I’ll admit that as a kid, when I thought about being a writer in adulthood, I imagined I’d be living off my royalties. That was what success meant to me back then – a really great publishing deal.
The older I’ve gotten, the more that dream has changed. Would I still love to live off royalties? I mean, who wouldn’t? But the notion of that being “the success” just seems misplaced. It ignores a lot of steps in between that should absolutely be celebrated.
I still remember what it felt like when I typed “The End” on my first manuscript (All Falling Things). There was still work to be done (even now), but completing the first draft of my first book sure felt like a check in the success column. As did the contract offer from the publisher. And I’m sure once we have a launch date (we are working on final edits), that will feel like a success, too.
A couple days ago, my book Wherever Would I Be officially launched. The same day, I was meeting with my writing group, and one of them said that they hoped it would be a success, whatever that meant for me. I responded – “She’s out in the world. Check!”
Even if this book didn’t sell a single copy (though I’m thankful for all the copies purchased via Kickstarter and through the pre-order), I would consider it a success because I don’t want to negate all the work and energy and love it took just to publish it.
Another fun success? Seeing my book for sale in my local bookshop:
Also, much thanks to my writing bestie for purchasing an extra signed copy and dropping it off at this little library in Tacoma:
Ami Maxine 