Does Dishonesty Pay?
It is tempting, isn’t it, to make the most of opportunities? I have just been reading in my new copy of Mslexia about ‘how to write a bestseller’ and reflecting that writing it may be achievable: the challenge is selling it. We learn how to make the most of opportunities that come our way.
I have a good friend, who has supported me and my writing for many years. In a busy schedule, this writer manages to find time to encourage and share insights which have nourished my self-belief. I also like to think that we have a lot in common, which is a precious discovery and one that, quite frankly, has helped to keep me sane. As it happens, this writer has occasional contact with a famous writer. My friend tells me that the writer does not do book reviews, because if s/he did, s/he would never get any work done. Now it just so happens that I could, if I really wanted, find a way to link to this writer via another, rather tenuous contact. If I was feeling opportunistic, I might approach them. Should I? The thought flits through my head, like a taunt, and I dismiss it, quickly. No, I should not. I would simply annoy the writer, alienate my friend and stack up a whole pile of bad karma to get through. Urgghh!
To put a positive spin on this – a trick I find so helpful – if I am meant to walk a particular path, I hold to the thought that God will make it possible. I truly believe that. In fact, I notice opportunities alighting before me all the time. It becomes my job to see the chances that are for me and have the courage to pick them up. That becomes a proper, grown up challenge, which arrives without the whiff of betrayal and loss. Thank goodness.
Please share:
June 9, 2014 @ 2:00 pm
I think it depends mostly on execution and perspective. I’ve never pursued anyone per-se, rather I try to organize it so they get the chance to meet me 🙂 Socially I think that works very well. Instead of waiting to be invited to someone else’s party, I have my own and include people I find interesting. No pressure to like me. If we mesh great, if not, then we go our separate ways.
There’s nothing dishonourable in being interested in a successful person’s experience or work. In fact, if done properly it can be quite flattering. Whenever anyone shows genuine interest in my work I’m very pleased and willing to ‘share’ 🙂
June 9, 2014 @ 3:10 pm
That is an even more positive way to see it working out. Thank you so much! xx 🙂
June 9, 2014 @ 6:33 pm
I truly believe that there is a lot in that silly saying “You’ll hate yourself in the morning” and I have tried to keep that in mind often. When I was working I was often given the opportunity to have this item at a reduced price or this service as a free gift and I went out of my way to avoid these “perks” I do believe that if you want your conscience to be clear you have to stick to the rules that you have laid down for yourself. I have a lovely personal note from Lee Child on my shelf (framed of course) but I would never think of approaching him except to share along with everyone else my pleasure from his books. I know some people think that you should grab every chance and opportunity but to me using people is just another form of greed and greed is the biggest problem in the modern world today.
I can’t imagine you ever being anything other than honest and straightforward Fran
June 9, 2014 @ 6:54 pm
Ah, thank you Diane. Your comments are like a breath of fresh air. I also think that our dishonesty will catch up with us, in the end. Better to hope for the opportunity, ask, and wait and see. That is what I try to do, anyway. Thanks for calling me honest and straightforward. I tried to be devious once (;)) but I got tangled up and fell over! xxx
June 9, 2014 @ 7:10 pm
I agree with Diane. Your friend may be beating the path to this writer or not anyway. Sometimes I think we see too much into ‘coincidences’ and the difficulty is not to knee jerk straight in but to discern whether this is a leading for you to take. I love the saying ‘God moves in mysterious ways’. It is so true and sometimes, time and patience is the key……..your book I bought (not the lovely personal one, that’s for my keeps), is in our school library, adult section! Fx
June 9, 2014 @ 9:01 pm
Thanks, Fleur, that is a lovely idea. I shall try to keep discerning. 🙂
Thanks for putting ‘Trapped’ in the school library. If you want, you might suggest that readers please post reviews, anywhere and everywhere! (((xxxx))) ♥
June 11, 2014 @ 3:35 pm
I will do that Fran. Already the books been loaned! Fx
June 11, 2014 @ 7:59 pm
YAY! That is great! xxx 🙂