I don't know if you've read those cool mystery novels by Sue Grafton, where she uses a letter of the alphabet for every title (and subject) for her books. I have. I've read a few. And her writing is fantastic.
I believe that's where the inspiration came for the blog challenge that I'm in right now. It's called Blogging from A to Z Challenge and I'm supposed to write a blog everyday based on one letter of the alphabet. And that one word I choose, that starts with that letter, is my subject matter.
Okay, super random moment: Did you know that right now that there is a huge mega millions lottery that's worth a half a billion dollars if someone wins? Wow. By the time this posts, someone could have a heck of a lot of money. Here's my angle: If you were to win a half a billion dollars, would you have the aspiration to do anything else, ever again? I mean, if I won that money, would I feel the need to write? Would I feel the need to make money?
Definitely not so much the latter. The money has been made! Would I write though? Yes. But, it would sure take a lot of effort, will power, dedication and aspiration to keep doing what you were doing before the big win.
To write well, whether a zillionaire or not, you have to have keep that desire alive. It would be so much easier to jet away to an island, spend the money, to take it easy, ponder and do the things you've always wanted to do. But, this aspiration -- this ambition --to do what you love has to be there if you want to achieve what you believe in. Whether you've hit the jackpot or not.
Aspire to write great, and you will ... despite your annual income. It will take a lot of work, but by keeping the desire alive, regardless of your circumstance, you will always feel good about yourself if you try.
Aspire for -- and to be -- the best. That's the biggest jackpot you'll ever win.
Okay, super random moment: Did you know that right now that there is a huge mega millions lottery that's worth a half a billion dollars if someone wins? Wow. By the time this posts, someone could have a heck of a lot of money. Here's my angle: If you were to win a half a billion dollars, would you have the aspiration to do anything else, ever again? I mean, if I won that money, would I feel the need to write? Would I feel the need to make money?
Definitely not so much the latter. The money has been made! Would I write though? Yes. But, it would sure take a lot of effort, will power, dedication and aspiration to keep doing what you were doing before the big win.
To write well, whether a zillionaire or not, you have to have keep that desire alive. It would be so much easier to jet away to an island, spend the money, to take it easy, ponder and do the things you've always wanted to do. But, this aspiration -- this ambition --to do what you love has to be there if you want to achieve what you believe in. Whether you've hit the jackpot or not.
Aspire to write great, and you will ... despite your annual income. It will take a lot of work, but by keeping the desire alive, regardless of your circumstance, you will always feel good about yourself if you try.
Aspire for -- and to be -- the best. That's the biggest jackpot you'll ever win.
Hi Heather, hey from a fellow A to Z challenger :) I think aspiration is really a wonderful word to start off with. I know I often get caught up in the hoop-la of amazing book deals with 50,000 dollars for each book and pre-empts, etc. and I have to remind myself that my goal is to write and be happy with my writing and hey, if I get readership, then YAY! if not, thats okay to. Aspiring is something I need to kick myself in the behind for sometimes ;o)
ReplyDeleteHappy blogging!
Rachel
I think to truly aspire to something, you have to be honest and know yourself. I am in awe of those writers who know that writing is what they have to do, part of who they are.
ReplyDeleteGreat A post! I completely agree. I'd still aspire to be the best I can be whether I was a billionaire or just getting by as we are now.
ReplyDeleteAspiring to get round to as many A-Z bloggers as I can! LOL Nice to meet you and new follower :)
ReplyDeletePS You might want to turn off you word verification, even if just for April.
ReplyDeleteFunny you should ask. My husband bought a lottery ticket, our first ever, last Thursday night, and this is what we "decided" to do with the money if we were to win: pay off the house, buy a car and some clothes, and take a year to think about what to do with the rest. Alas, we did not win! But even if we had, I'd still aspire to write.
ReplyDeleteHi Heather! Great blog post. My hubby and I had a couple of tickets, hoping to be the winners. Of course we talked about what we would do with the money if we won. Pay off our debt. Give a large chunk to our church for the building fund. Pay off parents debt. Buy son a new car. Stuff like that. Giving up writing would never be in the equation if we had won. Gotta keep writing.
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Susanne
PUTTING WORDS DOWN ON PAPER
Hi Heather, it is very nice to meet you! Our friends Marty and Teri K. live in your sweet town. I think your blog is great, and am your newest follower.
ReplyDeleteIf I won that much money, I think that the only thing that would change is that we would travel more and we'd buy a few things; but I am lucky to be doing what I want to right now.
Best of luck on your A to Z!
Kathy M.
I heard all the fuss about the lotto but had no idea it was for that much...I can't even imagine!
ReplyDeleteI've often wondered the same thing, and I've come to the conclusion that even if I was a millionaire, I'd still write because it's IN me. It's not simply what I do, it's also who I am. It would be nice to have more down time and not have to write for the money, but I've been poor and followed my dreams, I could be rich and still follow them!
Great to meet you!
I actually know quite a few people that bought a ticket even though they never have just because it is just a great amount. If I won that much money, first I would pay off my student loans and pay back my credit cards and parents. Then I would donate at least half to my favorite charity. Money isn't life; it is just money. I'd still write too. I'd ASPIRE to be a writer forever. :)
ReplyDeleteAspire what a great word. I will aspire to complete me essay that is due despite my sickness this week! I will aspire to start getting back into stitching because I know how much I enjoy it. Thank you for aspiring me
ReplyDeleteI love your post! I aspire to be a great author and am working with someone to help me get there. I really enjoyed your post. I love your last sentence but I wouldn't mind winning the lottery just the same! LOL!
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