David Skuy is an attorney, writer and Toronto Maple Leaf’s fan! His new novel, "Off the Crossbar," is a book about a 14-year old boy named Charlie Joyce who loves to play hockey.
Who/what contributed to your inner strength?
I believe a person gains strength from his or her life. The successes provide confidence and the failures provide instruction. Then you add your support group to that - family, friends, philosophical/religious beliefs - and the result is the strength to try to achieve your goals in life.
When in your life was your inner strength particularly tested and how did you deal with the incident?
I suppose once you've lived long enough, you experience any number of trying events. In my writing career, the most trying moment came after writing my new novel, "Off the Crossbar," which is about a young boy who plays hockey. The NHL went on strike just as the book was coming out, and the publisher decided to delay things until the strike ended. Well, the strike didn't end for one year, and the entire project came close to being cancelled. I just decided to keep plugging away, without necessarily knowing if the book would survive. Fortunately for me, it did. I learned a valuable lesson. When in doubt - ignore the negatives and keep on going.
What suggestions do you have to help people realize their capabilities?
The first step in realizing your capabilities is to plan for success. Decide what you like to do, what you are good at, and then determine how you can make that happen. This involves a bit of honesty. I would have loved to be a professional hockey player - but I wasn't good enough. But there are lots of other things I love doing, and have had success at. Plan things out - and then just do it.
Why is it important to focus on inner strength?
Most writers learn very quickly to deal with rejection. What separates successful writers from those who merely pretend is the ability to handle rejection - because it comes often and with great fury! For a writer, that means bad reviews, rude bookstores and lots of people saying, "NO!" Inner strength is your best weapon in overcoming any problem. Naturally, there's no guarantee. Still, I believe the right attitude is your best friend in life.
What are your next goals and what positive thoughts or activities keep you striving toward your goals?
I am working hard on a sequel to "Off the Crossbar," while at the same time still heavily involved in this book. I also have a law practice to run and a family. To be honest, I really don't think about the problems associated with all that. I just plug away. Some days I get a lot done - others, well, not so much. I have made a plan for my writing career and my professional career, and I make sure things are in perspective by putting my family first. What else can one do?
