According to the dictionary ‘luck’ is the force that seems to operate for good or ill in a person’s life, as in shaping circumstances, events, or opportunities.
I was going to write today about the part I believe luck plays in a writer’s life (and I do actually believe it plays an important part!) but then I started reading about luck on the internet. I got caught up in a whole load of quotes (this is why I try not to do research—I’m so easily sidetracked) and so thought I would share a few of my favorites instead.
It’s quite amazing the difference in opinions—from people who believe in luck to those who obviously think you make your own…
Shallow men believe in luck. Strong men believe in cause and effect. Ralph Waldo Emerson
Diligence is the mother of good luck. Benjamin Franklin
For a long time now I have tried simply to write the best I can. Sometimes I have good luck and write better than I can. Ernest Hemingway
The meeting of preparation with opportunity generates the offspring we call luck. Tony Robbins
People often remark that I’m pretty lucky. Luck is only important in so far as getting the chance to sell yourself at the right moment. After that, you’ve got to have talent and know how to use it. Frank Sinatra
Nobody gets justice. People only get good luck or bad luck. Orson Welles
Nothing is as obnoxious as other people’s luck. F. Scott Fitzgerald
Luck is not chance, it’s toil; fortune’s expensive smile is earned. Emily Dickinson
Destiny is a good thing to accept when it’s going your way. When it isn’t, don’t call it destiny; call it injustice, treachery, or simple bad luck. Joseph Heller
I think the closest to my beliefs is Frank’s quote (I love Frank Sinatra!) Yes, luck is important, but you’ve got to be ready for it, and you’ve got to have the talent to recognize and do something with it. So, because I don’t believe that people will stumble across my latest release entirely by good luck alone…here’s a link.
So who do you agree with? And are you shallow or strong?
About Nina Croft
Nina Croft grew up in the north of England. After training as an accountant, she spent four years working as a volunteer in Zambia which left her with a love of the sun and a dislike of 9-5 work. She then spent a number of years mixing travel (whenever possible) with work (whenever necessary) but has now settled down to a life of writing and picking almonds on a remote farm in the mountains of southern Spain. Nina writes all types of romance often mixed with elements of the paranormal and science fiction.
I believe it was Thomas Edison who said it was 98 perspiration and 2 percent inspiration. That’s what I’m going with. It’s not exactly about luck. Or is it?
Hi Connie – I think the actual writing is down to hard work but what happens after you’ve written it to the best of your ability – well, then luck can play a part.