It's been a big year for my friend Kiersi Burkhart (aka the Prolific Novelista), co-author of the middle-grade series Second Chance Ranch. Not only did the series, which she co-writes with her friend Amber J. Keyser, get picked up by publishers in both the U.S. and Europe, but she also signed on with agent Fiona Kenshole at Transatlantic Agency. To many an aspiring author, this sounds like the Holy Grail of writerly success. Does Kiersi consider it won and done? Read on to find out!
How do you define success for yourself as a writer? How do you know when you're successful?
For me, success is writing for a living—subsidizing my life with my work and being able to write (and do all my blogging, social media, promo, etc.) full time. At least, that's what it looks like from this vantage point; I think what counts as "success" tends to change according to where you are in the process. A while ago, "success" was having a book contract. I imagine in a few years, my idea of what makes success will change again. I'm excited for that.
Is it something achieved and done with, or does it have to be maintained?
I think success is always evolving. In my version, it needs to be maintained, because one needs an ongoing income in order to survive; so just one book deal isn't going to cut it long term, unless your book somehow magically sells gangbusters forever. (I am prepared for this should it happen!)
