It's human nature to wish for what we don't have--especially when it concerns what other people have. It's a natural element of success, I suppose, to desire more and more.
Sometimes it's not a positive thing, though.
Sometimes it only makes what we have achieved seem insufficient.
Small successes are sometimes not given enough weight when a writer doesn't take time to realize the grass on his/her side is green and lush.
I try to focus on the here and now with each project. I have sold, edited, and finalized my first project with an amazing publisher, and honestly, that's further than I could have ever dreamed of coming a few short years ago. It's out of my hands for the most part now. I plan to do all I can, publicity and networking-wise, but I can't predict or control the success or reception of the book. So, Im going to try and relax about it. I'm standing in green grass and refuse to look toward other writers' pastures to judge my own success.
I have trilogy in a different genre out on submission right now. I'm bracing for the rejections and hoping for another sale, but still. I'm standing knee-deep in thick, green grass. I'll just fertilize it with more books whatever the outcome of this round.
What I'm saying is this: Enjoy the here and now in the process. Rejoice in the small successes along the way. It's not all about New York Times Bestseller lists and movie deals. It's about being the best writer you can be. I love this business. Win or lose, I'm in it for the long run. How about you?
8 comments:
Thanks Mary. You're right, the grass isn't always greener on the other side. Unfortunately you only realize that once you get there and see it's really brown.
A wonderful post. Writing is such a time consuming process, it's so important to celebrate those small successes, and how they help to make you a better writer.
So true! This is what I believe, but even then sometimes I catch myself wanting more of what another author has. And you know what? It'll never end if we do that, we'll always be looking ahead and up instead of enjoying the success we have now.
In other words, be mindful of the journey as well as the destination.
Yep, this is so true. There's always going to be someone out there higher and lower on the ladder than us. It's important to embrace and enjoy where we are.
Good luck on the book release!
Love the picture.
You're right. Though I'd love to find an agent representing my book, I should be thankful of experiencing the enjoyment of writing it.
This is so encouraging, thank you! It reminds me of yoga class; often teachers remind the class to not compare to others in the class, it's not the focus of yoga. But it's hard. Especially when you're behind the girl who clearly had a lifetime of dance classes!
I love this post!
When you're a newbie writer, things always seem greener on the other side of the fence. But once you know other writers on that side of the fence, you soon realize it's also pretty green where you are. :)