I think I made my first short fiction sale in 2005. I had been writing unsuccessfully before that.
This quote highlights the persistence often required in the creative process. Success rarely comes immediately; many writers spend years honing their craft and facing rejection before achieving a breakthrough. It serves as a reminder that perseverance is key, and that early setbacks don't define one's potential. Celebrating those small victories, like the first sale, can be motivating and help sustain the passion for continued growth in writing.