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imtiny2011

Lick 'Em Tomorrow

Dear Site Members,


Thank you for your encouraging response to my recent book launch announcement and for joining this website! If you pre-ordered Float the Boat, the order was filled today, November 17. ⛵ If you’re still kicking the tires, Amazon has the first chapter available for previewing on my book page as follows:


  • Go to my Home Page

  • Click on the Amazon link at the bottom of the page

  • Click on the "Read Sample" icon


In this post, I'd like to share a quick reflection on my experience writing Float the Boat.


But first, a brief history lesson.


On April 6, 1862, after barely averting disaster on the first day of the Battle of Shiloh, General William T. Sherman remarked to his boss, General U.S. Grant, that they’d had a terrible day. Grant’s reply: “Yes. Yes. Lick ‘em tomorrow, though.”


Lick ‘em tomorrow, though.


On what was the worst day of his life, Grant kept his eyes focused on tomorrow, his next chance to succeed. He embraced his failure and didn’t let it rob the opportunity from him then, or ever. You know how the story ends.


For several years, while writing my book, Grant’s words of optimism echoed inside my head. Like him, I embraced failure every day. Can’t find the right word? Take the hit and try again tomorrow, Mark. Dialogue still lackluster despite your effort? Take another crack at success tomorrow. The meme attached below, which I created on Imgflip.com recreates my daily pep talk.





Liking failure means embracing it. Do that, and you’re on the road to success tomorrow. It took me several years to like the first paragraph! I must’ve rewritten it a hundred times. The breakthrough came only after input from my two editors—and more rewriting. Who knows what you’ll think about it? That’s a battle to come.


I look forward to the day when I can thank you in person.


Regards,


Mark

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