Loved the insight! There are so many vital things to know about pursuing a writing career that are never taught in a class. Some, if we knew ahead of time, would stop the pursuit. BUT, rather than go into particulars to bum our high (I can write about that later), what I believe to be the most essential skill a writer can develop is to be able to consistently find your way to a place where you can say, "I'm going to do it anyway," when faced with the "no"s and/or silence of rejection. Whether you're pitching articles, screenplays, book proposals, website projects, marketing strategies (been there, done those), finding the part of you that won't sit down and shut up is a wonderful friendship to kindle. Write on, Everyone!