It's funny, but it isn't really admirable when you have no choice. As long as I have breath and brain, it's getting finished. The story and characters came complete, vouchsafed (as I like to say) to me, the only person with the right background to write this particular saga.

As with most quests, you keep to it until you win - or are permanently stopped by something bigger than yourself. There is no in between.

Yup - many factors go into how or why we ask or don't ask. I was raised by two people-pleasers, so I had much to unlearn. And it took me a long time to come to the realization that no justification is necessary for a "no." A good reminder for all of us, Denise- thank you!

I'm so glad you enjoyed this, Tiffany, and thanks for sharing. I'm flattered!

Your persistence is admirable, Alicia. I'm sure your fans will someday be glad that you finished it, too!

Oh, don't be so sure about that Jenny LOL! Thanks for catching my faux pas.

Linda, your answer is up above here. This won't happen to our sweet Karen when I get the new site design loaded. 🙂

For me, it depends on what I need, I have no problem asking. But, there are times when I do have trouble.

But, I've learned to say no, also. When you say no, remember it's one syllable. Don't give a reason. When you give a reason (justification), it can be turned on you as a form of guilt, and you may succumb to yes. Just say "no."

denise

Persistence is one of your better qualities.

It's forward - or quit. I have no desire to quit.

I'm not discouraged - just recounting what I've tried so far, and the success ratio.

I'm constantly poking at it, and operating within a very narrow energy window. So be it. I think it will be MUCH better to deal with when the trilogy is finished. Right now there's a lovely bunch of reviews, and a bunch of fans; but I can't market properly when, if they like the first book, the next two aren't available for purchase.

I think the first is perfect as it is, but I also think the whole will be a whole different ball game.

Sort of like stopping after part 1 of The Lord of the Rings. I'm glad he finished it.

Thanks, Karen. I've learned a lot from everyone here, especially Jenny. She's taught me a lot about how to structure a blog post. She doesn't have to edit my work nearly as much as she used to!