I walked away from the book with a better understanding of a pivotal moment in history, when Rome finally gained control of enough money to dominate the world. It didn't pass over me that these events happened just 30 years before Jesus was born, that one of the main players played a prominent role in Jesus' life, and that, with Cleopatra's demise, a new world emerged.
It's a fantastic book--if difficult to read--and I recommend it.
Here are three lessons for writers based on Cleopatra's life.
1. Don't trust your family (to be honest about your writing).
Cleopatra had siblings murdered. She didn't trust them, and with good reason. No, we don't want to kill our families, but it's best to seek honest opinions about our writing from outside sources.
2. Keep going when things don't go your way.
This woman should have been renamed "tenacity." She would not give up. When her brother convinced officials to turn against her, she cozied up to her supporters, went into hiding, and found a way to meet with Julias Caeser. It wasn't easy; there were no guarantees Caeser wouldn't kill her--but she didn't let that stop her.
3. Expect the best.
Cleopatra believed she deserved to be queen, and welcomed all of the trappings and responsibilities that came with the job. Did she feel guilty that she was the wealthiest woman in the world? No. Did she worry she wouldn't be able to handle the constant stream of duties each day? Doubtful.
We too can expect the best. When we believe we will be published (or whatever dream we have that seems impossible), we welcome all the trappings and responsibilities that come with the job.
Do you find it harder to keep going when things don't go your way or to expect the best?
The mental game of being a writer is hard. Be confident!
Have a happy Monday!
I love hearing about women who go after their dreams like that. Pretty amazing. And I loved your first. It made me laugh. And yes, I get down when things don't go my way, but after a day or so I bounce back.
ReplyDeleteI think it's disappointing when things don't go the way I thought they would, but what keeps me going is knowing God's never late. He's right on time, and if I want His very best then I need to be patient while He works in the invisible on my behalf and continue to be obedient when I don't seem to see the fruit of what He's asking me to do. Happy Monday, Jill! :)
ReplyDeleteIf we don't project a high image of ourselves, how are we to expect others to value our opinions and talents and take us seriously?
ReplyDeleteYes, it is important to stay positive about this process-as hard as it is!! Thanks for a great wake up post:)
ReplyDeleteI try to remind myself that I write because I love doing it. If I get down when things don't go my way I've learned to just keep writing. The best way for me to weather the storm.
ReplyDeleteAnd it sounds like a very interesting book!
Cool comparisons. I take a different approach on #3. I know God's got my back and in my gut I feel publication coming on, but I'm careful not to have too high expectations. I want to have a realistic view of how long this road can be. Maybe the word just threw me, but I believe things will happen for me (and I think that's the point you're making).
ReplyDelete~ Wendy
Sound advice and thanks for the book recommend. I'm always looking for a good read.
ReplyDeleteLaura: I love reading about tenacious women too! And yeah, Cleopatra was not a family gal!
ReplyDeleteJessica: I know what you mean. It's normal to feel disappointed, but we just keep going. :)
CJ: Right on! I agree completely!
Terri: Sometimes it's very hard. And sometimes it's easier--don't ask me why!
Kara: I'm the same way. I love writing and try not to let the outside stuff get in the way of that.
Wendy: Yes! If you didn't believe it would happen eventually, you would shut down the blog, throw out the laptop, and devote your extra time to something else. :)
Travis: Welcome! If you enjoy learning about history, you will LOVE the book!
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Jill, the first two points proved true in my life. My family is too close to be a subjective audience, requiring me to go elsewhere for honest critique of my work. Perseverance is vital.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I've heard many published authors say their doubts didn't disappear after they were contracted. The shift to contracted author can be a bit overwhelming at times. One faces a whole new set of challenges and expectations. Oh, that I had the confidence of Cleopatra. But I do have supportive friend--and the Lord. =)
Love this! I'll be adding Cleopatra to my book list to learn more about that era in history. I get way too caught up in my everyday battles I forget that God is Able, building our character through circumstances perfect for the purpose we are created for.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the awesome pep talk. I think I can do a little Cleo aura today. :O)
ReplyDeleteKeli: Ha! Yeah, I hear you. I don't think my doubts will ever disappear--but I still expect my dreams to come true eventually!
ReplyDeleteLynn: Yes, our circumstances are unique, but He gets us through them. Good reminder!
Diane: You are welcome, Queen Diane Cleo!
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Nah, I'm too old to let a little detour or disappointment stop me. :) Good post.
ReplyDeleteI have a hard time expecting the best. Dreaming big. A part of me feels weird about it...like I'm asking for too much.
