What is writing success to you?

In the last few weeks, I’ve applied for two different writing opportunities. While I hope I get the award and the retreat placement, either way I’m glad I went through the process. Writing applications has given me the chance to think about what my vision of success is and what I want to do with my writing. That is valuable whether I “win” or not.

Your idea of writing success may be different from mine. Maybe you want to prove you can write a whole book, or set family stories down for your kids or grandkids to read, or get a book posted on Amazon. Maybe you want to be traditionally published, or you want to self-publish and have all the control—and the royalties! Perhaps it’s more about the act of writing, and the joy of hanging out with critique partners or joining a writing group. There’s no wrong answer. The important thing is to know what success looks like for you. Then you can go after that dream, whatever it looks like.

In my case, I write books to entertain and inspire young people. I want to find a literary agent and work with that person to become traditionally published again. (Long story short, I was published by a small press that was bought by another one that wanted to go in a different direction. I am now aiming for bigger publishers that require agents.)  My idea of success is to have my books in libraries, bookstores, and schools where young readers can find them.

That doesn’t happen overnight, at least not for most of us. I can begin by honing my writing craft and querying agents until I get the right book in the right hands at the right time. Once that occurs, I’ll have a new list of steps to take to reach my dream.

This application process has helped me revisit what I want and what I will do to get there. It has reminded me of my purpose, and what my idea of success is. Hmmm, I guess that’s a kind of success in itself.

Looking for an opportunity? Sign up for the Conference for Writers and Illustrators (https://www.alaskawritersguild.com/Conference). It’s coming up on September 18-19, in Anchorage, AK.  I’ll be on the Alaska Romance Writers panel, and there are lots of great intensives and workshops! Maybe one will inspire your vision of success.

Whatever your dream is, don’t let obstacles keep you down. If it matters to you, it’s worth working for. Hang in there and keep going. I’m pulling for you, and I’m sure others are too.