I was at a wedding a little over a week or so ago and ran into a bunch of people I hadn’t seen in a while. I’ve dabbled in so many careers over the years that they automatically ask me, “So, Cindy, what are you doing now?”It still feels odd to say
“I’m a romance author.”
After all, it’s still new enough that the royalty checks aren’t exactly paying the bills yet. My wonderful husband, (yes that's him in the picture, and ignore my demonic red eyes--I usually have them camouflaged so I can pass amongst you unnoticed) however, has no such compunctions. I was utterly thrilled when he proudly told everyone exactly what I was up to now. He even gave my card with my website to a few folks I didn’t know very well. In his mind, it’s not a transition thing. I’m published. Therefore I’m an author. And aren’t I lucky that he’s willing to put up with a lean year or two to give me this chance?
Like most writers I have been known to experience those “what the heck am I doing?” moments. Like today when I realized I had signed up to blog and I sat wondering what on earth I had to say that anyone would want to read. I’m getting—just beginning to, but getting—the idea that people are willing to pay a few bucks to read my stories. That idea still astounds me, and in a way I hope it always will. But my stories are about cowboys or dragons or ghosts. I’m just an ordinary person. Every time I’m on a loop chat I’m still amazed that the “real” authors are talking to me. And some of them, amazingly enough, have actually read my books and liked them. That still makes me giddy.
I think a bit of my doubt stems from the fact that up until now, my books have been coming out in a slow trickle. One last December, another this spring, Dragon in the System in June and Beltaine Bargain, in August. Starting in October, though, things will be speeding up and I’m so excited I can hardly stand it. From then through March, it’s a steady stream. And just to shore up my faltering confidence, today my mother-in-law emailed, asking me to send up four copies of Crazy for the Cowboy for her cleaning lady’s book club. They’ve read the first book and can’t wait for more. How cool is that?
Wow. I guess maybe I am a REAL author after all!
8 comments:
My belief is that anyone who puts pen to paper is a author - maybe they're published, maybe not - it's the fact the people try to write that makes you a writer, an author.
And yes, I was wondering about the red eyes...
Ahhhh. I THOUGHT you were one of us! See, you can't hide behind the glasses all the time. Of course, you're a real author! I'm one of those real authors that reads your books. By the way, where's that other cowboy book???
Cindy, I cou ldn't have said it better. I still pinch myself when someone says, "I read your book." I always look atg my husband as if, God, did she mean what she said? But girl, you have a fantabukous career with a gift for writing, so yes, my dear, IT IS REAL/
Cindy, I cou ldn't have said it better. I still pinch myself when someone says, "I read your book." I always look atg my husband as if, God, did she mean what she said? But girl, you have a fantabukous career with a gift for writing, so yes, my dear, IT IS REAL/
Cindy,I can so relate. After I sold, I kept expecting my editor to say, wait a minute, sorry, that was another Natasha Moore we wanted. LOL
Looking forward to the time I can have a steady stream of stories out there. And readers waiting for the next story! Good for you!
Hey, Cindy, you are definitely a real author...one of the best. And I know what you mean about being amazed that there are people out there reading my books! It's a great feeling and we deserve it!
Teri T
Cindy, your post is great and says what each author feels at one time or another. Me, all the time! And, I hope we continue to feel humble and excited when we hear good words about our stories.
Cindy,
You're a real author with real fans - of whom I'm a big one - no worries...I'm not gonna pull a Misery move on you. ;) I am, however, gonna squeal and hug you when I see you. :)
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