ReplyDeleteMore great wisdom, Jill! Thanks for sharing. :)
I love #2. Cleopatra's example makes me think of tenacity in a whole new way: Not just beating your head repeatedly against the same closed door, but finding another way, being flexible enough to think outside the box.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Jill! And a great correlation for writers and women of faith!
I'll have to check out this book! I really don't know much about Cleopatra, but I think she's a fascinating person.
ReplyDeleteI love your three lessons, especially the tenacity one!
Angie: Love your fiesty attitude! Right on!
ReplyDeleteKatie: I have a hard time with it too. But I do believe God sees more in us than we do, and for that alone we can expect the best.
Niki: Cleopatra was nothing if not an improvisor! Smart woman.
Melissa: I knew nothing about Cleopatra (I'm kind of ashamed to admit that) before I read the book, and I walked away with so much more than just a biography of a famous woman. I feel like I have a good understanding of what life was like back then--all thanks to this lovely author Stacy Schiff.
Thanks so much for stopping by!
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a fascinating story! I'll have to check that one out.
ReplyDeleteTenacity may be the very thing that separates the published from the unpublished. We just have to suit up for the ride in our crocodile skin (tough and thick!) and enjoy ourselves. :)
Life is coping when things don't go your way (which you can expect quite often if you aim high - and why wouldn't you?) and enjoying the times when wonderful things happen (which you can expect quite often - because life is wonderful.)
ReplyDeleteWHAT? My family's not objective?!?!?! LOL my Dad has every copy of every story I ever wrote. I'm hoping to burn 99% of them someday. ;)
ReplyDeleteLindsay: Speaking of crocodile skin--is winter over yet? Thanks for the motivation!
ReplyDeleteLeigh: Life IS wonderful--beautiful sentiments!
Jaime: Well, of course your dad is the exception! :)
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Yes, it is a mental game, isn't it? Good points, and good things to ponder!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Karen
Definitely! I can be my own worst enemy.
ReplyDeleteJill, this is awesome. So much of success, then and now, comes down to strength, perseverance, and belief. Great stuff.
ReplyDeleteKaren: The mental game challenges every writer!
ReplyDeleteKristen: So can I, so can I... :)
Julie: You consolidated it well--strength, perseverance, and belief. Perfect!
Thanks so much for stopping by!
I need to add that book to my list. As for your question, my answer is no. In fact, the opposite is true. When things don't go my way, I dig in deeper because I refuse to give up. Don't get me wrong, I take a moment to be disappointed and feel sorry for myself, but then I'm back at it.
ReplyDeletelove reading your posts,very interesting and thanks for the recommendation. Start following you. Please visit my blog and do follow and leave a comment there....really appreciate it. Thanks. Have a great day
ReplyDeletehttp://freedelicacies.blogspot.com
So true about this being a mental game. I love number three! I remember an agent once telling a class that you have to be confident about talking about your work; that you have to pick out a mental hat, put it on, and even pretend to get in character to talk about your work, describe it, etc. I've never forgotten that.
ReplyDeleteI am learning to expect the best. If I get down, I try to get right up again. The down time gets shorter as I look for good things to come.
ReplyDeleteJill! I've been heavily considering to read this book. I'm glad you gave it such a rave review. I wont hesitate to purchase now.
ReplyDeleteSusan: I admire your spirit! You rock!
ReplyDeleteDelicacies: Welcome, I'm glad you stopped by!
Karen: Great advice. We do have to invest in ourselves--even mentally.
Nancy: I feel the same. It's getting easier!
T. Anne: It's thought-provoking. I love learning about history, so I'm glad I picked this one up. I will warn you that it's not easy to read. The author uses big words, big concepts, and I really had to focus. That might just be a me problem, though!
Thanks so much for stopping by!
It IS such a mental game! There is so much I find myself psyching... myself... out about. Learning to be aware of this very fact helps.
ReplyDeleteAwesome parallel here, Jill! Cleopatra. Who knew?
Thank's for dropping by my blog. Your's is interesting...I love the piece about Cleo. sometime's family is our worst critic.
ReplyDeleteMy family is about to send me crazy...but I love em any way.
Love,Debbie
Hi Jill,
ReplyDeleteI think I'd like to read this book. You tied Cleopatra's life to our writing and made a beautiful bow. :)
This journey takes so long that it's easy to get weary. The prayer, patience, and perseverance triplets are necessary for success.
Blessings,
Susan
I'm learning to expect the best, and to switch to that attitude as quickly as possible when things don't go my way. Its something I've always known to do, but never been able to do regularly until recently. I really want to read this book, have had it on my list ever since a teenager recommended it to me at a Christmas party.
ReplyDeleteHi jill, first time visitor. I don't find it hard to keep going even when things do not go according to plan. I love what I do and can write regardless of the circumstances.
ReplyDelete