Your Monday Pep Talk

I'm arriving late to the "Man on Wire" party since I had to Netflix it.

For those who haven't seen it or who have never heard of it, "Man on Wire" is a documentary about Philippe Petit's lifetime obsession and final triumph over wanting to string a high wire between the Twin Towers and walk across it.

Crazy, right?
First off, who really has that much interest in wire walking?
And second, who is willing to risk legal troubles (it is not legal to wire walk without permission on national landmarks) and your life to do it?

The interviews with Petit in the film are amazing. His energy and enthusiasm for what he is doing is inspiring. His dedication to his passion borders on obsessive ... wait ... it IS obsessive!

But what you learn throughout the film is that not only will he not be deterred, but he convinces other people to help him on his crazy journey. He practices constantly, his life is seemingly lived for his one purpose alone: to wire walk across ridiculous spans, in particular the World Trade Center in New York. He lets nothing stop him to get to his ultimate goal.

It made me think about our little publishing world at Wheatmark.

For all those authors out there that are striving to fulfill their dream of being published, Petit is a great figure for inspiration. Despite criticism of what he wants to do, he continues. People tell him no, he is not deterred. Everyday he works on his craft and everyday he makes plans and contacts to help him fulfill his dream.

That is what authors should strive for! Writing out of passion is difficult because you put yourself and your ideas out there.

You ask for feedback, and sometimes it isn't positive. You must continue!

You try to get your book published through a "traditional" publisher (or 20) and are rejected. There is a way, do not be dissuaded!

When you believe passionately in your work it makes it easier for others to believe, so continue to fly your work's flag as high as you can!

Petit made his walk between the towers in 1974. He taunted death. He taunted the NYC police department. He did it hidden under tarps while hidden in the night. He did it.

You can do it, too!

Thankfully, Wheatmark won't make you create an illegal fake ID and hide for hours waiting for the guards to disperse. We offer publishing services to any author ready to make their dream a reality. So don't stop writing. Don't stop revising. Don't stop trying to make your dream a reality!

Now go have a cup of coffee and get back to your passion!