Nicely done, Troy, and what a little cutie of a boy you've got there. This makes me think of a very close friend who has been dodging and weaving his way through writing, often getting scared and taking off for something else more secure. Then he comes back. Then he runs. Then it's back again. Four years ago he moved to Costa Rica so he could live cheap and devote himself to writing. Big time commitment to hang tough and do what he feels is the only thing he really wants to do. There have been rough times and times when his progress was so slow it seemed all was lost. But he's stayed with it and is doing exceptionally well now. He even likes Costa Rica. Every morning he looks forward to sharing breakfast with his favorite monkeys. I guess the trick is making friends with them and sharing a meal.

Trust is a breeding ground for creativity, whereas (false) expectations kills creativity. I read a scientific report regarding the success level of artists (writing is also art).The researcher studied a group of newby or aspiring artists. He looked at different aspects of their professional life and their personality. After a few years he conducted the same survey. He became curious why some artists became succesful and others not. Besides talent and perseverance, he discovered that artists who started their project with a certain outcome in their mind gave up, and those who played along with what came up during the creating process succeeded. so, the expectations limited the artists and made them quit earlier because they couldn't live to what they had in mind. Those who trusted the proces, worked with what came along and tried different approaches succeeded with their art. So, confidence, trust and openness are important tools in the creating process.

Shekar Kapur, director of Elizabeth, talks in this Tedtalk about the creative process and trust. Our mind limits us, our creative process opens up possibilities. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZxLsDkvkVQ