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Dreams Can Come True, but Many Do Not
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Making one's "dreams" come true is a very common, much indulged, romanticized notion among human beings, particularly in countries where that dream is probably not as simple as a decent rainfall for withering crops or a modest basket of bread or rice for daily sustenance. Here in the land of plenty we see people succumbing to depression because they did not attain a career goal, sell a screenplay, or make the finals on The Voice. I long ago embraced the philosophy of enjoying the journey as we are promised nothing in this life, let alone getting a book on the best-seller list. If you are writing for the singular goal of making money or becoming famous you are putting yourself in a most vulnerable position and possibly buying into the old cliche of the "tortured artist" suffering potential writer's block and wearisome self-flagellation. I think a book, almost any book, should be written because the writer feels such passion or urgency to tell a story he or she absolutely can't just ignore it, or at the least because they have something valuable or unique to share with others. Maybe it is best that we write for ourselves first while also being realistic as to what others may benefit from as well; writing is both self-therapy, self-expression, and an enjoyable process we hope will help or entertain others when all is said and done. Look at any list of authors anywhere or anytime; how many of the names did you already know and how many were "famous"? Bookshelves in libraries are lined with books by authors we have never heard of. Do you think they did not each "dream" of being another Charles Dickens or Joyce Carole Oates or depositing a truly royal royalty check at one point? Hopefully, they enjoyed the daily pleasures of life while dreaming of literary glory, a perfect steak, a splendid walk on the beach, a captivating musical, or some thunder in the sheets while hoping for lightning to strike in their oh so serious literary careers. Life is now, not something to delay until your final re-write or a publisher's acceptance letter. It is unlikely any of us will be invited over to tea at a gathering of writers at the modern day equivalent of Gertrude Stein's home, but the ordinary pleasures of daily life should not be sacrificed for the demands of a quill that won't stop quivering long enough for us to enjoy the garden in our back yard or a little time out of town. Such enjoyment is more likely to even enhance one's inspiration upon returning to one's keyboard.
Steven wrote: "Making one's "dreams" come true is a very common, much indulged, romanticized notion among human beings, particularly in countries where that dream is probably not as simple as a decent rainfall fo..."Wow. Just wow. So true. I stopped waiting for glory and royalties a while ago and just write now. My writing's better, and so is my attitude.
Thanks. That's my position on writing too. Just do it for the passion and love of it if you actually have the ability, talent, and patience to do it in the first place. Don't turn it into a hand-wringing drama of "Why won't these cruel publishers make my personal 'dream' come true?" Here's the most cliched plot for a book ever: the frustrated writer who feels entitled to success but gets rejection (which is the norm for writers, by the way), then turns to the bottle or suicidal substance of choice and self-destructs with fantasies he or she will be inexplicably pitied. LOL. People don't pity people who struggle creating art; if anything they are confounded or a little jealous of them as most of them dreaded writing term papers or responding to essay questions in school. let alone the daunting challenge of writing a whole book. You nailed it in your last sentence, Ellen: "My writing's better, and so is my attitude." Sounds like you ditched the drama in favor of committing to your writing. I think perhaps this is a writer's way of growing up. One last thought: never ignore the muse if he just won't go away. I think of the muse as a little hummingbird that taps on the window of your mind with an idea or inspiration; brush him away if it's a non-recurring whimsy without wings, but if he persists he is telling you something. In all likelihood there is your next book!
At the risk of being accused of spamming, I couldn't resist adding my little poem to the discussion;An Ode to Indie authors.
Having found this Goodread's thread,
And read through every link,
I smelt frustration oozing,
Which made me start to think.
Do we write for fame and fortune,
Or some other delightful treasure,
Or is our motive purely,
Based on joy and pleasure?
If your main ambition,
Is gaining wealth and fame,
Try marrying into royalty,
Or win the lottery game.
But if we write for pleasure,
And three or four read our stuff,
And if those few enjoyed it,
Isn't that reward enough?
No. It's not reward enough. LOL ! Just kidding... Your ode may be odious to some, but is real as it gets. We want to be the stars in a Sony Classics film about a fabulously talented, glamorously neurotic writer who strikes literary gold while drinking from crystal goblets of champagne as we churn out our latest best-sellers while suffering the angst of a doomed love affair. But barring that, your poem is right on spot: most of us will get 4 or 5 reviews on Amazon (from friends and family), and be read by a random number of readers who have discovered us purely by accident or hash-tags online. Our books may touch lives in ways we never will hear about, or even be read after we ourselves have checked out of the hotel of life. And yet some of us will defy the odds and zoom into the realm of literary success. Just ask a once impoverished woman who wrote a book with a protagonist named Harry. Dreaming is not only not a crime; it is essential to the creation of art. Dreaming while refusing to engage in the tedious emotions of frustration takes a little self-discipline, but it is easier on one's health and well-being. As a friend of mine says, with succinct simplicity, "Keep pluggin'."
A few years ago our insurance company told us we needed a new chimney, at minimum $1,000, or they were going to drop us. We had No Money. Truly. We were POOR. All I had to possibly bring in money were the books I'd written over the years. In sheer desperation, I took one book, then two and put them on Amazon, books that I'd never been able to get published because my agent told me no one wanted the era I wrote in. The first few months were terrifying, royalties of $14, and $28. Then, so quickly, the tiny royalties went up and up, those books that no one wanted to publish, and all of a sudden we had enough to pay for that chimney! I now have 4 books out, and more coming. My 'dream,' that started so small and was fueled by fear, gave back more than I could ever have imagined.
Saluting thoughtful comments here. Briefly, it's the process not the endpoint that offers gifts to all receptive writers. Imagination is gift one. The creative zone is gift two. The research is another gift. Other writers we encounter in person and online to get the book done is another. Our readers and their comments, criticisms questions, another. The book club or writing group we may attend. The writing class. The gift of purpose--a goal we wake up to and go to sleep with. Victor Frankel wrote about the gift of purpose in Man's Search for Meaning. Julia Cameron addressed the many gifts inherent in creativity in The Artist's Way. They too put their wisdom and experience down on paper which became books. The families and friends who cheer us on. The time and materials to do the actual work. The proofreader, editor, designer publisher--gifts. Innumerable other influences, graces. The final gift--we have a book!--is nothing short of miraculous. Anything more is gravy.
Mary wrote: "A few years ago our insurance company told us we needed a new chimney, at minimum $1,000, or they were going to drop us. We had No Money. Truly. We were POOR. All I had to possibly bring in money w..."Thank you for sharing your inspirational story. That's really faith in action! Now, I wish my book would take off, so we could get our car fixed. haha
Sheila wrote: "Saluting thoughtful comments here. Briefly, it's the process not the endpoint that offers gifts to all receptive writers. Imagination is gift one. The creative zone is gift two. The research is ano..."So true, and I am so grateful for all the gifts that went into my children's book, especially the gift of art from my stepfather/illustrator. Thank you for your inspiring words!
James wrote: "At the risk of being accused of spamming, I couldn't resist adding my little poem to the discussion;An Ode to Indie authors.
Having found this Goodread's thread,
And read through every link,
I s..."
Love your poem! I wish more of us could rely on book sales for a living, but leaving the legacy of materialized creativity is priceless.
This month marks the 5th. anniversary of my one and only novel's release (Aug. 9, 2011). The most recent sales report revealed that, year-to-date, the book has sold 1,008 units (480 paperback books, 464 e-books, 36 audio books on CD and 28 audio book downloads). Royalties paid now total $2,315.90. This equates to an average of only 202 books sold annually and royalties averaging only $463.18 per year.Writing a book is without a doubt one of the least successful, poorly paid endeavors I have ever attempted during my 69 years of life. That said; it ranks among the most rewarding, educational and personally satisfying endeavors I have ever experienced.
Congratulations. You have written a Stephen King best-seller compared to some of us. Your candid revelation is one more word to the wise: think of writing as a creative lark, not a means of paying your rent. There is a difference between being seriously devoted and despairingly dependent; the former is necessary, the latter merely naive.
Jim wrote: "Based upon my personal observation of the authors who actively participate in literary website discussion groups, most hope to eventually become commercially successful so that writing becomes thei..."Thanks, Jim. What a lovely way of looking at the world. You've made me feel better.
Jim wrote: "This month marks the 5th. anniversary of my one and only novel's release (Aug. 9, 2011). The most recent sales report revealed that, year-to-date, the book has sold 1,008 units (480 paperback books..."
Jim, your view on writing matches mine. It's the worst paying jig I've ever had but the rewards are amazing. Not financial success, but the experience and the people I would not have met otherwise.
