Unexpected Perks of Being Published

December 18, 2015 | News | 2 comments

Holy moly, nearly three months ago, I realized a dream come true: the publication of my light-hearted, mystery novel. So what did I expect after publication? Work. A lot of it. The ever present constants of marketing, promotion and writing, while working the day job and breathing and eating and sleeping now and then. What I didn’t expect were the marvelous byproducts.

A byproduct is something that happens as a result of something else. As a result of my publication, I started a Facebook account and reconnected with wonderful friends from long ago and galaxies far away. And I discovered new ones. There are so many lovely people I never would have had the pleasure of encountering but for the book. I’ve met other writers, bloggers, bookstore owners, bookstore visitors, readers, local postal employees, librarians, friends of friends, everyone at my local bank, a hostess at a popular restaurant and a multitude of others – an absolutely wonderful mix! All because they’d read or heard of my novel. It’s such a surprising treat to be regarded as someone who’s accomplished something of small note.

I’d heard tales from other writers of unkind remarks by friends and strangers alike, but thankfully, I’ve not yet been subjected. Or maybe I have, but haven’t noticed because I’m walking on billowy cloud feet.

And the most important perk: I’ve learned firsthand, the not so secret ingredient behind success, the magic that makes it happen: persistence. I gave up several times during my drafting days. Especially the early draft days. I swore off writing forever. Two weeks would go by, and then something would draw me back. A quiet but necessary something. A need.

There’s a ton of blood, sweat and tears that goes into that first book. But it was worth every last drop.