have persistence. You add it yourself. Jog on.
