by Nicole Petrino-Salter
So what defines the criteria for
success? There are multiple contributions to defining success, some of which
depend on personal goals and achievements. Generally speaking, books that sell
thousands of copies are considered successful. Books that win awards, make the
NYT Bestseller List, generate a buzz, or get made into a movie are deemed
successful. And as the cliché goes, who can argue with success?
Authors can definitely argue with
success. If you listen to dedicated writers, you will often hear how poorly
written several trend-setting, very successful series and stand-alone novels
have been. Having labored over their craft and stories, authors reading some
popular novels wind up in frustration, eye-rolling, shaking their heads, and
just plain disappointment. “Go figure” might be the consensus of some of the
recent successful novels.
Does it change the author’s
response to success, his/her reaction to what they do with their stories? You
tell me.
I’ve had to come to the conclusion
that success is that indefinable place where the Lord’s design for me meets my
wishful thinking for me and the result is I bow to God’s formula for success. For
some, this sounds like a copout or an easy remedy for lousy responses to my
novels. But it’s not. It’s a hard fought for place where I can set aside the
worldly aspirations of my dreams and realize the only ones that truly matter
are God’s purposes in my life, be it writing or just plain living.
For a Drama Queen, one who would love to stand
at podiums and deliver inspired speeches, discuss each character in my novels,
and generally celebrate my 15 minutes of fame, believe me, it’s not an easy
place to find. But it’s the best
place for me to be. I can’t speak for you.
Nicole Petrino-Salter writes love stories with a passion. You can find her here most days.
Not every one of us will
experience the common and accepted version of success with our work. Some of us
will experience “moderate” success with our writing, and others of us will be
considered unsuccessful in our endeavors. Some will receive reviewer accolades,
contest awards, status-setting titles (i.e. bestseller), and great sales while
others of us will not.
Nicole Petrino-Salter writes love stories with a passion. You can find her here most days.
Hey, Nicole, you said:
ReplyDelete"I’ve had to come to the conclusion that success is that indefinable place where the Lord’s design for me meets my wishful thinking for me and the result is I bow to God’s formula for success. For some, this sounds like a copout or an easy remedy for lousy responses to my novels. But it’s not. It’s a hard fought for place where I can set aside the worldly aspirations of my dreams and realize the only ones that truly matter are God’s purposes in my life, be it writing or just plain living."
WOW! You and I have just circled the same wagon, my friend, and I heartily concur -- we ARE in the best place!! Only took me 8 months of sabbatical to figure it out.
LOL ... and I'm a DQ too ... although I refer to myself as a CDQ: caffeinated drama queen. :)
EXCELLENT POST!!
Hugs,
Julie
Thank you from my heart, Julie. I would argue you've experienced success. You're admired, respected, a bestselling author . . . but still, if you had to find my described place, I honor your journey and decision because it's a heart-rending place to discover. And, yeah, it's the best place. (If I used the C before DQ, it would stand for Coca-Cola. ;) )
ReplyDeleteWell said, Nicole!
ReplyDeleteGod's definition of success is most likely not our own, and just because we may not achieve worldly-defined success, that does not mean we'll have failed. I don't think most of us will see the results of our obedience until eternity.
I don't either, Bren. I just hope I have some good results.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your thoughtful comment, Bren.
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ReplyDeleteHi Nicole,
ReplyDeleteI have had similar thoughts on some of the 'best-sellers' that have won great acclaim for mediocre authors. I just remind myself that, like Lot, we must stay true to God's way, so that we can remain the 'salt of the earth, not a 'pillar' of society. Take comfort from Matthew 5:13-16 & Galatians 6:9 and keep up the good work!
Thanks, Tami. You're a gem. Great scriptures.
ReplyDelete