The art of winning and losing in the writing biz

 

 

Was I surprised? Let’s make that FLOORED. I was sitting in California while my agent was busily accepting my 2014 Carol Award for Romantic Suspense in St. Louis. I did not imagine my crazy jungle novel would win anything, especially not when my fellow finalist was the amazing Irene Hannon.

Winning is sweet. And let me tell you, it doesn’t happen frequently, at least, not to me. I’ve got a few nifty awards, and I’ve got a raft of rejections, scathing reviews and such and sundry.  I’ve discovered that the winning and losing doesn’t come from these external things. So when do I consider that I’ve won?

1. When I get a letter in my post office box from someone that I’ve touched. They tenderly share their lives with me because we connected over a book. That’s a win. That’s precious. That’s from God.

2. When my teen girls say, “See, mom? Aren’t you glad you didn’t give up?” Believe me, they’ve seen me plenty discouraged, but they’ve also witnessed the gritted teeth, the fingers flying and the steadfast determination which is what I want to see in them when times get tough. That’s a win. That’s precious. That’s from God.

3.  When my hubby says, “You see? I’d knew you’d win.” He’s always been my humble supporter, the man who does everything from fix my computer to read my romance novel drafts, the poor burly man. He’s in my corner through the rejections, the scathing reviews and reader rants. He’s a winner, he’s precious, he’s from God. How could I ask for a better award than a husband like that?

What do you think makes you a winner? Last chance to enter the September contest for a signed book , a Starbuck’s card and a fall treat.