(#227-1) May 19 2015. Getting a project going is one thing. Making it a success is another matter entirely. That doesn’t just required talent. It requires stamina, fortitude, timing, restraint, judgment—and luck. Good health doesn’t hurt. In fact, it is fundamental. It is hard to endure, when your body is weak.

BIZ STONE COULD WELL BE TALKING ABOUT WRITING

WELL, MY CAREER ANYWAY. ALL IT TAKES IS EVERYTHING YOU’VE GOT OVER AN UNCONSCIONABLE LENGTH OF TIME—AND MORE GRIT THAN I PROBABALY HAVE, OR CARE TO THINK ABOUT.

THE MOST DEPRESSING ASPECT IS THE LACK OF FAITH OF ALMOST EVERYBODY—EVEN YOUR NEAREST AND DEAREST.

WHAT KEEPS YOU GOING? YOUR INNER VOICE—AND AT LEAST ONE FRIEND.

ONE  IS ALL YOU NEED.

I’M A LITTLE AHEAD ON THAT SCORE—AND FEEL MUCH BLESSED

My approach to writing and publishing bears some resemblance to that of a sniper (strange as that may seem).

A sniper spends much more time watching and waiting than actually shooting. He takes as long as it takes to get into position without detection—and doesn’t fire until he is as certain, as any flawed human can be, that he will hit his target.

He knows he probably won’t have a chance to get off a second shot.

He is much more interested in a successful result than how long it takes. He has the nerve and foresight to take the long view.

Typically, he works alone or with one other person. He is at high risk at all times—and it is not a job that most people care to do—or are capable of. It’s too solitary, too demanding—and it certainly isn’t particularly financially rewarding.

His peers tend to regard the sniper as somewhat strange. His focus, just in itself, is somewhat unnerving—and his willingness to endure without the support of others is really not normal.

He is a little frightening.

Yet, most would reluctantly admit that the sniper is disproportionately effective—and needed.

The writer as a sniper? Such is the thought that popped into this writer’s head this morning.

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