Recently I've felt like I'm not living up to #writer par because when I log onto social media, my numbers could qualify for less than adequate. Apparently, in this new age of digital #writing, if a writer has less than 10,000 followers on Twitter and 5,000 on Facebook, publishers won't even look in their direction. Writing skills and ideas aside, the writer is considered a "risk" and no chances are taken. Instead of focusing on the talents and creativity of writers like in the days past, publishers and agents are treating writers like we are now Hollywood celebrities to see how much "media access" we can gain. To be completely honest here, I hate it.
Do I have dreams of my books becoming best-sellers? Absolutely. Do I have dreams of my Slayer Series making it big or even being a household name? I would be lying if I said no. However, let me clarify one aspect of this. I'm not looking for fame; I'm looking for readers.
This needs clarity because I'm not a movie star or a celebrity. I'm not looking for stardom. I suppose that naturally that would happen a little on its own, but I don't need that blue check mark next to my face. I don't need millions of followers to feel accomplished. I don't need to be the center of several daytime talk shows either. The only thing I want or dream about is that when someone is reading one of my books, it is recognized or someone else is intrigued enough to want to read it too.
I heard it said that knowledge is gained from humility, but pride can ruin a person. I believe this for all things, including my writing career. Does this mean I shouldn't still work hard and take pride in what I do? No. Those are different types of pride. Being humble means not holding yourself greater than others, which is something we are losing in the society today.
Some day I might be famous, but if that happens, I want my books to be more famous than me. I want people to look at me and say, "That's the #author who wrote The Slayer! I love that book!" I don't want to be known because of my Twitter followers or because of my movies (if that ever happens), I don't even want to be known, for my famous quotes (like other authors have come to be). I just want people to love my books. Is this unrealistic? Maybe. But I'm and author. I'm a forever dreamer.
"It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit."- Harry S. Truman (33rd U.S. President)
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