Jim, your view on writing matches mine. It's the worst paying jig I've ever had but the rewards are amazing. Not financial success, but the experience and the people I would not have met otherwise.
Not to mention that writing a book is one of those things people are skeptical that you can actually pull off. When you actually do it, whether it sells like flapjacks or not, and it is is being sold on the world-wide Internet, it's a nice little thrill to see their glaze-eyed look of amazement. One need not gloat, but it is a silent "A-ha! I did it !" moment to savor, like climbing a mountain or crossing a marathon finish line. Writing a book reminds us we can do something that seems insurmountable if we have the desire, passion, and discipline to do it. However, I believe if it is all drudgery and simply no fun you may have chosen to write something for the mere sake of writing and not because the story or book excites you. What isn't sparking in the heart will likely not glow on the written pages, but that is my opinion only.
I have certainly been pleased to find that people are amazed at what I have accomplished - which really isn't much. I have also been pleased with what I have done. It was exciting to see the improvement from the first draft to the third re-write. I have had the opportunity and an excuse to talk to a great many writers. I am challenged to come up with new ideas for more books. And I am really challenged to try to figure out how to market what I have already written. And then there is the mandatory blog. Re-discovering writing in my retirement has been a godsend.
I know what you mean. In my case, I used to write stories when I was a kid and sell them to the neighbors for candy and soda money, so it perhaps is not surprising I eventually did write a book as an adult. I was shocked when it actually got published after trying to find an agent with no luck and submitting it to at least 5 or 6 publishers before I got a "Yes". I thought the publisher would take me under their wing and promote my book; instead they just put it up on the Internet and basically said "you need to promote it yourself'". In their favor, they were great about paying royalties, such as they were. I am still learning about "marketing". People always say "Talk about it on social media; let people know about it!" But then, when you do, you get this guilt trip laid on you that you are "spamming" people, even if you are low-key and somewhat subtle about it. (Do people actually buy a book just because some author posts 20 cheerful tweets or FB posts saying "Hey, check out my book such and such and buy it on amazon"?) Self-promotion seems to be a very tricky art unto itself; you have to find your audience, for they are unlikely to just find you by accident. I saw this one author's book for months in multiple issue print ads in a couple magazines, multiple ads in Lambda Literary news-letters online, and other places. His advertising must've cost a pretty penny and was practically ubiquitous! I noticed it was difficult to tell what his book was about or even what genre by the title and cover. Then out of curiosity I looked at his Amazon book description and reviews and he had, like, 5 reviews and all were 5 stars and I got the distinct impression they were all from family and friends. I have concluded that the upshoot is: write for the love of it, learn all you can about self-promoting without annoying people, identify your most likely audience and let them know about your book, and hope for the best.
Haha, indeed! It's why I shared my pearls of wisdom:http://tlclarkauthor.blogspot.co.uk/2...
All the greats have had the same frustrations. But they made it eventually.
But not all do.
As is often said on here; write because you love it <3
Steven wrote: "Not to mention that writing a book is one of those things people are skeptical that you can actually pull off. When you actually do it, whether it sells like flapjacks or not, and it is is being so..."Once again, Wow.
Steven wrote: "I know what you mean. In my case, I used to write stories when I was a kid and sell them to the neighbors for candy and soda money, so it perhaps is not surprising I eventually did write a book as ..."And again, Wow.
I detest marketing. I'm horrible at it and don't have the time for it.
I also was with a publisher for a while, five years, and I discovered that what it was doing, I could do because I had to do my own marketing and I liked the creative freedom of not having to squabble over cover artwork and editing.
As for reviews, I've been surprised by the consistent ratings - these are not friends and family, but bloggers, readers at Goodreads and Library Thing where I entered books in Giveaways, and people not personally known to me. I ask my friends and family not to post reviews anywhere. I was accused by a small indie bookstore clerk of buying my reviews; this was when I offered my promotional packet and a sample book for the store's consideration. His words were, "These are good reviews. How do I know you didn't pay for them?" I thanked him for his time and I crossed that shop off my list. Am I being thin-skinned? No. I doubt if he would have asked Rowling, Patterson, Steele or Rice if they paid for reviews. The assumption that because I am a small press and independent means my work is unprofessional and my writing sucks is what I have to deal with right now. I will continue to write because, like being a clergywoman, being a writer is in my DNA. I've got a new editor and since I only have the day job now, I can give more time to my writing and bask in the knowledge that one of my readers told me I "was the best dang author no one's ever heard of," and the teller at my bank bought all of my books for her mother, who met me for lunch one day to tell me how much she loved my writing style and hoped I would continue to write. It's not the New York Times Bestseller list, nor is it a six-figure contract, nor can I walk into a Barnes & Noble and see my books on a stand by the door, but it's what this writer calls success.
