A heartening story about an author who persevered for ten years, through 200 rejections, before getting published. 

Brian Conaghan found himself in the running for the overall Costa Book Award, having won the children’s prize.

Coatbridge writer Brian Conaghan wins Costa book award – BBC News

Hope for us all!

I’m too bloody-minded to quit—some call this determination—others stubbornness.

I just hope that I don’t end up like one of those fighters who won’t admit defeat, staying in the ring until they turn the lights out!