Every writer has dreams.
Every person has dreams, but I’m pretty sure writers have specific writer-ly dreams. Dreams about their book babies and how readers will embrace their work. Off the top of my head, I can think of about ten that would apply to most people (write a book (bonus points if it’s a book you love); get a literary agent (I actually had one for a while!); publish a book; have people read said book etc.). I won’t bore you by listing them all lol! But I thought I’d talk about a few of my dreams that have yet to come true.
Caution: This post contains writer-ly “nevers” that may be embarrassing, revealing, and TMI.
You have been warned.
Never have I ever: done a book signing. I know you’re probably like, “The ADORKABLE paperback’s been out a year! What are you waiting for???” Welllll, one reason I haven’t done a signing is because I’m self-published, and I’ll just say: bookstores are still snobby to self-pubbed people–especially if you use Amazon/Createspace. Another reason is, though I’d love to do it, I’m not sure anyone would show up. There, I said it. I’m scared…scared people wouldn’t show…scared they would…ugh.
Never have I ever: participated as a writer at a book festival. Pretty sure there’s a way to make this happen, I’m just not sure how lol. And again, who would visit my table/booth/little corner anyway?
Never have I ever: spotted someone I don’t know reading my books. I’ve seen a handful of people I do know reading my books (paperback and/or ebook), and I just wanna say: I seriously LOVE these people!!! I fangirled every time, and it truly warmed my heart. Now to happen upon a stranger reading ADORKABLE or NINJA GIRL in a shop/restaurant/train/walking their dog? I would love that dog forever! 😉
Never have I ever: hit the New York Times, WSJ, or USA Today Best Seller Lists. Yeah, I’m thinking this will Never (with a capital “N”) happen, but…dare to dream, right?
There are many more, but I’ll stop there. I think a big part of it is fear–and that makes me wish my inner NINJA GIRL would come out. And okay, I know this was supposed to be about “nevers,” but I want to end with a few dreams that have come true–mainly to remind myself, that they actually happened.
Writer-ly Dreams That Have Come True: I got to see the ADORKABLE library book! (Bethany from Washington, you seriously rock!!!)
Both ADORKABLE and NINJA GIRL have hit #1 in their categories on Amazon (multiple times and in multiple countries).
One of my books has been translated into another language–specifically Hungarian (again, I <3 Hungary!).
A few of my students have asked me to sign copies of their books.
People from all over the world have messaged/left reviews/commented about how much they enjoyed the books.
And that brings me to my biggest writer-ly dream that has come true, and it wouldn’t have been possible without YOU. I published my books (ADORKABLE and NINJA GIRL), and people actually read them! Real readers, awesome book-ish people, Harry Potter-loving, YA romance-reading, Korean Drama-watching, Book Boyfriend-collecting people, my kind of people, have actually read and liked my books!!!
I gotta say that was, is and always will be my greatest writer-ly dream. What are your dreams and goals? I’d love to hear about them, and whatever they are, I sincerely hope they all come true!
Happy reading,
Cookie O’Gorman
P.S. Just a reminder, if you’d like to win a signed copy of ADORKABLE, there’s still time to enter the Happy Fall YA’ll Giveaway! 🙂