… in this business the finish line is constantly moving. One day you really just want an agent. Then it’s a book deal. Then it’s a bestseller. Then it’s a movie. Then it’s a castle next to JK Rowling’s.
In short, appreciate things as they’re happening, remember that once upon a time that thing was a dream of yours and that it’s still a dream for someone. So be grateful every day.
– Ally Carter, A Letter to Baby Author Me
That’s all I wanted to say, really. She said it much better than I could.
It doesn’t matter if someone else’s book gets published sooner than yours, or gets better reviews, or wins more awards. None of these things are within your control.
Most of these things are due to a mixture of timing (good and bad) and hard work. Celebrate their success. Do not compare it to your success. They did not fight the battles you did to get to this point. Each battle scar is unique.
I couldn’t agree with you more. There are a great many would-be authors on WordPress (I’d love to write a book myself!), but unfortunately some of them seem to see themselves being locked in competition with everybody else. That’s an unfortunate attitude. Another person’s success doesn’t hurt us at all. I’m genuinely happy for them. Indeed, I find myself grateful for the confirmation that writing success is actually possible. 🙂