“God’s Spirit gives us power, love, and discipline." ~ 2 Timothy 1:7
Jo always wanted to be an author, finishing
her very first novel by the sixth grade.
Like many aspiring authors, however, her parents encouraged her to
pursue more lucrative studies. But she’d
never stop writing and bringing her dreams to life.
After her application to attend Oxford was summarily
rejected, she attended the lesser-known university, earning a BA in French. Jo worked as a researcher for Amnesty
International after graduation. Living
modestly was hard. But the experience would
forever shape her values.
On a four-hour train from Manchester to London, an idea for a novel popped into her head. She’d spend the next five years outlining the plots for an entire series. Writing from a mountain of notes in longhand was hard but suppressing her creative energy was tougher yet.
Bored with her current job, she
moved to Portugal to teach English as a second language. There she met and married a Portuguese
journalist. They had a child together. It was difficult to be an attentive, loving
wife and mother. But an abusive
relationship was hell too. They split up
shortly after Jessica’s birth. Mother
and child returned to the UK.
Single, jobless and desperate, Jo applied for welfare. Stress began taking its toll. She even contemplated suicide. Therapy for depression was hard but feeling
dead inside was worse.
She continued plunking out her novel
on an antique manual typewriter. When
complete, Jo approached 12 publishing houses; they all turned her down. Rejection took patience, but she never lost
hope.
She’d finally get the green
light (and a $2,500 advance) a year later.
The Editor’s 8-year-old daughter from Bloomsbury Publishing had been given
the first chapter to review and immediately demanded more.
Though Bloomsbury agreed to
publish the book, they advised her to get a day job, noting she’d stand little
chance of making money in children's books.
They further suggested she use two initials rather than her full name;
the target audience of young boys probably wouldn’t read a book written by a
woman. Of the initial print run of 1,000
copies, 500 were given to libraries.
Today, Joanne ‘Jo’ Kathleen Rowling (aka JK
Rowling), remains one of the best-selling living authors in the world. Her Harry Potter brand is worth an
estimated US$15 billion thanks to a near-cult following worldwide. Seven best-selling novels translated into 77
languages, eight blockbuster movies and eleven video games.
Rowling’s inspirational story shows that hard work and
perseverance can change our lives. But
the alternatives are equally hard. Losing
weight is hard; but it’s difficult to be overweight and unhealthy too. It’s hard to save intelligently and spend frugally.
It’s also hard to be in debt and
constantly stressed about money.
We get to choose our
hard. So, pick wisely.
Father, help me to not lean solely on my own opinions, thoughts, or
dreams. Give me the Godly knowledge and
truth as I “choose my hard,” and the courage, strength and confidence as I
discern the next steps needed to satisfy Your will for me. Amen
