The Narrow Path: A different journey

Just when I assure myself that my ten-year writing plan and slow-build marketing strategy will work well for my

© Andres Rodriguez | Dreamstime

purposes, I open an e-mail and read about a hard-working author fighting feelings of failure because her first book sold less than 16,000 copies. I know better than to compare my experience with hers; she’s playing in a six-figure world where the stakes are high. Shake it off.

I close the email and page through the Wall Street Journal Books section. My e...