As we near the release date for The Pride of Central, I've had some time to reflect on how much writing this novel has changed my life.
All the hours of writing and editing, all the time trying to learn from what authors have written, all the minutes of worrying, all the support I've received from family and friends, it is all about to culminate in this. My first novel will be released to the public next week.
I want people to read it. I want this to be a successful book. It has been a part of my life since those first ideas of a story crossed my mind 11 years ago. But while The Pride of Central has its place in my life, I need to remind myself that this book is not my life.
It is another easy trap to fall into, and there are many times an author can fall into it. When writing the first draft, I might judge my entire day by how much I wrote. When editing, I might judge myself based on how many errors I encounter. With the release date approaching, I am in danger of judging my own worth by how well The Pride of Central sells.
While I don't realistically see myself become a famous writer from this, I do want my book to sell as well as possible. I'd be lying if I told you that it did not matter to me how my novel is received. But if it only sells a few copies, or even none at all, I need to remind myself that my value does not change. Nor does my identity.
Even if no one cares about my book, I am still a husband, father, son, brother and friend to those who are closest to me.
On the other hand, if “The Pride of Central” were to sell well, even beyond anything I've imagined so far, all of this is still true. My value does not change. I will not become less important if the book does not sell, but I also will not become more important if it does.
For every aspiring writer who has been following this blog, I hope you get to this point. I hope you get to the day where your story is the one being told. But when it does, I hope you remember that no number of sales will define you. Whoever you were before the book sold is who you will be afterward.
Surround yourself with family and friends as much as possible as you try to sell your book. Be with the people who will support you if sales go poorly, and who will remind you that you are just as important to them as you were before. Be with the people who will celebrate with you if sales go well, but will keep you grounded in the knowledge that who you really are never changed.
Continue to play games with your kids. Walk in nature. Call an old friend. Yes, you need to write, edit and promote your story, too. But even if this novel is your life's work, don't let it become your whole life.
Next week: A Shared Triumph
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