Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Lessons Writers Can Learn From The Unsinkable Molly Brown


I watched the movie the other night and was just as entertained by Debbie Reynolds’ performance as I was when I saw it for the first time in the mid-1960s. What is it about Molly Brown that makes her story so compelling?  

“Nothin’ nor nobody wants me down likes I wants me up!” 



Molly had a dream, and she was determined to make her dream a reality. She had a game plan and committed 100% to her plan. Where did that commitment come from? Or maybe a better question is how did she sustain that commitment in the midst of poverty and adversity?  

Simple. Molly believed that UP meant hope.  

How do writers sustain their commitment to their game plans when rejection letters arrive or 1-star reviews show up on Goodreads or Amazon?  

Some don’t. The disappointment is simply too devastating and they crumble, believing their dreams will always be unfulfilled fantasies.  

Others, however, keep writing. They might find that in those moments of despair focusing on others keeps the dream intact. Giving back, maybe to a writers group, can keep hope alive. That’s what Molly did in the lifeboat. She lifted up her companions and gave them hope. She gave of herself—her spirit and even her clothes to keep others warm. When she finally looked beyond her own needs, the Denver 36 accepted her.

So what’s the lesson? Define your dream? Yes. Have a game plan that includes improving the lives of others? Think about it. If you leave those you meet better off than they were before you met them, the smile on your face will linger and seep into your heart. That gives dreams confidence to become reality.    

Remember though to always look up because that’s where hope is. 

Happy writing and running, Kathy

2 comments:

TC Avey said...

Great post. I've always like Molly Brown.
Writers do need to keep looking up.
I know my journey is just beginning- I can't make it if I don't look up.

Unknown said...

Thanks TC. I hope we all keep looking up.