Recently, I heard great advice that said success for an author should not be about an event but about process. Part of this is because in reaching that event, the fall-out may not feel like success, perhaps because it didn't go as planned. So, prior to this, I would have said winning an award or reaching a bestseller status would be an indication of success. And, goodness knows, I have had the great privilege of being published and (separately) having been thanked in someone else's acknowledgement section of their published work.
At the moment, while still processing this advice and new perspective, I guess success to me would look like engaging in regular literary-related activities that not only are wonderful because of the experiences and networking opportunities they provide but also ease the worries of my pocketbook. It stresses too much and really just needs to sit back and enjoy the ride more. :)
General George Washington: so I can try to glean some of his thoughts and understand history's hero;
Colonel Thaddeus Kosciuszko, engineer, soldier, & Polish immigrant (appears in book two): to enjoy his passion for life and flattery that he often gave women due to sincere admiration; and
Major John Andre, British Adjunct & spy master (appears in book 4): to discuss all things arts-related and discover why even Continental soldiers like Washington and Benjamin Tallmadge (his American counterpart) admired him so much.
Honestly... I didn't know I wanted to be an author until May 2019, when I suddenly decided I wanted to write a book and then went on to write several. Looking back, I can see the signs of how much I enjoyed writing before that revelation. So, if I had anything to say to my younger writing self, it would be: Guess what?!!
Treat it like a job with regular business hours and a dedicated writing space, even if that means a half hour during your lunch break in your car. The key is to force yourself to keep those hours, regardless of whether you want to. Those hours can be spent researching, marketing, or actual writing. Just make sure you do something.
Also, word count goals of how many words you must write per session is really disheartening to writers, from what I've seen of others. Rather than stress yourself out by meeting (and potentially failing to meet) this goal, focus instead on dedication to pushing yourself forward.