I always feel like some obnoxious talking parrot when I try to self-promote my books. Or like that Venus fly-trap Audrey in " Little Shop of Horrors"but instead of saying "FEED ME" I keep saying "READ ME". They tell you to market your book by engaging others by asking readers' opinions or asking interesting questions about the book and inviting them to answer so they are interacting with the author. I tried this and asked what I thought was a really great, provocative question regarding my novella, and I didn't get one response. Maybe I should've just asked.,"Is the protagonist of this book a male or female?" I swear I think my next book is going to be a wonderful wallow in filth; maybe that's what it takes to cut through the haze of disinterest and obscurity. Oh the torture of "art", lol!
James wrote: "An Ode to Indie authors."Oh James, I love this ode! It warms the cockles of my heart. <3
Yes, it is reward enough.
My first paperback (proof) arrived yesterday.
Despite being self-published for over three years (I have x5 ebooks out), only now does it feel real!
I'm so super excited.
Meanwhile, I'm reading Edith Wharton's "House of Mirth" and there are passages on every other page that make me think, "How the hell did I get published in the first place?" I feel like a two-bit bar band playing in a Holiday Inn in Iowa compared to Led Zeppelin at Dodger's Stadium. Still, you're right TL: nothing against e-books, but holding your first published paperback in your hands and knowing you created it is a real thrill. Sometimes I look at mine and think,"How did I do that while I was working a full time job? Was I as surely possessed as Linda Blair in The Exorcist? " Then I read a few random pages from the book and it all comes back to me: No. I was not possessed; I was entranced... by a story, and for awhile in my life telling that story seemed like the most important contribution I could make to this world of billions of people, all of whom have stories to tell, too many of which will never be told. It is a lucky thing indeed to be able to tell your story and have it recorded somewhere, somehow on the illustrious cave walls of life, a little pip-squeak of an "I was here". Maybe that's why I love public libraries; every time I leave with a few books in hand I know that some person who did just the same thing I did (and apparently got a lot more acclaim and accolades) will come to life again when I open the cover of that book.
Aww, that's very romantic Steven <3 I like the thought of bringing an author back to life by opening their book.
Particularly with book 2, the story was shouting in my head. Despite a full time job, part time step mum, holistic therapies etc. etc. I HAD to write it. It was bordering on some kind of insanity. I had to write it down so it would leave me alone! :-O
I'm relieved book 6 is letting me find my own time.
I took a break from it in April and am only just picking it back up now. It's hard to write about Welsh vampires living in darkness when the sun's shining! :)
The choice of book format is based solely upon personal preference and, therefore, varies. There is no format that is better than another, except perhaps in the mind of the individual reader.I do not even own an electronic reading device, preferring traditional print books exclusively. My four adult children read both, but mostly e-books due to the convenience. While driving on an extended road trip my entire family and I enjoy listening to an audio book.
Though by no means an accurate or official measurement of general preference among avid readers in general, the breakdown of sales by format of my novel may be of interest to some.
Based upon the figures stated in message 13 of this discussion thread: Paperback = 47.6% - E-book = 46.0% - Audio Book on CD = 3.6% - Audio Book Download = 2.8%.
Steven wrote: "I always feel like some obnoxious talking parrot when I try to self-promote my books. Or like that Venus flytrap Audrey in " Little Shop of Horrors"but instead of saying "FEED ME" I keep saying "R..."It was my decision to not write the next "Fifty Shades" of whatever or something like it that led me to starting my own press. The publisher wanted commercial, popular, and I said no. That's not me. There are authors who can and do write the commercial and popular and do very well. But I'm not one of them. Literary and quirky, that's my style.
I believe there are two ways of looking at writing. As art, and one does it because one wishes to write a story, no matter the genre. One is passionate about the art itself and one is a human being who wishes to express, with love, with gratitude even.As passion for the story itself, where what is being told, which ever the genre, is unique, perhaps rewarding and thoughtful to the reader.
