But consider for a moment that you want to be a theoretical physicist as a way to make your living and Adam wants to be a writer. Maybe its just possible the keys that open those doors are there for the taking.
Sure, it is possible that I could make a living as a writer, but it is not probable. The smart thing to do is to keep my day job and pursue writing as a hobby. If I keep refining my works and eventually get lucky enough that a publisher wants to go with one of them (and I made enough money to support myself), then I could quit my day job.
Suggesting that I (or anyone) should put all their eggs into one basket is very irresponsible. For some people with the right mix of persistance, creativity, and luck, everything with work out. But those people are in the vast minority.
SpentGeezer said:
Also burning desire and 100% belief will not turn average Joe into a successful writer. You cannot create creativeness, some people have it, some don't.
And just being creative is not enough to be able to make a living as a writer.
Mike375 said:
That is true. However, Adam said he can write. But secondly, what invariably happens when activity is driven by genuine powerful belief and burning desire is doors open all over the place. For example Adam might find publishing is where it is all at, who knows.
Yes, I can write. I've been involved in several writing communites, I've edited a lot of amateur works, I've edited 2 self-published works through a joint venture between myself and that particular author.
Your entire thoughts come down to "if you try hard enough, you can succeed at anything." That's the kind of thing parents tell their kids as they're growing up. That's not reality for the overwhelming majority of people. Just trying hard enough won't be enough to be a professional actor, a professional sports athlete, a professional singer, or a professional writer.
Encouragement to follow one's dreams is all well and good. People should strive to do what they want to do. But implying that the people who fail simply didn't believe enough in themself is hogwash.