photo: Madison’s Library https://madisonslibrary.com/2016/07/27/display-olympic-games/

We all know that there are many ways to measure success, and that both effort and luck are involved.

When I began my journey with Hatfield 1677, I felt lucky to find so many primary sources for my research and successful to complete a decent first draft in about six months. I felt lucky to find a compassionate, skilled editor in Laura Taylor and several honest and talented authors willing to beta read my work. Revision was very challenging, but I persevered, took the criticism, hired a sensitivity reader, and kept going. By the time Hatfield 1677 was in the hands of my capable publisher, Holly Kammier of Acorn Publishing, I felt I’d met my personal definition of success, and holding my debut novel in my hands was a moment I’ll never forget.

Yet now, two months out from publication, I’m feeling competitive. For whatever reason, I am not content to have “simply” written and published a novel, even though that is, of course, an accomplishment. Now I obsessively check my sales statistics and rankings, invest quite a bit of money into advertising, and spend time and effort on social media promotions.

Why?

Because now, I measure success not only by what I’ve achieved creatively but by how readers receive my book. I want them to buy it, to read it, love it, to recommend it, and to review it. I was thrilled to receive a very positive Kirkus review, and I entertain fantasies of movie deals.

(My guilty pleasure is selecting the ideal cast and soundtrack. Ben: Alex Pettyfer, Liam Hemsworth or Luke Benward. Martha: Freya Allan or Brec Bassinger. Your ideas?)

And finally, there is the daunting vision of my next book. Will it be a sequel? My completed historical biographical novel about a pianist and musical theater composer that is out in the literary agent cyberverse? My half-finished first draft exploring the life of the Statue of Liberty’s creator? Or something else I’ve yet to write? And now that I am fully aware of the effort involved, I am for the first time experiencing writers’ block.

I suppose all of this is human nature, and I share it with you as a reminder that it’s okay to rest on your laurels or to push yourself to achieve more. There is no “right” measure of success. All I know is that it takes time, luck, effort, perseverance and a lot of help.

Here’s to success in your endeavors.