I always had this non-stop drive. I had to keep sending stories
I always had this non-stop drive. I had to keep sending stories out and every once in awhile I'd get something accepted or get the little trickle of positive feedback.
The words of Kevin J. Anderson — “I always had this non-stop drive. I had to keep sending stories out and every once in awhile I’d get something accepted or get the little trickle of positive feedback.” — speak of perseverance, of the fire that keeps burning even when the night is long and the victories rare. They are the testimony of a creator who refused to bow to rejection, choosing instead to move forward with tireless energy until the world could no longer ignore his voice.
This non-stop drive is not given lightly. It is born in the soul of those who cannot silence the call within, no matter how many times the world says no. To send out stories, again and again, is to plant seeds into a stony field, never knowing which will take root. But even the smallest acceptance, even the faintest positive feedback, becomes water for the spirit, reminding the laborer that his work is not in vain.
The ancients knew such struggles well. Consider the tale of Homer, whose works were at first carried by wandering bards from place to place, never knowing if they would endure. Or the scientist Galileo, who continued to write his truths in the face of ridicule and punishment. Each rejection sharpened their resolve; each small glimmer of recognition sustained them. Their greatness was not found in ease, but in persistence.
Anderson’s words also remind us that triumph is rarely sudden. Great victories are built on countless small steps, and success is often no more than the accumulation of failures endured without surrender. The trickle of positive feedback is a reminder that progress often comes not in floods, but in drops — drops that, over time, carve valleys through the hardest stone.
Let the generations remember: the path of creation, whether in art, science, or life, is not straight and easy, but filled with trials. Yet the one with non-stop drive, who continues to send forth his work despite silence and rejection, will one day see the harvest. Kevin J. Anderson’s words are a torch for all who labor in obscurity: that the key is not perfection, but persistence — not waiting for a flood, but treasuring every drop of light until it becomes a river.
NHYen Nhi Hoang
I love how this quote sheds light on the importance of resilience. It paints a clear picture of the constant push to get work out there and receive validation, even if it's in small doses. But I also wonder: is this ‘non-stop drive’ something that becomes easier over time? Do successful writers like Anderson eventually find a way to make the process less draining, or does the hustle never stop?
TNTai Nguyen
This quote highlights the behind-the-scenes reality of being a writer. The process often involves a lot of rejection, with only small bursts of validation. It's easy to romanticize the idea of a writer’s life, but this quote brings the struggle into focus. What I find most striking is the 'non-stop drive'—it makes me wonder how many writers have that same level of persistence and if it’s something that can be learned or if it’s innate.
NCPhuong Nguyen Cong
I relate to the constant hustle mentioned here. As a writer, the cycle of rejection followed by the occasional positive feedback can be both exhilarating and demoralizing. It’s a reminder that success doesn't come overnight, and persistence is key. But I'm curious: do writers sometimes burn out from this continuous effort? How does Anderson manage to keep the drive alive without feeling worn out from the constant rejections?
NDNguyen Dat
It's inspiring to see how persistence and passion are the driving forces behind success in writing. I admire the determination to keep sending stories out, even when the feedback is sparse. I wonder, though, how long this kind of grind can continue before it becomes discouraging? What keeps writers like Kevin J. Anderson from giving up when they don't get immediate success? How does he stay motivated during those dry spells?