I’m so excited one of my favorite authors has agreed to be a guest on my blog.  Today I’d like to welcome Nicholas Rossis to our little corner of the wide web of the world.

Nicholas is from Athens, Greece (this alone is “‘nough said” 🙂 ). He’s an author, web designer, and author services specialist. To find out more about him, visit his About Nicholas Rossis page on his newly redesigned website. I’m particularly smiling about the part with his dad. It always make me smile. 🙂

So, I’ll stop yammering and let you enjoy this good reminder for us all.

From Guest Author: Nicholas Rossis

You’re a Success!

When Rachael asked me for a guest post, she did so in such a kind and charming way that she made me feel like I’m some big successful author. Which is funny, because I don’t feel particularly successful as an author—not with so many mountains left to scale. And yet, I’ve published fifteen titles, given dozens of interviews, and written plenty of guest posts. I’ve even made enough money through my writing to buy a private airplane. It’s no fancy jet, but it’s mine. I keep it on my desk.

My private airplane

*insert Rachael chuckle*

I used to think that was just me, then realized this is an affliction most of us suffer from. In fact, I can hardly think of an author—indeed, of a person—I’ve ever spoken to who claims to be successful. Everyone mentions someone else who’s better off, or who’s selling more books, or who’s ahead of them in some other way.

It could be that I don’t know any successful authors. Or people.

Or, maybe, it has to do with modesty. After all, few things are as grating as someone who rubs their success in our face, especially when things aren’t looking too rosy for us. So, maybe all the people I know are unusually modest.

Or, more likely, it could be that most people focus on the next goal, not the one we just reached. If we think of the road we’re travelling on as a marathon, then it makes sense that we are all focused on the runner ahead of us. We rarely waste any time glancing behind us or measuring the distance we’ve traveled so far.

Pick a Goal

Google defines success as the accomplishment of an aim or purpose. Being a new dad has made me realize just how relative that is. To my baby daughter, success is walking without falling down every other step. Or saying something other than ba-da-da. Or eating all her food.

Young success

*insert Rachael(and everybody else)’s awww!“*

To me, it’s loving her with all my heart. And making my living exclusively as an author.

It’s all so crazily arbitrary. These didn’t use to be my goals a few years ago. My definition of success changes constantly, as I move the goal post with each passing mile. And I never congratulate myself on the many milestones I’ve already passed.

Just Remember

Which is why we need to remember: you’re a success, no matter how far along the path you’ve come.

Acknowledge the progress you’ve made. The distance you’ve covered. Are you just starting your novel? You’re successful, because you took that first step—you decided to share something with the world. Did you just finish your novel? Did you just make your first sale—to a non-relative? Did someone you’ve never heard of leave a positive review? Did you just start working on your second, third or fourth book? Has a publishing house contacted you? Has an agent asked to represent you? Did you just win an award?

There are so many goals for us authors, so many small and big accomplishments and milestones to celebrate, that we should be rejoicing on a daily basis. Instead, if you’re anything like me, you spend half your day agonizing over sales, promos, overcoming self-doubt, writer’s block…

So, just for one moment, I’d like you to stop all that. Look back on everything you have accomplished. And whisper to yourself, “I am a success!” Heck, if you’re alone in the room, just shout it and keep shouting, until you believe it.

Here’s to your success.

Please make sure to head over to Nicholas’ website (mirror blog on WP) and follow along! He’s always giving and shares helpful content, not to mention he’s just a pleasure to talk to!

He’s got books for all ages, but one I’ll mention here that’s great for helping us be successful writers is his

Emotional Beats

Thanks so much for coming on the blog, Nicholas!