On success...not mine

[chickwriter]

Many people--okay, many writers--when faced with the overwhelming success of a fellow writer in their genre, can be heard to grumble discreetly (and often over drinks) on how *they* write better, or Successful!Author just got lucky.

Well, yeah, kind of. Luck is often a huge factor in someone's smashing success. But I always look at it this way, without a well-written work, no matter *how* much luck you have, the smashing part will end up being your career against the pavement, and not of it breaking through.

I bring this up today, because I am so over-the-top excited and happy about the overwhelming wonderful news that I keep hearing about one of my good friends, Charlaine Harris.

Today, in Locus Online, they report: This week, Harris achieves a record of some sort by ranking all seven titles on New York Times mass market paperback list in the same week -- ranks ranging from #3, for Dead Until Dark, to #19. All seven titles also rank today on Amazon.com; five of them rank today on Amazon Canada's list.

When I read this, I totally squeed...Out Loud. Like a fangrrl. Mostly, because I am.

I've known Charlaine for just over a decade, and met her when her 2nd series (the Lily Bard books) were just starting to hit the market. At the time, Charlaine was struggling to sell Dead Until Dark. No one, not even her agent thought it would sell. But, as luck (or something) would have it, Ace took a chance and the book took off, eventually going into multiple printings.

Now, because of luck (again), Alan Ball's HBO series True Blood has attracted new readers to the books. If it hadn't been for Ball picking up a copy of her book because he needed something to read, this may not have happened. Luck, combined with talent, combined to bring fame, and hopefully fortune, to one of the warmest, most wonderful people I know.

Am I jealous? Not in the slightest. This type of news just makes me want to hunker down and write. I get so stoked when I hear about a friend's success, I just want to keep writing and continue to be a part of this really cool group. Maybe it's because I love reading genre fiction so much. Maybe it's just because I look on this as a chance for all of us to shine--I don't know. In any case, my morning has started out with great news and I hope the rest of the month continues to bring wonderful news to all my writer friends.

So kudos and congratulations, Charlaine--you absolutely deserve this!

Comments

[bethbethbeth.livejournal.com]

I, too, don't get the "I'm better than X" grumbling when a friend does well. Clearly I have no experience with this in the pro market, but obviously fandom operates the same way, and I have to say that while I admit to thinking certain writers are over-rated at times, I've never been personally jealous of somebody's success (number of comments, number of recs) and especially not when they're a friend.

(Meanwhile, I love Charlaine Harris's books, too. I just wish I loved the HBO series as much *g*)

Success

[kimberly-frost.livejournal.com]

I love your excellent (and healthy) attitude. Staying positive and taking the success of another author as inspiration is what everyone needs to do in my opinion.

I've met a few authors who are very jealous and competitive, but I don't count them among my friends, and I try not to let their negativity infect me.

It's much easier to be happy when one is surrounded by friends who are optimistic and supportive and when one is in that frame of mind as well.

Hugs,
Kimber

[strange-selkie.livejournal.com]

Well said.

[thisisbone.livejournal.com]

See, to me, successes like Charlaine Harris (and YOU) just give me hope. I don't know if it's fangirl solidarity, or what, but if I read a book and think, "I could do that!", it makes me think...well...I could do that! ;)

[allaboutm-e.livejournal.com]

Squeee!

[tobyfan.livejournal.com]

Oh wow. that's very cool. I have watched a couple of episodes and I am enjoying it. Had no idea it was based on a book (or books). I'll have to check them out.

[vamysteryfan.livejournal.com]

What an excellent attitude to have. I actually think of you when I read about Charlaine because you recommended her books to me. I'm looking forward to your next book.

You all rock!

[(Anonymous)]

Hey M, your evil twin here to say that:
1. Concur that Charlaine and True Blood are awesome!
2. You are also!
3. I have been gratified, humbled and impressed by the generosity, supportiveness and all-around splendidness of quite a number of folks in the mystery community. They WANT to help new writers to get published, and succeed. And when things do finally happen for them, they don't lose any of their splendidness.

[pir8fancier.livejournal.com]

I've found mystery to be full of nice people, but she gives nice new meaning. It's nice to see, because I get the sense that the genre is really down in the dumps these days.