To Be Seen

We all want it. For our book to be the one that makes us a household name. For some of us, it’s not for fame or fortune. But to find our audience, to connect with the readers who will be clamoring for our next book, and our next book, and our next.

But what are the odds of that happening? How many authors truly become the next breakout star? Or is it more likely that it’s the next-breakout-star-after-20-years-of-toiling-in-the-writing-trenches?

Maybe our first book isn’t supposed to be an insta-hit. Maybe it’s supposed to help get our name out there. To get people talking. To pique their curiosity. To get on their radars. So they’ll be more inclined to pick up the next book. And the next book, and the next.

At least, that’s the revelation I had in the wee hours of the night.

This isn’t a pity post. It’s just matter-of-fact thinking in a career that can take you on such a rollercoaster.

Of course, I want to see my book on the end-of-the-year lists (or any list). I want to see people posting it on their social media. I want fan art and gushing and people telling me my characters are their new favorites.

Mostly I want people telling me they stayed up way past their bedtime because they couldn’t put my book down. What I want…is to know my book is being read.

Because, really…isn’t that all we want, in the end?

To be seen?