Success Makes Success

This was a good week for my writing friends.  On Monday, a friend’s first book was released.  Jennifer Trethewey writes fantastic historical romances located in Scotland.  Also, the print version of another friend’s third story will be released tomorrow.  Barbara M. Britton writes Biblical fiction with amazing details.  Both of these ladies work very hard at their craft, and deserve to have much success.  What’s even better is that these are not the only authors I know in my area with recent releases.  When I look at the list for November, I see an astonishing eleven books listed! 
 
I am tremendously happy for all of these women, and for the rest of our writing group as well.  Our RWA chapter is quite tight-knit, and seeing someone else’s success seems to be good for the rest of us as well.  Not only because we are genuinely happy for them, and that always puts all of us in a better mood.  But also, from what I have observed, their success begets our success. 
 
What do I mean by this?  Seeing people we know succeed after years of effort encourages the rest of us to keep trying.  I suppose this is true in any career, but for writers who so often work in isolation, I believe it is especially important.  Hearing someone else’s excitement as they announce their first sale and later seeing their book cover reinforces my conviction that if I keep working and submitting, one day I will be the one revealing a cover and asking for reviews. 
 
So, yes, this was a good week to be happy for all of my author friends.  I wish you all much success.  And I hope you don’t mind if I use your achievements to keep myself motivated.

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