tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8927727476793944291.post8671034551525748355..comments2024-03-27T23:13:43.597-05:00Comments on Prairie Rose Publications: HOW TO MEASURE SUCCESSLivia J Washburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05958199886826207363noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8927727476793944291.post-86522962609204514252015-03-31T15:59:29.588-05:002015-03-31T15:59:29.588-05:00Maggie--I do love your definition of success. If I...Maggie--I do love your definition of success. If I read it right, you appreciate respect, enjoyment, and helping hands. I could not have said it better. In the end, rankings and money are not those things that touch our heart. And writers, in general, write from the heart.<br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16272417114895975742noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8927727476793944291.post-17890338894010293632015-03-31T09:25:50.056-05:002015-03-31T09:25:50.056-05:00Success...The final frontier...These are the voyag...Success...The final frontier...These are the voyages of the Starship Maggie...<br /><br />Seriously, I consider writing a terrific adventure and I've made some darn good friends along the way. I've visited Planet Romance, Planet Mystery, and Planet Science Fiction. I enjoy writing and I enjoy hearing back from readers who get what I get.<br /><br />How do I measure success? Traditional Maggie Toussainthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12011893139722870283noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8927727476793944291.post-72867033310312942872015-03-31T08:36:54.651-05:002015-03-31T08:36:54.651-05:00Jacquie--Haha..I think that's probably why the...Jacquie--Haha..I think that's probably why the machine is always empty now, when I see it. Most people probably don't want to know their statistics.<br />Yes, I agree with you. Even though we do feel good about each step and each accomplishment, that puts us right back at the beginning to "do better the next time." And it's too easy to compare ourselves with others. But eachAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16272417114895975742noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8927727476793944291.post-75899570854733090052015-03-31T08:32:52.749-05:002015-03-31T08:32:52.749-05:00Paula--do true, and I second that thought. I don&#...Paula--do true, and I second that thought. I don't think any of us are completely satisfied. Even with my very first book back in 2006, I see how I could have written that story better. Fortunately, I just got the rights back to it, and now can revise it some. <br />That drive "to always do better" is innate in writers, I think. I hope so, anyway. Thanks for stopping by the Prairie Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16272417114895975742noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8927727476793944291.post-44522135084419504722015-03-31T08:23:51.278-05:002015-03-31T08:23:51.278-05:00Lyn--I hear you about the marketing. There's j...Lyn--I hear you about the marketing. There's just no easy way to do it, and you can't just let it go. No one would see your name. Over the years, I've weeded out a few things I was doing for marketing, lightening my load, if you will, but then adding something that worked better and took less time. <br />We're so easy to please, aren't we? One good review and we're as Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16272417114895975742noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8927727476793944291.post-19652700349300303862015-03-31T08:20:52.857-05:002015-03-31T08:20:52.857-05:00Cheryl--Those were the days, weren't they. I l...Cheryl--Those were the days, weren't they. I learned so much in those first two years, mostly from negative remarks and editors who were not kind. I also had one of the best editors early on, and she "held my hand" and walked me through the process of editing/re-writing my first book. <br />Amish stories might not fit you, but I feel certain you could write one if you tried. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16272417114895975742noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8927727476793944291.post-22587300703923941622015-03-31T08:12:29.360-05:002015-03-31T08:12:29.360-05:00I love those kinds of machines. It's a form of...I love those kinds of machines. It's a form of mini-entertainment. See? It doesn't take much to make me happy. I'm so glad you smiled! That, in itself, made me happy. Interesting about that machine. You'd think people would line up to use it...but every time I've seen it, it was empty. I guess most people don't want a machine giving them information about themselves.