Eva Pasco's Blog - Posts Tagged "intrinsic-rewards"
Que Sera, Sera!
Ever since my second novel was published in August 2016
I’ve pondered--
Will I be successful, will I be rich?
Here’s what I’ve replied to me:
Que Sera, Sera
Whatever will be, will be,
The future's not mine to see,
Que Sera, Que Sera
*A slight departure from Doris Day’s song, “Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be)”; 1956.
Writing this blog in real time, the future’s not mine to see if anyone will show up to my upcoming book discussion and signing held from 6:30 – 7:30 PM on February 16th at George Hail Free Library in Warren, Rhode Island. According to statistics indicated on the Facebook event post, I’m the only one planning to attend!
https://www.facebook.com/events/18241...
I’ve learned to dismiss these “popularity polls” because inflated figures can literally amount to no one arriving. Or, a few might attend without having registered their intention. When you’re an unknown Indie, it’s anyone’s guess for how an author event will turn out. Thus far, I’ve had 2 out of 4 no shows.
Que sera, sera—I’ll report after the event in real time, just prior to publishing my weekly blog on Friday:
8:05 PM, 02/16: Let me preface my author event synopsis by stating that no matter how dismal the attendance, I always leave richer than when I arrived. It never has nothing to do with dollars and cents.
This evening one woman arrived at 5:45 PM, well in advance of my scheduled appearance 45 minutes later. She shared how difficult it was navigating the snow-covered sidewalks which hadn’t been plowed or shoveled since last Friday’s blizzard. When I asked my guest if she lived nearby, she replied that she didn’t. Then, it hit me! This woman took a bus to attend my event and would ride one again for her return home!
Before the librarian wrapped up the evening, she informed me that my gifted copy, plus others ordered, are all signed out. This same scenario has played itself out in other libraries too! Prior to heading out, my solo guest added her name to the list.
Honored and humbled, I left George Hail Free Library very appreciative of one earth angel in attendance.
Whatever will be—for me, it’s never been about monetary gain from the speculative venture of publishing a written work of 550 pages. However, everything I do in the guise of marketing and promoting is driven by my quest for success.
Therefore, whether prudent or foolish, I’ll continue to make public appearances even if I’m the only elephant in the room.
I’ve pondered--
Will I be successful, will I be rich?
Here’s what I’ve replied to me:
Que Sera, Sera
Whatever will be, will be,
The future's not mine to see,
Que Sera, Que Sera
*A slight departure from Doris Day’s song, “Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be)”; 1956.
Writing this blog in real time, the future’s not mine to see if anyone will show up to my upcoming book discussion and signing held from 6:30 – 7:30 PM on February 16th at George Hail Free Library in Warren, Rhode Island. According to statistics indicated on the Facebook event post, I’m the only one planning to attend!
https://www.facebook.com/events/18241...
I’ve learned to dismiss these “popularity polls” because inflated figures can literally amount to no one arriving. Or, a few might attend without having registered their intention. When you’re an unknown Indie, it’s anyone’s guess for how an author event will turn out. Thus far, I’ve had 2 out of 4 no shows.
Que sera, sera—I’ll report after the event in real time, just prior to publishing my weekly blog on Friday:
8:05 PM, 02/16: Let me preface my author event synopsis by stating that no matter how dismal the attendance, I always leave richer than when I arrived. It never has nothing to do with dollars and cents.
This evening one woman arrived at 5:45 PM, well in advance of my scheduled appearance 45 minutes later. She shared how difficult it was navigating the snow-covered sidewalks which hadn’t been plowed or shoveled since last Friday’s blizzard. When I asked my guest if she lived nearby, she replied that she didn’t. Then, it hit me! This woman took a bus to attend my event and would ride one again for her return home!
Before the librarian wrapped up the evening, she informed me that my gifted copy, plus others ordered, are all signed out. This same scenario has played itself out in other libraries too! Prior to heading out, my solo guest added her name to the list.
Honored and humbled, I left George Hail Free Library very appreciative of one earth angel in attendance.
Whatever will be—for me, it’s never been about monetary gain from the speculative venture of publishing a written work of 550 pages. However, everything I do in the guise of marketing and promoting is driven by my quest for success.
Therefore, whether prudent or foolish, I’ll continue to make public appearances even if I’m the only elephant in the room.
Are We There Yet?
Whether embarking on a journey by car, plane, trip, or—brain—for me, the destination is neither here nor there:
From Memoir #87 – Straddling the Line (100 Wild Mushrooms: Memoirs of the ‘60s; 2017).
Chatting over a landline with my sister the other day, we straddled the line of demarcation between the past and present, concluding that our family road trips during the Sixties instilled in both of us enough thrills and adventures to last a lifetime. More than the destinations themselves, it was everything a road trip entailed from the hustle and bustle of getting an early start, rustling up grub, and watching the world go by in transit along single broken lines, solid lines, or double lines on asphalt.
An Indie author who has embarked on an arduous journey along the route of self-publishing, I’m still miles shy from my destination of becoming a best-seller. Or, for that matter, becoming a local celebrity in the state of Rhode Island.
That’s neither here nor there.
In the driver’s seat, I refuse to put the pedal to the metal for paid ads. I’m foregoing a newsletter. I’m not actively seeking author interviews, or setting up an author event. I will not pound the pavement on more social media sites.
Content to watch the world go by outside the double-hung window in my office, my brain is hot-wired for the solo journey of writing. More than the destinations themselves, it’s the sheer gratification derived from plotting twists and turns in a local setting.
That mentioned, my Contemporary, 'An Enlightening Quiche' (2016) was ranked:
1st out of 90 books set in Rhode Island (Goodreads Listopia)
https://www.goodreads.com/list/book/3...
*Wherever you are along your journey, remember not to overlook the forest for the trees.
