How do you feel about the idea that your biggest publishing success might already be behind you? I asked my friend Michael Bungay Stanier over coffee (espresso for him, oat cortado for me, financier for Ryder).
Oh thank you for your energizing writing today - a huge fan of MBS I have a little envy in the best way. I am on the fence about writing a second book as my first - while it sold well, more than most - sold only enough to be a problem to future publishing houses (not my words) Thank you for reminding me to write for the message and not for the metrics and money (although those would be lovely too) And if that picture of Ryder isn't a sign for you to write - I'm not sure what would be.
Comparison is often the reason (excuse?) for backsliding into negativity aimed at oneself, but just as often it helps us find insights, not necessarily about what we did "wrong," but perhaps the subtitle isn't descriptive enough to reach the targeted audience, the targeted audience could have been broader (or narrower), the cover doesn't convey the essence of the content, the timing is slightly off and as you write the next books, the earlier ones will catch fire and go. In my experience, now with 11 books, I find my non-marketeering approach has created name recognition and a sense that what I write is personal, honest, deeply meaningful and useful, and maybe even a little bit funny. Things get around word of mouth. People recognize you for positivity and for sticking to a deeper purpose. Consistency with a twist of surprise.
OMG! A pink donut with sprinkles! A sign from God.
Oh thank you for your energizing writing today - a huge fan of MBS I have a little envy in the best way. I am on the fence about writing a second book as my first - while it sold well, more than most - sold only enough to be a problem to future publishing houses (not my words) Thank you for reminding me to write for the message and not for the metrics and money (although those would be lovely too) And if that picture of Ryder isn't a sign for you to write - I'm not sure what would be.
Comparison is often the reason (excuse?) for backsliding into negativity aimed at oneself, but just as often it helps us find insights, not necessarily about what we did "wrong," but perhaps the subtitle isn't descriptive enough to reach the targeted audience, the targeted audience could have been broader (or narrower), the cover doesn't convey the essence of the content, the timing is slightly off and as you write the next books, the earlier ones will catch fire and go. In my experience, now with 11 books, I find my non-marketeering approach has created name recognition and a sense that what I write is personal, honest, deeply meaningful and useful, and maybe even a little bit funny. Things get around word of mouth. People recognize you for positivity and for sticking to a deeper purpose. Consistency with a twist of surprise.
Love this whole post! And that you were able to connect in person again with MBS. Also - **another** donut sign from the universe! 🍩✨