May 23, 2014.
I. AM. HERE.
Sydney Writers Festival and the Australian Book Industry Awards gala event.
Okay, so, I was there as an observer, rather than being celebrated for some great literary achievement. But I was there and my book was there — on the book wall along with every book from 2013. The weekend was still an amazing experience and a career highlight (although perhaps the best thing for me was having the head of Tony Abbott’s personal security team at our table and talking to his wrist!)
Some 24 hours later, after being whisked down and whisked back again (thank you Simon &Schuster for treating me like a winner anyway) the sparkly outfit is back on the hanger and I am back to being ordinary me and blogging. But there was a particular moment from the awards night I wanted to share.
There I was in the room at Friday night’s book industry awards when at the end of all the awards, ‘someone’ at the mic said “Congratulations to all those in the room who received an award this year.”
I quietly raised my glass, looked across the table at author friend, Anna Romer, and whispered to her: “Congratulations to any author who managed to get published this year!”
The same sentiment can be applied to any author who managed to type the words THE END, as well as any author who managed to put those first few words of their dream novel on a page. We are doing what we love, no matter what stage in the journey, so well done and celebrate every step along the way. We can’t all win awards, just as we can’t please all readers/reviewers. As I say these days: “I can’t be every reader’s favourite author. I can only be the best author I can be.”
My book awards experience was an extraordinary moment for this very ordinary girl and I am extremely grateful to the lovely people at S&S.
Keep writing and reading, friends.
Well said Jenn!
Thx Delores. 🙂
Keep writing & blogging, lovely friend.
Great post, Jen. I raise my glass to you!
Thank you, Sandii. I appreciate you talking the time to say so.
Fab post!!
Aww, lovely post!
Wonderful sentiments Jenn. So true. We al deserve a big clap for pursuing this writing life in the face of constant adversity and bad news. Should’ve grabbed that security guards wrist and said hi to Tony, pula got your head in the papers! 😉
LOL Kate, not sure ALL publicity is good publicity. But he did wink at me, so you can call me Gloria! 😉
Hi Jenn,
What a wonderful post – you are so right! Hope your new life finds you in my neck of the woods soon xx
Thx Sara. I will def get there one day and you WILL know!
Well said, Jenn. As an avid reader, I think all authors are winners.
Please keep writing, and blogging, as it allows us ‘ordinary’ folk to connect with celebrities.
🙂