Which ever it is, there is a need to allow both a fair go. I am grateful that my own writing is in a "niche" genre, on the other hand it has few readers. However I write the stories because I have chosen to share them, as I myself was rewarded with their insight. At the end of the day, one's desire to express oneself is not bound in the number of copies sold of whether that number entitles one to apply the label of success upon oneself.
The real success is that which is felt through achieving one's dreams, and in those dreams there has to be a balance between the intrinsic and the extrinsic, or else one has sold one's soul.
I watched people kill each other in my work as a photojournalist but never once did I choose to relinquish my desire to be in that place to begin with, and it was to make a difference. I kept doing that but those pictures weren't what the corporate media would show. Images of enemies as human beings in war don't sell, the pictures of the same people with guns, as enemies, do.
It's the exact same story but the words, associations and thoughts are different and whether one chooses to perceive either one as true, best, worse or unworthy of notice, doesn't change anything.
It happened, just as the millions of books, some brilliant, that go unseen. So don't worry about the sales. Just write.
And I say this being at the absolute financial breakpoint of my life, I still take the time to write every day, even the words I don't share with the world.
There is a third option. 'Only a fool doesn't write for money.' The Doctor Johnson approach.
Indeed. One can claim that one is writing unread books for the nobility of "art" while buying all one's groceries at the 99 Cent Store only so many times before admitting that's a bit of a crock. If only it were as simple as sitting down and saying "OK, I'm tired of living in the literary hut; now I want a real house. T'hell with writing what's 'in my heart'. I'm gonna blow 'em away with a best-seller!" On a purely intellectual level, I suppose one could write like an anxious host cooking for a dinner party, throwing in all the palate-pleasing elements one can into the meal, and still end up with something merely forgettable and overly familiar.Meanwhile, the reading public will have moved on to that which tickles the imagination in some "novel" way that comes out of left field. Perhaps that is why the general sentiment seems to be, "Just write". One could court misery by over-thinking the whole process. I am reading a classic novel by Edith Wharton, having just completed a collection of short stories by the same author. I am convinced that if this woman had not simply sat down and wrote about the human behavior and hypocrisies of her time she would've ended up in a mental ward. Her pen was her salvation and joy (as well as a ticket to a rather lavish life-style). Whatever the motivation, just do it if you've the passion, discipline, and desire. I doubt many successful writers wrote their first chapters thinking. "I absolutely KNOW this is going to sell". Many, in fact, were haunted by the likelihood of abject failure.
In order to be successful in any endeavor, one must be very confident that one will succeed. A defeatist attitude inevitably ends in defeat. Does this mean that, if one is confident one will never fail? No. It simply means that one should intend to succeed if one wishes to be successful. On those occasions when an endeavor fails, the alternatives are to either dwell upon the failure and make excuses or seek another opportunity to succeed and then strive to do whatever it takes to have a better than average chance of actually succeeding.
Have you been reading "The Secret"? That is the essence of the message in that book. I think there is something to be said for "visualizing"one's success. Silly as it may sound to skeptics, I actually drew pictures of the cover of my first novel so I could more easily "see' it in my mind as a published book. I also drew pictures of royalty checks to help envision that part. The book did get published; the royalty checks were received. However, it appears I may have to "upgrade" my visualization from attaining the basic goals ( a worthy accomplishment accompanied by meager earnings) to "Super Sizing" as I place my next "order". The universe is supposedly as sensitive as a computer to one's goal and request so one must be very specific and well-defined, not just engaging in he transmission of a general or non-specific glob of grand wishing.; sharpen the image, pin-point your intention. This seems to be part of the thought-provoking message of the self-help best-seller I mentioned should one be so inclined to buy into its premises. Some think it hokum and others concur with its advice. Whatever the case, a positive approach with the expectation of success is more than essential; it is practical.
I was seven when I decided to be a 'world-famous author.' I wrote five-page stories - one chapter a page, made illustrated covers and brought them to the town library to put on the shelves. My eldest sister was waiting for me when I got home to tell me that it takes a lot more than being able to write to make an author. Although my heart was broken, I was not dismayed. And respectfully, with six books in print, I still disagree with my sister. I am an author, I'm just not what the general public views as an author.
