Why do I do the things that I do?

I've been wondering that a lot lately. I've sacrificed my privacy and put my reputation on the line over and over again. I exposed my darkest confessions and deepest secrets in two revealing memoirs. I even showcased my dimply, plump thighs on a book cover. Then I published a fictional story that although it's suspenseful and inspiring, I knew it couldn't compete with the millions of other similar fictional stories you can order online.

Will I ever sell enough to do this full time?
Will my name ever appear on a best seller's list?

My childhood dream of becoming a famous author is not as obtainable as I would like it to be. I can write a dozen wonderful stories and still need to keep my day job. I'm lucky to sell a few hundred of each book. I need to sell a few hundred-thousand to pursue it full time.

So, should I stop working on book #5 and #6?

Of course not!

Although my goal to be a well-known author is a big part of my motivation, it's one of many factors that keep me going. Dark Confessions of an Extraordinary, Ordinary Woman has inspired people to leave toxic relationships and provided comfort to those who are trying to recover from abuse. Dirty Secrets of the World's Worst Employee has done the same for those struggling with workplace bullies and crazy career paths. Cottage Cheese Thighs has boosted women's self-esteem and Her Own Hero has proven that a woman can save herself.

This is my legacy. Whether I'm a small-scale Windsor success or a world famous author, my goal was to write books that made women feel better about themselves. I dissected all of my past mistakes, personal issues and irrational insecurities, so other's could see that no one is perfect. We're all flawed and just doing our best to survive.

I'm confident book #5, No Kids Required, will give a voice to women who've chosen not to have children. I can feel the impact it will have just by reading the responses of those I interviewed for it. Although book #6 will be fictional, it will revisit the topic of my first book, domestic violence. It will show how easily a confident woman can be turned into a victim and explain why leaving isn't as easy as non-victims make it sound.

I may be a crazy dreamer, but I'm not delusional. I know my books won't make me famous or earn me any awards. The rewards for what I do can't be measured in money or fame. Every time someone messages me that I helped them, I'm encouraged to continue. That's why I do what I do!