Here it is again - back to my original picture. I'm feeling philosophical today. I've written enough about the promotional tour for my first book. It has been a very exciting summer, so I'm sure you'll forgive me for having wittered on - and on - about my book signings, talks, interviews, blog, etc etc and all the shinnanigans that go along with being published. But you must be getting very bored with reading about all that by now. So, the summer's almost over and I'm going to return to the original purpose of this blog: asking questions and sharing experiences. I hope you join in the discussion. Otherwise it's just me, and I don't want to sit here talking to myself . . .
What I want to know is, WHO MOVED THE GOALPOSTS? Let me explain. It involves travelling back in time, but don't worry, we're not going far.
If anyone had told me just two months ago how many of my books would have sold by now, or that I would have been interviewed on BBC Radio (not once, but 3 times!) or met so many enthusiastic readers, I would have jumped for joy so vigorously I would have been over the moon in no time. Probably hit my head on a distant star on the far side of the moon . . . Yet here I am, two months on with all that 'success' to bolster me up, and I'm wondering why Cut Short has fallen down the amazon sales ratings today. Why aren't more people buying Cut Short on amazon?
So here's the big question -
Does enjoying our achievements only lead to complacency?
Is it better to feel dissatisfied, because that is what spurs us on?
What do you think?
LINKS
author schedule - http://www.noexit.co.uk/features/authortour.php
amazon.co.uk - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cut-Short-DI-Geraldine-Steel/dp/1842432710
amazon.com - http://www.amazon.com/Cut-Short-DI-Geraldine-Steel-No/dp/1842432710
20 comments:
Does enjoying our achievement only lead to complacency or is it better to feel dissatisfied ....? Now there is a question and a half.
Thanks for visiting my blog, Leigh. Does enjoying our achievement only lead to complacency or is it better to feel dissatisfied? I can tell you that complacency doesn't even come into the picture as far as I am concerned. I am striving to improve - the achievement is a catalyst for further design. Wishing you every success with Cut Short.
But what's your answer, Petty Witter?
Hi Studio Sylvia - the achievement is a catalyst for further design onwards and upwards, Sylvia. I'm with you there. Do you ever stop - I mean really stop - and think: 'Good for me, I'm doing well here.' Or would that feeling signal the end of improvement? And - going on from there - if we can't sit back once in a while and enjoy our small successes, why do we strive to achieve them? Then again, if I allow myself to sit back and enjoy my modest achievement, I might not get up again . . . did someone accuse me of going round in circles?
Thanks for your visit and comment!Wonderful to meet another writer! The UK has many great authors. I wish you a lot of success and perpetual inspiration. It's like having a child: each new baby brings new possibilities and surprises, so you can never sit down and relax. Good luck!
I think there must be a balance between enjoyment and dissatisfaction.
Positive trainers would have you believe the more you enjoyed the success, the more that you'd want. Perhaps your "dissatisfaction" is really the desire for more.
I think it's a constitutional thing. I seem to be biologically incapable of enjoying any accomplishment for long.
Reader Wil - but books don't keep you awake at nights . . . no, hang on, they do!
Debra - is there ever a point at which we stop wanting more? And when we reach it, is that really a good place to be or not? ??? I did tell you I was feeling philosophical . . .)
That is what spurs you on, Charles.
Thanks for dropping by. I quite enjoyed Cut Short and look forward to more from you.
Thank you, Randy. Keep in touch.
I believe you should enjoy your achievement. Since Cut Short hit the shelves you've promoted it yourself and travelled around giving talks and signing copies of the book. You've also written book number two and sent it to the publishers. All in the space of 3 months. I don't think there's any danger that you'll get complacent.
As for your ranking, it's currently 87779 and Amazon say that they have 25 million titles available for sale. Doing the maths, that puts your book in the top 1% for sales (0.35%). Also, schools and universities are starting a new academic year, so people will be buying set books around now, which might affect your ranking.
I've been disappointed when Cut Short went below (or above) 20,000 but reading your comment, dabrah, maybe I shouldn't worry about it. That said, amazon sales ratings don't seem to relate to many sales. I don't understand how it works at all.
Thanks for visiting my blog, M Riyadh Sharif. Please come back and comment any time.
Hello. I just saw a comment you left at Riyadh's blog and realize we are neighbors at Blogland Lane. I have been much the hermit since moving in there, sorry to say.
Congratulations on your book! Your debut very much parallels the debut of my friend's novel here in the U.S. Really, to think that there are two of you who are experiencing much the same excitement and change in your lives is really something! Click on her book in the sidebar at my blog to find out more - it's the only book featured there - and I am going to put your book on my Amazon wish list!
To answer your question, I don't think that enjoying achievement leads to complacency. More likely, it leads to the kind of panic you are feeling regarding amazon sales ratings. Don't panic. All is well.
Hi Lydia - I've been over to your blog to check out your friend's book. It looks really interesting so thank you for the recommendation. It's very nice to meet a neighbour here!
Thanks for the visit to my blog. Writing is like washing the dishes or doing your laundry. You work to get it done even though in reality, it never is and never will be. ~Karen
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