Ellen wrote: "I was seven when I decided to be a 'world-famous author.' I wrote five-page stories - one chapter a page, made illustrated covers and brought them to the town library to put on the shelves. My elde..."Ellen,
You have been following your dream since age seven and, even more importantly, continue to do what it takes to make it a reality. Having written six published works and, I presume, intend to write many more, you are definitely an author.
I, on the other hand, wrote one book five years ago and have no intention of ever writing another. So, I do not consider myself to be an author in the true sense of the word.
I look forward to the day when I may boast to my friends and acquaintances that I knew Ellen L. Ekstrom before she became a best-selling author!
I've been told I'm "the best damn author no one's ever heard of."
I have a question...how to deal with bad reviews. I know you cannot please everyone, but some people are so cruel and accuse my legitimate reviews of being "fake'. I have 34 reviews and Amazon only puts my 3 bad ones at the top, not the verified 4 and 5 star reviews. Every time, i say i am prepared and then, it knocks the wind out of my sails. How does anyone else deal with the haters that won't read a sample before buying?
Barbra wrote: "I have a question...how to deal with bad reviews. I know you cannot please everyone, but some people are so cruel and accuse my legitimate reviews of being "fake'. I have 34 reviews and Amazon only..."Welcome to my world, Barbra. I've been accused of buying reviews and making them up. I don't know who these readers are that hold such sway with other readers so as to mess with ratings' and authors' livelihood. I sometimes think they're teenagers just being mean, but that would be a disservice and untrue of a lot of teenagers. Now I'm ducking for cover, because I'm sure I've offended many, many, people, and I do apologize, but seriously, when one posts what should be a professional-like opinion, and that's all what it is, and others take it at face value without bothering to read the work for themselves, what else is it?
Ellen wrote: "Barbra wrote: "I have a question...how to deal with bad reviews. I know you cannot please everyone, but some people are so cruel and accuse my legitimate reviews of being "fake'. I have 34 reviews ..."
I agree. It feels so mean spirited and the option of sample is out there. And as author's we have no say, no grounds to stand upon. Thank you for sharing your experience. I appreciate it.
I agree. It feels so mean spirited and the option of sample is out there. And as author's we have no say, no grounds to stand upon. Thank you for sharing your experience. I appreciate it.
Barbra wrote: "Ellen wrote: "Barbra wrote: "I have a question...how to deal with bad reviews. I know you cannot please everyone, but some people are so cruel and accuse my legitimate reviews of being "fake'. I ha..."You're welcome. I should make myself clear, since I posted that last comment on a cellphone during the commute - no excuse, though - I meant to write, "when one posts what should be a professional-like opinion and it comes across as personal attacks rather than objective commentary or critique..."
Barbra wrote: "I have a question...how to deal with bad reviews. I know you cannot please everyone, but some people are so cruel and accuse my legitimate reviews of being "fake'. I have 34 reviews and Amazon only..."Barbara,
It is important to remember the the vast majority of avid readers never post a rating or review. The consumer reviews that are posted are merely personal, and therefore, subjective opinions. One person's "Worst book ever!" may very well be another's "Best book ever!".
Rather than dwell upon or obsess over consumer reviews, focus instead upon striving to continuously improve upon your technical writing and narration skills. Quality writing, a great story line, word of mouth and an effective marketing strategy impact a book's chances for achieving commercial success more than reviews ever will.
I wish you success.
Jim wrote: "Barbra wrote: "I have a question...how to deal with bad reviews. I know you cannot please everyone, but some people are so cruel and accuse my legitimate reviews of being "fake'. I have 34 reviews ..."
Thank you for your advice. I am constantly working to improve and learn. I believe critiques are the only way to learn and grow.
Thank you for your advice. I am constantly working to improve and learn. I believe critiques are the only way to learn and grow.
That said; please allow me to share a bit of wisdom gained through age and experience. Life is no big thing, it is a thousand little things. Too often, we hardly notice the thousand wonderful little things because we are so focused upon waiting for that one big thing to happen.
By all means, follow your dream. It may come true. However, keep your options open just in case it doesn't. Another dream may be just waiting for you to acknowledge its presence, recognize its potential and be willing to perform the hard work, study and the occasional reality check to make it come true.
If gaining fame and fortune within the highly competitive literary world turns out to be a dream that does not come true, there will always be others that will. Whatever future awaits you, I sincerely hope that it is bright and rewarding.