First read article, then I’ll comment on why it’s on a blog about writing.

The Cornell v Loyola lax game, on Saturday (May 15th), was aired on ESPN-U, then made ESPN news, was featured in numerous newspapers, and Max’s (#33) goal made top 10 on ESPN’s sports center the following day.

Max Feely’s Goal In Triple Overtime Advances Cornell Men’s Lax Past Loyola In NCAA Tourney

5/15/2010 5:25:23 PM

Feely #33-in foreground

5/15/2010 5:25:23 PM

ITHACA, N.Y. – Junior Max Feely (#33) picked an opportune time to score his first career goal, as the All-Ivy defender took the ball coast-to-coast for a clear before depositing a shot past the Loyola goalkeeper 1:55 into the third overtime to give Cornell an 11-10 victory on Saturday afternoon at Schoellkopf Field. The win advances the seventh-seeded Big Red into an NCAA quarterfinal contest next Sunday at Stony Brook against the winner of tomorrow’s contest between No. 2 Syracuse and No. 16 Army. Cornell improves to 11-5, while the Greyhounds ended their season at 9-5.

Feely’s goal ended the longest NCAA tournament contest in both school’s history and the longest game on record in Loyola’s storied lacrosse program. Cornell last went into a third overtime against Yale in 1996, falling to the Bulldogs 11-10.

* Box Score
* Cornell Postgame Notes
* Cornell Postgame Press Conference (check it out–Feely answers Qs)
* Loyola Postgame Notes
* Photo Gallery

Okay, I’ll admit it. Max Feely is my son. And this is a ‘proud mom’ moment. Sorry for the brag, but hey, I’m a mom.

A quick disclaimer: The point I want to make may be a bit of a stretch, but this was the thought that came to mind the more I thought about my son’s feat, and that of so many people who succeed at what they set out to do: YOU can accomplish what you set out to do. Even amazing things. It takes hard work, perseverance, discipline, more hard work, perseverance, and faith in yourself. It takes a vision of success.

This morning there was a story on the Today Show about a girl, who at age 8 was kidnapped and brutally raped. The rapist then slit her throat from ear to ear and left her bleeding in a field. She was lucky to have been found 14 hours later by some kids playing nearby. She couldn’t call out because her vocal cords had been sliced. She was told she would never be able to speak again. The next day she spoke. She recovered physically, but was traumatized, as you might expect.

This beautiful little girl set a goal. She would find the killer. Everyday she thought about him and worked to achieve justice. She never gave up, certain that she would succeed. About 18 years later they found her killer! He was convicted and sentenced to life w/o parole. In the cell he hung himself.

Writers and artists: set goals, envision them, keep writing and creating. It’s not easy; it requires diligence, a dedicated work ethic, training, faith.

But there’s one more thing. Make sure you read the following paragraph before moving on to the next blog.

These days there are far too many people who think they can simply write a novel or a memoir, or a work of non-fiction without putting in the time getting training, working at the craft, honing their writing skills, etc. They think a draft or two will do. They think they don’t need a class or a workshop. They think they were born writers. (Okay, for a few that’s true. Sorta’.)

So, like Max Feely, who puts in several hours a day training, who then has to study to get grades (he gets good grades…okay, I’m bragging again), and who then has to find time to sleep, and like the little 8 year old girl, who worked each day to find her killer, you have to put in the time, you have to be disciplined, and you have to believe in yourself.

In the same vein, it is possible to write a story or a book that gets published or wins a prize or both.  So keep at it. Good luck!

Love to hear from you. chrysaliseditorial@rcn.com. Or comment below.