Ope here, 

We all know about skipjack herrings and their obsession with those lights we see at night. You’re probably thinking we’re a little silly, throwing our bodies and everything we’ve got at what amounts to nothing more than an idea, or a curiosity. None of us knows what’s waiting for us up in space, and thus far it’s always been the same result.

To tell you the truth, I don’t know why we do what we do. I’ve landed in and been tossed out of more flat bottom boats than I can count, and I can count high. I also know that I’ll never stop. I can’t. 

All artists, including writers, are just like that. We are all skipjack searching for something brighter and are compelled to launch ourselves to new heights. 

So don’t be afraid to jump out of the river. More often than not, you’ll land in some redneck’s boat, and they’ll laugh or cuss and toss you back into the water. That’s okay. Don’t let them discourage you; one day, you might land somewhere beautiful.