<br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16272417114895975742noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8927727476793944291.post-60723366874513554432015-03-31T06:23:51.359-05:002015-03-31T06:23:51.359-05:00Your post hit the nail on the head, as usual, Celi...Your post hit the nail on the head, as usual, Celia. Success is a strange bird, isn't it? I feel successful every time I read a fan letter, or a nice review, or write The End. Occasionally, I'll get a big check and that doesn't hurt, either. But I always have this nagging feeling that I should be doing more and doing it better, too. I have to constantly remind myself "Don&#Jacquie Rogershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17361793932364487636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8927727476793944291.post-5473849823265754582015-03-31T03:09:40.804-05:002015-03-31T03:09:40.804-05:00A fascinating post, Celia, which made me start thi...A fascinating post, Celia, which made me start thinking about how I measure 'success'. I've achieved quite a few things during my life that people may consider as 'success', but I think my 'problem' is that I am never satisfied and could always do better! Maybe that's the thing that keeps me going.. and going... Paula Martinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10040623635956769807noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8927727476793944291.post-86531385663510321912015-03-30T20:22:19.798-05:002015-03-30T20:22:19.798-05:00Very inspiring post, Celia. I started writing many...Very inspiring post, Celia. I started writing many years ago but didn't publish until 2010. Now I'm trying to find my marketing legs. It's not easy! My days are long, my sleeping time too short. I often wonder why I'm doing this to myself, but then a find a lovely review from a reader I've never met and I know it's all worthwhile.Lyn Hornerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05596495172490672271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8927727476793944291.post-72721241814417393742015-03-30T19:39:40.123-05:002015-03-30T19:39:40.123-05:00Beverly--it's wonderful, isn't it? I think...Beverly--it's wonderful, isn't it? I think we're probably programmed to succeed in our early lives, versus we learn we don't have to please everyone else in our later lives. I've seen and heard this over and over. When young, most of us feel a deep obligation from our teaching at home to "be a good girl and do your lessons,: "Be a good girl and clean up the kitchen; Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16272417114895975742noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8927727476793944291.post-84794439719229731732015-03-30T19:33:40.205-05:002015-03-30T19:33:40.205-05:00Celia, I always think back to you and I being &quo...Celia, I always think back to you and I being "newbies" together at TWRP and how it was such a "whole new world" for us. We've come a long way, baby! LOL <br /><br />I am like you--my outlook has changed so much. I used to want to get an agent more than anything. Well, after three different agents (and some of them with well-known names!) I realized that was not the way toCheryl Piersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18116526340220274282noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8927727476793944291.post-9665832539077491222015-03-30T19:31:14.996-05:002015-03-30T19:31:14.996-05:00Celia, did you see the big smile that took over my...Celia, did you see the big smile that took over my face? What a lovely post! I'm always learning from you, especially about positivity. How could anyone remain sulky or mired in the "poor me" place around you? We should all count our blessings more often. :-)<br /><br />That machine sounds entirely too smart. I'm not sure I want to know that much about myself! :-D<br /><br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05740371055384281988noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8927727476793944291.post-75395726439840252782015-03-30T19:30:05.909-05:002015-03-30T19:30:05.909-05:00Kaye--I think a lot of us around the same age--pro...Kaye--I think a lot of us around the same age--probably I'm a little older-began our "coming out" during the 60's. I did, and I know many others did, too. During the fifties, I was the perfect new wife who had one baby, then another, and my husband....and my mother...expected me to remain in the home and be the proper mommy and wife.<br />But the 60s broke open a lot of doors Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16272417114895975742noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8927727476793944291.post-31152012043109884652015-03-30T17:13:54.293-05:002015-03-30T17:13:54.293-05:00Hi Celia, I enjoyed your post as always. It's ...Hi Celia, I enjoyed your post as always. It's funny how so many of us feel the same way--how we used to measure success verses how we measure success today. For years I thought success was measured in numbers--number of patients I helped heal in the home(I was a Public Health home care nurse), the amount of money I or hubby made, how many things I could accomplish at home and elsewhere, then Beverly Wells authorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12248685758575824289noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8927727476793944291.post-12590207429139169662015-03-30T16:38:34.057-05:002015-03-30T16:38:34.057-05:00Celia,
