I'm Rich

As many authors will tell you, it's tough to make a decent income writing--especially in your first few years. Yes, there are some exceptions, but I fall into the majority category and I'm okay with that because I LOVE what I do. For me it's about the journey not the destination.

Money matters aside, as an author, I am rich beyond my wildest dreams. Seriously. Because I have readers (some who I've grown to consider friends) who are absolutely priceless.

Last week, I was in one of those woe is me moods. I had no "great" scenes in my head, I was so behind on emails, interview questions, mailing out books, laundry, and everything else on my To Do list, and my book sales came to a screeching halt. I downward spiraled into one of those "maybe I'm not good enough to ever really make a career out of this" black holes of self-pity and doubt.

I wanted lots and lots of chocolate.

And then I received a package in the mail, so I opened it.
And I cried. Happy tears.
Because a reader, Jennifer Greef, had sent me this...

Jennifer Greeff and I "met" (virtually) when she reviewed Grasping at Eternity on the Once Upon a Twilight blog. Her review was full of so much love for my story that I asked if I could use a few lines for a blurb in the paperback version. The rest is history.
Now, Jennifer is always one of the first to contact me and say, "Your new book is coming out soon. What can I do to help promote it?" And, through all of our emails, ,tweets, and FB messages, she has become a treasured friend. To receive such a beautiful and thoughtful gift from such a kind and beautiful person--and respected reviewer--was worth more to me than all the money in the world.

There is nothing as rewarding as having readers/fans/friends take the time, and go out of their way, to show love and appreciation for the stories I have poured my heart and soul into. It's an indescribable feeling--indescribable even for a writer.

Then, because the universe has a way of really wanting to make itself clear, another amazing reader, Jennifer Madero, tweeted me with artwork she had created.

 

Jennifer and I "met" recently when her friend, Marianne, suggested she read Grasping at Eternity. Jennifer posted a fantastic review complete with hysterical GIFs and we hit it off from there. Jennifer and Marianne run the entertaining book blog, Boricuan Bookworms and again, I was so touched and honored that my stories had inspired something so beautiful from someone so amazing and talented.

My woes and self-doubt temporarily disappeared that day.
I had "made it."
Not because I had made a best seller list, or cashed a big paycheck, but because I received gifts that proved my writing had touched people. That makes me rich.

I have many moments that make me thankful for having the best "job" in the world. Every tweet, FB like or message, every review (yes, sometimes even the negative constructive ones), every heartfelt email I receive (especially those filled with OMGs, hearts, and lots of explanation points) and every "fan" I meet in real life, I'm reminded of how rich I am.

Sure, I'm no famous or legendary author. J.K. Rowling has her own land at Universal Studios, Stephenie Meyer and E.L. James were both declared two of Time magazine's Most Influential People, and Stephen King will always be The King. I can only dream of ever reaching the first wrung on their infinitely tall ladders of success, but...I'm still rich. I've got drawings, gifts, and cards decorating my work space as proof.

And I have my readers to thank for that.
My heart runneth over. As always, thank you times infinity. 

***For those wondering who made the amazing bracelet and how to buy/design your own, visit Nadine at Oh Whimsical Me. She does beautiful work!***