Great advice from Mary Kole: Kidlit · Sounds Great, No Substance.

I was lucky enough last night to hear author J. Jill Robinson give a great reading at the University of Saskatchewan from her novel More in Anger. The book is a searing look at the damage anger can inflict through the generations, described by one Good Reads reviewer as ‘fascinating and compelling’.

Jill spent ten years working on the book, perfecting it, honing it, reshaping it, editing it, finding the story within. She spoke with passion about the process and reminded me just how hard it can be to find the stories I’m trying to tell. Writing well takes time, energy, patience, and often error. The eventual book that Jill has written shows every step to have been worthwhile.

“As for discipline – it’s important, but sort of over-rated. The more important virtue for a writer, I believe, is self-forgiveness. Because your writing will always disappoint you. Your laziness will always disappoint you. You will make vows: “I’m going to write for an hour every day,” and then you won’t do it. You will think: “I suck, I’m such a failure. I’m washed-up.”

via Thoughts on Writing | Elizabeth Gilbert – The Official Website | ElizabethGilbert.com.