Prolific science-fiction and fantasy author Piers Anthony shared with me a quick thought on the first year.
I began actively working to become a writer in college. In fact I majored in it, and my BA is in Creative Writing. But it was a long slow haul. One year after my decision I had nothing published and no prospects. Eight years after the decision I finally managed to sell my first story. Twelve years after the decision I sold my first novel. I have now had 140 books published, and there are prospects for a movie. But if judged by my first year, I would be a failure.
Something to mull over on this Friday. 😉
You can find Piers Anthony on his website http://www.hipiers.com/.
One of his books (winner’s choice) will be part of the First Year Tally gift drawn at the end of the month!
The Writeaholic's Blog 
January 21st, 2011 at 9:03 am
Short and to the point reality check !
For me , it re-inforces the fact that passion for your craft , combined with perseverance , will see you through the hard times . 🙂
January 21st, 2011 at 11:02 am
That is exactly what I thought.
That’s also why I’m glad the First Year Tally got some awesome participants; we hear time and again that perseverance is key but to have a measurable exemple of how much of a difference it makes helps us push through.
January 21st, 2011 at 4:56 pm
Interesting to see that so many successful authors had slow starts. And encouraging for us hopefuls, too! 🙂
January 21st, 2011 at 7:30 pm
That was exactly my point when I started organizing this event! 😉
January 21st, 2011 at 6:52 pm
Nice. The truth is, even the people who seem to have come into fame overnight have really been working at it for years, practicing their singing, writing, painting, whatever.
January 21st, 2011 at 7:32 pm
Hello Megan and welcome to my blog,
I agree. I often say that people who are “on the fast-track” usually work two times harder. Nothing comes for free.