While I was scanning through my TBR list on my Kindle for something that would inspire me in my writing I came across Lady By The River – Stories of Perseverance, coedited by Yvette Prior.
I am a believer in chance and fate so it brought a smile to my heart when one of the essays was about writing and perseverance. Just what I needed to read.
Mabel Kwong’s: How I Found the Confidence to Chase My Passion and Made It A Reality is filled with heart warming advice about the struggles of being a writer.
An Australian Chinese-Malaysian writer Mabel Kwong is fascinated by issues such as multiculturalism, racism, stereotypes and identity issues. Her difficulties with her writing range from rejections and lack of support from a family where
artsy jobs are deemed riskier career choices and so are often frowned upon.
Mabel Kwong fought these obstacles.
When we push on and keep trying, we feel the flame of inspiration within us amidst growing confidence.
When we muster the courage and try our hand at what we are passionate about, we ignite the spark within us to put ourselves and our voice out there.
Following this story I was delighted to discover that it was written by Ana Linden, a fellow blogger whose writing and photography I greatly admire. I have read and enjoyed every one of her books. Her style of writing is raw and she is fearless in exposing her heart. This is especially true in her essay titled Present in the Past.
Ana Linden’s story is why for years she avoided going back to her childhood home and finally having the courage to confront the power of her past.
I had felt the effects of her (grandmother’s) manipulative, selfish and cruel nature at a time when I desperately wanted to believe nothing of that was real, because I loved her…You never get over certain things, but you learn to live with them, to control what they do to you.
When at 19 she finally left her home town, (F)uelled not by hopes and dreams of idealistic youth, I left it driven by anger and hatred.
Ana Linden’s writing is honest and bold at its core as she minutely describes her pain and mistreatment. She pushes on to simply survive my family and not become like them.
To quote Yvette Prior in her introduction to Ana Linden:
Ana processed her past with us, showing us how she turned pain and mistreatment into motivation, to then later dispense grace from a place of strength.
The collection includes ten other moving stories where patience and friendship, determination, learning to embrace challenges, coping strategies and sharing all are part of the fabric of perseverance. In her conclusion of this collection and study on perseverance, Yvette Prior writes:
It takes an effort to endure, but it can pay off with an enriched you, and with an inspiring story to tell later.
Carol Balawyder 
Hi Carol, I greatly enjoyed reading this entire book. Some of the authors are blogging friends I greatly admire. I found their stories resonated with me even more since I have learned some of their background stories on their blogs. I am also a believer in chance, fate, synchronicity and how sometimes the teacher appears when you are ready to learn the lesson. I love Yvette’s phrase “…later dispense grace from a place of strength.” Thank you for sharing an inspirational and thought-provoking post. Erica
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Thanks Erica/Erika for your on-target comment. I too believe that the teacher appears when you are ready. Otherwise, it will be simply forcing things and that never goes well. Might as well go see a movie instead or eat a bowl of ice cream. 🙂
Thank you also for your kind words about my post. But really, the inspiration belongs to the writers in this book.
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Zsou d’s like a great book. Thanks for binging it to my attention.
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You’re welcome, Darlene. There are so many interesting stories in this book, I find it to be more like a reference book when you need a little writers’ down pick up.
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I must have responded without my glasses on. Sorry for the typos.
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Those messages are so powerful Carol…
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They are and really, June there are only the tip of the iceberg as to how much insight and inspiration is in this book. A great book to have on hand when you (meaning I) need a pick me up in my writing.
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This sounds like a very powerful book, Carol. I can see it as the sort of book that can really offer the reader a sense of hope and even uplift the reader. Thanks for sharing.
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Oh, you’re so right, Margot. There is lots of hope in these stories and as you said truly an uplifter. Thanks for being here and sharing your thoughts.
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Mabel’s story is a beautifully inspiring one, I admire her courage to follow her dream. Thank you for sharing about the book, Carol! ❤
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I agree. Mabel’s story is really inspiring and also great insight on her experience as a Chinese-Malaysian writer and its culture. But your story, Ana was/is although difficult you showed a lot of courage – something that I admire about your writing and you. ❤
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Thank you, Carol. ❤ The timing made all the difference for me… I probably wouldn't have shared that story, had Yvette not invited me to take part in the project when she did. Somehow, sharing it felt easy and right at that particular moment. 🙂
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You are a strong and brave writer, Ana. Your story is timeless and also one that hopefully will resonate with a lot of people. ❤
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I hope so too, Carol. 🙂 ❤
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Perseverance is key to success..:). XX
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So true, Janet. xxx
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Wonderful review Carol. I am looking forward to reading this book. I’ve been following Mabel’s blog for years and enjoy her writing. Congrats to Mabel, Yvette and all the contributing authors. ❤
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Thank you for sharing!!.. “When you are truly inspired by some great purpose, some extraordinary project… your mind transcends its limitations, your consciousness expands in every direction, and you find yourself in a new, great and wonderful world! Then those dormant forces, faculties and talents inside you become alive, and you discover yourself to be a greater person by far than you ever dreamed yourself to be.” (Patanjali )… 🙂
Hope your path is paved with love and happiness and until we meet again..
May love and laughter light your days,
and warm your heart and home.
May good and faithful friends be yours,
wherever you may roam.
May peace and plenty bless your world
with joy that long endures.
May all life’s passing seasons
bring the best to you and yours!
(Irish Saying)
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Thanks for sharing these positive and energizing quotes, Dutch. 🙂
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Wonderful post, Carol!
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Thanks for introducing me to this book, Carol. I’m surprised that I haven’t come across it before. It sounds wonderful. ❤
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Hi Carol,
I was on a blog break when this wonderful post was published
thanks so very much for your review and I love how you expounded on Ana’s story and then connected the perseverance topic and overall book review.
Enjoyed your post and thanks so very much
Yvette
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