Many people define a “real writer” as one who’s published. I’ve always had trouble with this definition because, as far as I’m concerned, one has to become a real writer before publishing’s even on the radar. A real writer thrives, not from raw talent alone, or a list of publishing credits, but from an inner-directed…
Tag Archive: non-fiction
Measuring Success
Recently an aspiring novelist told me she would never feel successful unless she published a bestseller. I replied that book sales have little, if anything, to do with literary achievement. After all, if making the bestseller list is the chief barometer of a writer’s success then Jackie Collins and Victoria Gotti are outrageously successful. I…