Lessons Learned: Defining Success by Your Own Rules
How do you define your success? Do you follow the rules?
“Define Success on your own terms, achieve it by your own rules, and build a life you’re proud to live.” – Anne Sweeney
I was privileged to be on an author panel for a StoryLab podcast produced by Bell Cow Productions (to be aired in the future). The podcast’s topic: “Writing Across Genres: The Joy and (Chaos) of Being Unpigeonholeable.” The panel included other established authors who, like me, either write books that can be classified under multiple genres (blending more than one genre into a book) or have written books in different genres (hopping from one genre or type of book to another).
I’m not going to give away the panel discussion (I’ll let you know when it airs and it’ll be a good one!), but one of the questions I responded to ties into how I define success by my own rules. In the panel interview, we were asked, as an author, “Would you do anything different as it relates to blending or hopping genres?” For me, I responded that I wouldn’t change the path I chose, blending genres in my books. I then pondered the question afterwards, thinking about it some more (Yes, I’m an analyst).
When I started writing my first book, over 15 years ago, the large publishing firms wanted an author to write in one specific genre (e.g., romance, mystery, thriller, or women’s fiction). This helped them know how to categorize a book, how to market the author and book, and how to place the book in bookstores. The reasoning made sense, but it’s one I couldn’t follow. All my books have elements of different genres: crime, romance, and the unexpected. The unexpected has included action/adventure, fantasy, time travel, paranormal activity, and magical realism. Because of this, I asked myself the questions below to determine if I would have changed my path and followed industry standard:
Is it harder for me to market my books? Yes. I cannot market my fantasy/time-travel trilogy with my mystery/whodunit book. The books must be marketed separately, unless I’m marketing all books under my author brand.
Is it harder to place one of my books in a bookstore or enter it for an award? Yes. Some bookstores and on-line sites require the book to be one specific genre. I have had my books rejected, because they weren’t sure what category/genre to place them in.
Does it make it harder for me to reach readers? Yes and No. Fifteen+ years ago, it was harder to reach readers, but with the internet and on-line sites that sell books in today’s world, it makes it easier for readers to find books.
Will readers read all my books, no matter the genre? Yes and No. If readers only like to read one specific type of genre, they won’t read all my books. For example, one reader loved my mystery book “Peaceful Plots,” but she had no desire to read my romance “Gitana – Life Plan.” I respect that. On the other hand, I have avid readers who have read all my books. (Thank you!)
Based on the question asked by the panel and my response and my additional analysis (to decide if I should have followed industry standards), I can say that the quote “Define Success on your own terms, achieve it by your own rules, and build a life you’re proud to live” holds true to my path as an author. I did not follow industry standard, despite the consequences of blending genres in my books. My definition of success is writing a novel that entertains and offers twists and turns. My success is driven by the feedback I’ve received from readers, both positive and negative. I don’t base success on financial status/stability or ratings. I define my success as what’s in my heart, doing what I like to do, and being humble for the blessings. This is “my life” that I’m proud to live in.
Beth M James - Author of character-driven novels with elements of romance, crime, and the unexpected. Writer/Blogger who shares insightful lessons learned from her experiences.
Hello again, my friend!
I had disabled this page a few years ago, but I plan to revive it again. I’ll post here for what’s going on - writing news, author news, events, or random takes. I also have a newsletter (which you can find on my home page), and I blog on another site (which you can find above at “Beth’s Blog”).
My goal is to continue learning Squarespace (this site) to better utilize and design my web pages. Right now I’m trying to figure out how to fix the mobile design so the view isn’t so wonky. Each time it’s trial and error on getting it right! More updates will come.
Beth
Seelie Kay Interview
Check out my interview by Seelie Kay in her Postcards from the Ledge blog.
June 30, 2018 - Rosedale Center, Roseville MN
Royal Readers at Rosedale Mall - East Court. Free Admission. Meet over 40 authors - including me. Love to see you there!
July 13 - North Saint Paul MN Car Show
Please join me and three other authors in North St. Paul, MN. We'll be in front of Paperbacks Plus Bookstore, our host. Have a great time looking at cars, eating, and shopping. 4:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. And of course...meeting authors! Books will be for sale.
North St Paul Car Show
June 8, 2018
Please join me and three other authors in North St. Paul, MN. We'll be in front of Paperbacks Plus Bookstore, our host. Have a great time looking at cars, eating, and shopping. 4:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Crime, Wine, & Romance
Event: June 29, 2017 - Back by Popular Demand - Please join us for an evening of conversation and book sale/signing with authors Beth M James and Thekla Madsen. Program starts at 7:00 p.m. You will love the scenery, the wine, and a fun conversation with the two authors.
Belle Vinez Winery, W10829 875th Ave, River Falls, WI 54022
North St Paul Car Show
Event Date: June 9, 2017
Come join us in North St. Paul, MN for the car show and booths. This town is hopping! Our host:
Paperbacks Plus Bookstore - 2539 7th Ave. E
Authors selling books and signing: Beth M James, Michel Prince, Barbara Longley, and Nan Dixon.
Crime, Wine, & Romance
June 30, 2016 Event - Please join us for an evening of conversation and book signing with Beth M James and Thekla Madsen. Hosted by Terry McKay. Program starts at 7:00 p.m.
Belle Vinez Winery, W10829 875th Ave, River Falls, WI 54022