I'm not going to lie - release days and the days around it are tough. I always feel anxious, and some disappointment because I'm not one of those authors who sells thousands of copies the first week. I try to constantly remind myself that sales are only one measure of success. The fact is, I've been in this business for almost ten years now. I'm still here.
That is successful.
Every year for the past few years, my income has steadily increased.
That is successful.
I now have 7 YA novels published and 8 MG novels published, with two more coming out next year. 15, soon to be 17, books.
That IS successful.
I have readers who get excited about every new book I publish (and I appreciate you SO much). There aren't thousands, but they are out there, and they send me notes and emails and tweets and they remind me that what I do matters to someone.
And isn't that the greatest thing we can do, really? To do work that matters to someone -- that makes a difference?
Okay let me tell you: you matter a lot to me! You are in my opinion one of the best writers out there. Your books offer touches of suspense along with real, true, valuable life lessons and I love every.single.one. You are the only author I can say that about. I really believe your books deserve more attention than what they get - they are right up there with some of the bestsellers and I truly don't get it, but like you said, that's only a part of success. I hope you don't stop writing for a long, long time because I'm very glad you're still here. One of these days I really believe your book will be a bestseller. But even without that, it's a bestseller to me and I'm definitely not the only one. I'm looking forward to all your new books!
ReplyDelete~Ashlee Mae | http://www.sparklesbyashlee.com
Thank you Ashlee!! You're the best. :)
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