the secrets to success

We All Had Help

Anyone who is successful
(any definition of successful)
has had help.

They might not acknowledge
that help.
Heck, they might not
KNOW about the help
they were given.

But it was there.

Someone helped them.
Usually numerous someones
numerous times.

I, for example,
a couple days ago,
suggested another writer’s book
for a Best Of 2024 Award.
I didn’t tell that writer.
I just did it.

And if she wins
or is nominated,
I will be happy for her
and I will continue to be silent
about my part
in that success.

Everyone has had help.

Help others.

Hope others help you.

When you’ve achieved success,
realize that someone DID help you.

I give readers a free short story
every December.
It is a gift.
It is PURELY a gift.

It costs me money
to edit and for a cover
and I don’t expect
to recover those funds.

Most of the readers
who love the short story
are already buying
every other story I write.

Every year,
some new-to-the-niche writers
copy me.
They give away
their free short stories,
thinking it is some magical
book selling tactic.

They soon find out
it doesn’t increase
their sales.

I would have told them
exactly that
if they had asked me.
Often, I volunteer
that information
on social media.

Ask the originator
before copying them.
Take a couple minutes
and gather that information.