Every month a question will be posed that may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Remember, the question is optional. You can write about anything that relates to your writing journey.
Let's give a warm welcome to our co-hosts: Rebecca Douglass, T. Powell Coltrin @Journaling Woman, Natalie Aguirre, Karen Lynn, and C. Lee McKenzie!
This month's question is: How do you define success as a writer? Is it holding your book in your hand? Having a short story published? Making a certain amount of income from your writing?
First off, money has never been a deciding factor of success for me. Sure fortune (though I'm not sure about the fame) would be nice, but it's not necessary. For a long time, I thought success meant having a book published. But somewhere a long the way someone said, if you've been published, no matter the media, you are a successful writer. That kind of put a little kick in my step because I realized the first things I ever got published were in my high school year book: a poem on the flyleaf and two short articles - I was after all the yearbook editor. Since then I've had many stories and articles published in newspapers, newsletters, and magazines. So, self-publishing my books was kind of like the chocolate syrup on my chocolate ice cream.
Speaking of magazine articles. Way back in 2019 I wrote an article for the 2020 edition of the prestigious travel magazine, Destination. (You can read that article HERE.) Due to COVID and travel restrictions, no 2021 edition was printed. But guess what? I've been asked to write an article for the 2022 edition! So I'm excited about that and the subject matter is very dear and close to my heart.
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On this Labor Day Weekend, I send out my prayers to all those affected by Hurricane Ida. They will be laboring for a long time and this weekend will not be one of rest. Please consider donating money and or goods to a reputable and legitimate charity. Here's and article on how to donate safely. My favorite place is the Salvation Army. You can donate HERE.
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Being Thankful
I'm thankful that we have not had a single 100 degree day this summer. It has been a very nice, though unusual, summer. Rather balmy and more humid. I think our hottest day was around 94.
What are you thankful for? How do you define success as a writer? Any Labor Day plans?
Prayers for Ida victims. Thank you for your list! Way back in high school I had a poem published in the school art magazine that I hadn't submitted. We were required to keep a journal in English class and the teacher reviewed them periodically. She found the poem in there and put it in the magazine. So there was shock AND success for that one! Oh, and we had one of your hundred degrees days...
ReplyDeleteI'm surprised the teacher didn't ask you before publishing it! That would be shock, but also I bet, a little ego booster.
DeleteYour books were a bonus.
ReplyDeleteThat's cool you'll be writing an article for the 2022 edition.
My books were definitely a bonus. I'd like to do more but I'm not sure it will happen...
DeleteAwesome that you've had articles published and will have another one published in 2022 too. I'd never define success by making money either.
ReplyDeleteI'm excited about this next article I'm working on and, as a bonus, it pays well!
DeleteHaving articles published is something I love and enjoy a lot!
ReplyDeleteI agree. They help motivate me to keep going.
DeleteI love travel writing. How exciting to be asked to write another piece for them! And the bonus....$$$. Yay.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on having your article published and a second request. That feels like success!
ReplyDeleteHaving an article solicited sounds like some success to me! Congratulations. I'm envious about your weather news :(
ReplyDeleteCongrats on that piece.
ReplyDeleteYour books were delightful icing on the cake. Loved them all.
Congratulations on the great magazine gig! I'm thankful I woke up this morning and for so much more.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your the article for Destination! Exciting.
ReplyDeleteI don't want to be famous. :)
Teresa
Hi Bish - congratulations on being asked to write another piece for Destination ... passion is obviously important as it's easier to write about something that's so dear to your heart: I'm so pleased for you. I'm pleased the weather has been a little kinder to you ... take care and all the best - Hilary
ReplyDeleteHaha I agree with you. They talk about fame and fortune, but there's a lot of garbage that comes with fame.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on getting into Destination again.