A wise man, otherwise known as my dearest husband, reminded me of something the other day in response to my thinking of “I am not a good enough writer.” (Because, well, I go through those bouts of self-doubt at least once a month.)
He told me that if even one person reads the posts I write on this blog and likes them, then I have done what I set out to do….. I have had others read what I write. He reminded me that I write because I want to, not because I have to. I have a full time job that pays my bills and allows me to save. This writing stuff that I do only gives me small bits of income, but I don’t need it to generate any income. I just need at least one other person to read what I write. That makes me a writer.
It’s one of the reason why I TRY to read everything others in my boat have also written. I spend almost as much time reading other things as I do writing.
So often we measure successes by standards that are too high. We compare ourselves to others who have succeeded, forgetting that we too have successes that are measurable against past standards.
A year ago, I was still struggling to finish Portal Seeker, lacking the inspiration to do so. Today, not only is that done, edited, and published, but I have done so much more. I have published eight other novellas in the Portals Series, with four more in various stages of editing and one being written. I’ve also written two other novels that I am working on editing. All of this occurred while I was working full time plus (since I get at least four hours of overtime each week), posting daily stories on Instagram, writing this blog, and managing some semblance of a social life with the other half. And I haven’t burnt out yet on the writing, because the inspirations keep overflowing and the words keep coming.
Granted, I haven’t made much in royalties from my writings, but I have accomplished much in the way of writing in the past year alone. It’s something my other half reminds me of when I check my reports on Kindle Direct Publishing or the stats here or the likes I get on my social media. Since I don’t set out to be famous with writing, it’s all right. Someone is reading what I write. That’s all that matters.
After all, to quote one of the works I am currently reading:
“The Author and the reader ‘know’ each other; they meet on the bridge of words.”
Madeleine L’Engle, “Icons of Truth” from her collection “Walking On Water: Reflections on Faith and Art”
As long as I have one reader, I am doing okay. And I already know I have thrice that and then some just from the book sales I have done. Yes, I could do better, but it’ll come. Even if it doesn’t.. I have had people read what I wrote. I even have some begging me to write more.
And thus, I continue to tell my stories as I continue to write the story of my own life. I continue to pen words of magical worlds and Portal Seekers and common every-day events. And I look for the magic in each and every day. Because that’s who I am and that’s who I strive to be.
Stay Magical, readers!
If you liked this blog post and wanted to see some of the fantasy works I have written, check out my Portals Series.
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And as always, #writeyourownstory
K. S. Wood Writes 