I've been a writer since early element...<br />Celia,<br /><br />I've been a writer since early elementary school. I began writing my first *serious* attempt at a novel (which ended up being my first published novel) when I was 22-ish years old. It took me about 25 more years to even think about publishing it. I published it in 2006 and I just received my rights back on it. *sigh* <br /><br />I, too, decided to go to college in an Kaye Spencerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13530735658588595790noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8927727476793944291.post-67015747035959338622015-03-30T16:37:39.692-05:002015-03-30T16:37:39.692-05:00Hi, Morgan--I was in my mid-sixties before I even ...Hi, Morgan--I was in my mid-sixties before I even wrote a word, let alone get anything published. So, I've only been at this about ten years. But when I began, it was like the stories were gushing out--stories I didn't even know I had. Most of us are harder on ourselves than others are. I think you have a good attitude and demeanor..just move along and strive for your goals. Maybe you'Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16272417114895975742noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8927727476793944291.post-64218492194881398322015-03-30T16:34:21.820-05:002015-03-30T16:34:21.820-05:00Sarah--Isn't it interesting how our lives turn...Sarah--Isn't it interesting how our lives turn out. I believe it's one of God's blessings for us not to know what coming, but take those events as they come and maybe make something of them. It's the mystery and the thrill of something new and fun. Listen, getting a contract at age 49 seems like a gold plated event. I was much older when I got my first one, and it was like I was Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16272417114895975742noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8927727476793944291.post-11723722808523342482015-03-30T16:30:55.102-05:002015-03-30T16:30:55.102-05:00Doris! It's all a journey, it's all a game...Doris! It's all a journey, it's all a game, it's all an adventure! Whether or not we hit the jackpot is beside the point. It's clear, though, that you do have a lot of talent for writing. Isn't it the most fun thing? And I've done other things that were great fun, like playing golf. I LOVED that. Now? All I can think of is writing. Keep it up, dear friend.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16272417114895975742noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8927727476793944291.post-27881079482483711792015-03-30T16:28:23.445-05:002015-03-30T16:28:23.445-05:00Barb--you are so fortunate to have family that sup...Barb--you are so fortunate to have family that supports you and appreciates what you're doing. A daughter's encouragement would have pleased me the very most. Oh, all of us had dreams of one kind or another that did not come true. But I think dreams are only part of our inventive/creative minds. Thanks so much for taking time to write a comment.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16272417114895975742noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8927727476793944291.post-11575604163656096772015-03-30T16:25:52.131-05:002015-03-30T16:25:52.131-05:00Hey, LInda!! Oh, thank you for coming by. I write ...Hey, LInda!! Oh, thank you for coming by. I write these blogs and then wonder if anyone will come by. You know the feeling. So, thank you, thank you, for your comment. Yes, it truly is the journey..not the goal. Once you reach that pinnacle...isn't there only the way down from there? Good point, and I appreciate it.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16272417114895975742noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8927727476793944291.post-68236155982505654252015-03-30T16:23:58.812-05:002015-03-30T16:23:58.812-05:00You are so right, JD. I don't like to give up....You are so right, JD. I don't like to give up. Long ago, I formed a loose group called DWABS...those of us that have the "Dog With A Bone Syndrome." That's me...that's many people I know. I thought we deserved a club with a real name...haha. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16272417114895975742noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8927727476793944291.post-66020300806130425702015-03-30T14:31:33.321-05:002015-03-30T14:31:33.321-05:00I started writing in my 50s, and am a bit jealous ...I started writing in my 50s, and am a bit jealous of those in my RWA Chapter who began earlier and are doing quite well. I try to think positive, since I do have 7 books out, but I get mad at myself because I'm such a slow writer. Also, I wish I sold more books. I'm still waiting for a bestseller! About blood pressure - I use a machine at home, but don't take mine everyday, because I Morgan Mandelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10118929301591850918noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8927727476793944291.post-90399954335068905832015-03-30T11:40:46.633-05:002015-03-30T11:40:46.633-05:00As always, I love reading about your thoughts, fee...As always, I love reading about your thoughts, feelings, and personal journey, Celia. Although my successes and life goals may have been different in some areas from yours, I can relate to so many of them.<br /><br />I wanted to be a writer from the time I was 9. I wanted to go to college and take English as a major so I could write as a living. But I came from a very practical family and my onlySarah J. McNealhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17749991094677728042noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8927727476793944291.post-50454328798474303172015-03-30T10:38:06.486-05:002015-03-30T10:38:06.486-05:00Thank you Celia. LIke you I'm late to the writ...Thank you Celia. LIke you I'm late to the writing life. Always a voracious reader, turning to writing was a natural process to me. Now, I've always written, starting as a child, but it was plays, my passions for performing winning out over almost everything else. I've done that, loved it. Had a career that fulfilled me and a life I now enjoy. Have I sold a lot of books, no I haven'Renaissance Womenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09045401344374224512noreply@blogger.com