This is about a woman who was determined to become a successful comedian. As far back as I can remember, she said, I wanted a career in show business. And, as far back as I can remember, people were telling me no.

She was living in a disgustingly dirty, fleabag hotel and had been turned down by every talent agent in New York, when she got her first job back in 1958. How exciting! Maybe this was her big break. But after her act that first night, the manager called her over. Youre fired, he said.

I was devastated, she sighed. Fired! Fired from my first job! I went back to my crummy hotel room and collapsed. I literally could not stop crying.

Soon she was booked again and then fired from her second job. Theres just no work, all the agents would say, shaking their heads, or worse yet, Youre too old. If you were going to make it, you would have made it by now. Even her mother told her, You have no talent. Youre throwing your life away, while her father threatened to have her committed to a mental institution

I had no money. My office was a phone booth in Grand Central Station. I lived out of one small suitcase and slept in my car, said Joan Rivers, famous comedian, author, mother, businesswoman and best known for her Emmy Award-winning television talk show, plus many other outstanding successes.

What does Joan have to say about all those tough pre-success days? All in all not an easy time. It did however, serve to shape the determination and an inner strength that I have called on in my life many times since.

And Joans final words to us? Never stop believing! Never give up! Never quit! Never!