perseverance

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June 20, 2026

Creator Lessons: What 47 Interviews Taught Me About Creativity, Writing, Publishing, and Building Meaningful Work

Over the years, I've interviewed authors, illustrators, publishers, literary agents, editors, and creators from a wide range of backgrounds. While their careers look different on the surface, many of the same lessons appeared again and again. Some have sold millions of books. Others built successful illustration careers. Some left stable jobs to pursue creative work. Others persevered through years of rejection before finding success. What follows is a collection of the most important lessons that emerged across these conversations. Each lesson is supported by interviews and articles that explore the idea in greater depth.

July 25, 2020

What Dr. Seuss Can Teach Creators About Persistence and Success

Most creators experience the same uncomfortable moment. You pour time, effort, and hope into a project only to be met with rejection, criticism, silence, or disappointing results. It happens to writers, artists, entrepreneurs, and creators of every kind. The question isn't whether setbacks will happen. The question is whether you'll keep going when they do. Few creative careers illustrate this better than Dr. Seuss. Today, his books are considered classics and his name is recognized around the world. But long before The Cat in the Hat became a household favorite, Theodor Seuss Geisel faced rejection, uncertainty, and years of slow progress. His journey reminds us that success rarely arrives as quickly as we hope and that some of the most influential creative work in history almost never made it into the world at all. If you've ever questioned your abilities, wondered whether your work matters, or felt discouraged by a lack of progress, Dr. Seuss's story offers a powerful reminder: persistence often matters far more than immediate success.

April 30, 2019

Susan Schmid on Patience, Perseverance, and Publishing Children’s Books

It's a joy to have children's book author Susan Maupin Schmid by for an interview. Susan is the author of the 100 Dresses series from Random House, an avid seamstress, and a Mentor Mom for MOMSnext (a division of MOPS International). She considers her inner 10-year-old her greatest asset as a writer and mentor (except when said inner child wants to stay up late or play Animal Crossing).

June 20, 2018

5 Ways to Develop Mental Toughness and Self-Discipline

Mental toughness is one of the most valuable skills a person can develop. Goals rarely unfold exactly as planned. Obstacles appear. Motivation fades. Unexpected setbacks test our patience and resolve. The people who consistently achieve meaningful goals are not necessarily the most talented or intelligent. More often, they are the ones who continue moving forward when circumstances become difficult. The good news is that mental toughness is not something you're born with. It is a skill that can be developed through daily habits, intentional choices, and consistent practice. By strengthening your ability to manage adversity, make difficult decisions, and follow through on commitments, you can become more resilient in every area of life. Here are five practical ways to build mental toughness and develop greater self-discipline.

February 13, 2018

Lessons from Debbie Dadey: 166 Children’s Books, 42 Million Copies Sold

Debbie Dadey is one of the most successful children's authors of the modern era. Best known as the co-creator of The Adventures of the Bailey School Kids series, she has published more than 160 traditionally published books and sold over 42 million copies worldwide. A former teacher and librarian, Debbie has spent decades helping young readers discover a love of books. In this interview, we discuss writing perseverance, traditional publishing, critique groups, finding time to write, working with co-authors, mentoring aspiring writers, and what it takes to build a long-term career in children's publishing. Although this conversation took place in 2018, the lessons about creativity, persistence, and professional growth remain just as relevant today.