When I tell people I’m a writer, they nod politely and ask what I write, and then go back to whatever conversation they were having before. I get that. Only other writers and avid readers get even remotely interested when they meet a writer.
Those that do get excited immediately think you’re a big star and must drive a Rolex, or is that a Rolls Royce? Whatever. Sadly that’s the farthest from the truth in my case. I’m a writer making a living at it, but not making a killing. I wear sweats or yoga pants to work each day (I know, be jealous) and leave my diamonds and stilettos packed away for important events (probably my funeral).
Yesterday, I learned that COWBOY 12 PACK, a boxed set I have a story in made the New York Times Best Seller at #11 and the USA Today Best Seller List at #33. Though I was excited and jumping up and down, my dogs were not impressed. Sigh. I told my husband and he patted my head and told me, “That’s nice. What’s for supper?” I rarely see my neighbors because I’m on the keyboard all day cranking out page after page, trying to push the world up the hill of fame and fortune. That leaves my sister who is also a writer. I share my news with her when I can get her on the phone. She at least knows the importance of a list and can share my happiness.
So why do we do it? Obviously not for the fame and fortune, because it doesn’t always come our way unless we strike gold and make it big like 50 Shades of Grey. We do it because we love it and want readers to love our stories. And if it pays the bills, we consider ourselves successful!
So thank you to all the readers who buy our books and keep us in the business of doing what we love to do. We love each and every one of you.
Oh, and by the way…WE MADE THE NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLER LIST!!!
****For a chance to win a $5 Gift card***
Leave a comment about your successes and the reactions of those around you.
I’ll choose a winner tomorrow.
Don’t forget to get your free copy of SEAL’S HONOR before it goes off sale!
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My success is to be a tough navy wife….just like al the military family wife….this is my success and theirs….everyone know that around me cause its really tough…..my other one success has been mom to my children…..hugs….
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I’m not commenting to join the competition, I just want to say congratulations!!! The stories in the set are all great reads and I will get around to posting a review – promise – even though I am a bit behind in doing my reviews at the moment!! Congrats again to you, Elle and all of the other authors!!
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I know what you mean when people around you don’t get excited about things as you do. I am a bookworm and when I share about a book I love or share that I won a book, real life friends are like OK SO WHAT? I am a graphic designer and when I mention it, I get various reactions and questions, from WOW to HUH, I just shake my head.
Congrats on making the lists! ‘Cowboy 12 Pack’ is on my iPad waiting in line. So many books so little time.
A recent small success for me is that I gave the reading bug to my son who was very resistant to books SIGH uphill battle. So I am hoping he will get ‘infected’.
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I am so proud of all of you making the NY times bestsellers list. It must be an awesome feeling to be among the elite that have made it to that list. Have a great day and enjoy the feeling.
Amy
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Hi Elle! I’m an opera singer and chorister in a reputable opera company in Florida, so whenever a good review comes our way I am very happy and can totally relate!
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lol I do payroll for 4500 + folks every two weeks and if there is something wrong with their check is always my fault. But it things go good I don’t here anything at all lol.
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My greatest success is my son. He was prayed for and took seven years to conceive and I set out on this parenting adventure knowingly alone. He is an upstanding young man, athletic, smart, funny and respectful. Absolutely the best thing I have ever done. As for people’s reactions, I am proud to say strangers do comment on what a kind and respectful young man he is (12 years old), but no one really gets what it means to me to have him.
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I am so excited for y’all that this collection made lists! I am a fan of several of you in this collection. Being an avid reader I am very thrilled for you. Congratulations. Great collection! What do I do? Lately, I am simply a book reviewer. That doesn’t pay the bills at all, but being retired, I can handle it. When I tell someone I review books, I get raised eyebrows then, “What kind of books.” Folks seem more interested in hearing about that than when I worked in accounts payable. *shrugs* Go figure. A book reviewer is more interesting than accounting. 😀
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My biggest success is I’m still married to my husband. 27 years. We’ve had ups and downs but still going strong.
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Congratulations!!!!! Couldn’t happen to a nicer group of writers!!!! I was a nurse for 40 years and my successes were when we saved a patient….they were well on their way to Heaven and my team and I jerked them from the jaws ( an expression we used regularly). I did always say God gave me the know how to do it, but he only gave me a certain number I could save. He was always there watching. No one knows how that makes you feel……
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My two biggest accomplishments are equal in my eyes. I was able to finish nursing school after getting out of the Air Force while raising two wonderful boys,one of which is Autistic. I love nursing and my family and only others nurses and parents of special needs truly understand these accomplishments. Congrats Elle and Delilah.
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Elle, Congratulations!
I’ve had a few successes, married for 35 years, I have a daughter who is now married and a school teacher. I worked in the corporate world for nearly 30 years. I created a system/program that is still in use, which was a boon for me.
Success for me is measured in not just the things I’ve accomplished on a large scale, but also those small daily incidentals. I.e.: finishing a book, making a new recipe, spending time being creative, starting a new book. 😀
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I love your books and I would definitely be excited to meet you (or your sister)! 🙂 I’ve never been to any author events but I did get to meet one-on-one with an author I met online, when she was vacationing near my home. It was so interesting to talk about books in general and also to learn a little about the business side of being an author (because I’m curious and nosy – lol).
As an avid reader I am grateful for the authors who take the time to keep the books coming even if it only manages to pay the bills. I do love several big-name authors but I have very much come to appreciate the indie author and how they are willing to interact with their fans.
Thank you for your books!
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My greatest success is my family. I am very lucky and very proud. I’ve been told by people how lucky I am and I believe it!
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My greatest success was getting a book published and getting to share that news with my family
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There have been many but I think my biggest success was pushing my youngest son to stay in school and graduate. Here is (an adult now)child who has a severe mental health diagnosis and has been hospitalized a lot, and still managed to graduate high school with a diploma, not a certificate of attainment.Huge achievement for a child like him.
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Life is full of little & big successes.
I work with group of 23 four year olds. If they are all still alive by the end of the day, I count that a great success. LOL
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Congratulations on making it to the Best Seller lists, Elle! I *get it* and can really relate. Writing is a solitary profession and we are all at least semi-recluses. Still, it’s a wonderful world, isn’t it? I’ll be in my first boxed set in a few months and hope we gain some traction on the lists, too. I always enjoy your books, so keep cranking them out. 😀
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😳 I feel successful if I can do simple things, however, my family has other ideas. Until a few years ago never knew that they were very proud of me. I was a critical care RN. I hold two Associate Degrees one in nursing and one in Equine Office Administration. I was told that I am always the first one to drop what I am doing when someone needs me. I’ve been married for 32 years to a wonderful man. My two children are grown and continuing their education, (because Mom did it).
I guess you never know how you effect your family until you ask.
It humbles me to know that my family recognize my life as successful.