Five Fun Things I Have Said

Writing is a solitary endeavor. When the writer finally works up the courage to share his or her work with the world, rejection is rampant. Eventually, mingling with the downside are the good moments. Acceptance (by an agent, publisher, magazine editor), glory (a signed contract, holding the published work), and acknowledgement (sales, award nominations, good reviews).

On April 8, I attended the Mountain of Authors event hosted by the Pikes Peak Library 21c. Dozens of authors sat at tables, displaying their work. Writers attended, hoping to glean information and enlightenment from the speakers. Readers wandered through, some purchasing books.

I have a theory about library events. Readers come to libraries to use free materials. I do it myself. I can’t afford to purchase Sue Grafton’s entire mystery series on cd, but I check it out from the library to listen to on my work commute. I know Ms. Grafton will make a few bucks from library sales of her audio books, and hope she doesn’t begrudge my budgetary discretion.

So I did not mind that readers picked up my bookmarks, but didn’t purchase books. Hopefully, they will either buy my e-books, and if not, at least check my books out from the library. Either way, I gain readers. I came to the event knowing what to expect.

At some point that day, I remembered the excitement of my first library event four years ago, after the release of my first novel. Sitting in Library 21c, I rekindled the joy of being a writer. What an honor, to be included among the dozens of published authors! Occasionally, I have to remind myself of how far I’ve come.

Fun things I have gotten to say in the past 4 years:

1. I’m having coffee with my editor.
2. My agent called.
3. I’ll be at a book signing – for my book.
4. My ARCs arrived.
5. My short story The Chemistry of Heroes is a Derringer finalist.

I’m uncomfortable singing my own praises, and there are times when I’m struggling with a new project, with no end and no reward in site, when this whole publishing business becomes discouraging. I’ll try to remember those moments of delight, when I felt like an honest to goodness author. I’ve got to go now. I have a deadline to meet.

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