By now, I have to believe you’ve read Kathryn Stockett’s, “The Help”. I loved this book. And when I sold it for $1 at our twice-annual garage sale, I almost told the buyer that I’d changed my mind and I wouldn’t be selling that book.
What’s even more wonderful than the book is the author’s resolve to get it published. She was rejected 60 times before finally getting it published. SIXTY TIMES!!!! She’s my reminder for the day to never give up. If you’re that passionate about something and truly believe in it, it’ll come to fruition. Believe in it and yourself.
My favorite quotes if you don’t get a chance to read this article (but you should):
- Her first rejection, “Story did not sustain my interest.”
- 4oth rejection letter, “There is no market for this kind of tiring writing.”
- After rejection #45 she’s rewriting the last chapter WHILE in labor with her daughter, “…nurse looked at me like I wasn’t human and said in a New Jersey accent, ‘Put the book down, you nut job—you’re crowning.’”
And my favorite…
“The point is, I can’t tell you how to succeed. But I can tell you how not to: Give in to the shame of being rejected and put your manuscript—or painting, song, voice, dance moves, [insert passion here]—in the coffin that is your bedside drawer and close it for good. I guarantee you that it won’t take you anywhere. Or you could do what this writer did: Give in to your obsession instead.”
I’m looking forward to seeing this movie very soon. Let me know what you think of either (the book or movie)!


Posted by Alisa on August 11, 2011 at 11:09 pm
Love this!
Thank for this great post. I loved the book and plan to see the movie soon.
Posted by Alisa on August 30, 2011 at 9:29 am
Saw the movie. They did a good job, but as always, the book was better.
Posted by allthingsana on September 3, 2011 at 7:02 pm
Very few movies where I feel they did a better job than the book. This one was pretty close. They really did a beautiful job. I bawled like a baby and plan to see it again with my eldest and Palo Alto.