making it

Julia CameronThe Right to Write

It is interesting to me that we ask a question about the writing life that we do not ask about other professions. For example, we do not say, "What are your odds of making it as an investment banker? As an elementary-school teacher? As a chemist?" In those, and most professions, we assume that an interest in pursuing the career implies a probable proclivity for it and a reasonable chance for success. Not so with writing. The truth is, when you want a writing career and are willing to do the work to get it, the odds work with you, not against you. This is simple metaphysical law. As Goethe advised us, "Whatever you think you can do or believe you can do, begin it--for action has magic grace and power in it."