Of pinnacles and Pollyanna

It is no surprise to anyone how Pollyannish I am, because I tell you about it every time I turn around.
One day last week, A Heartwarming Christmas, the boxed set I’m a proud part of, hit the USA Today bestseller list. How cool would it have been, I thought, if that had happened when I was in my 30s and had more energy and more ambition and more books left to write? Because I’m 65 years old—also no surprise; I tell you that, too—and I’m tired by noon and ambition is only the difference between cooking dinner and going out. I hope I have more books to write but I’m past the point of being sure.
So how cool would it have been?
          Well, I don’t know, and it’s pretty pointless wondering. In truth, I spent my 30s on bleachers and picking kids up and dropping them off and working a day job I really liked. I wouldn’t want to change anything about that. And there’s the other thing.
          When I sold my first book in 1998, I thought I’d reached
the pinnacle of my writing life. I was thrilled and excited and it didn’t matter if I never sold another word even though I hoped I would.
          When I first sold to Harlequin several years later, I thought I’d reached the pinnacle of my writing life. I was thrilled and excited and it didn’t matter if I never sold another word even though I hoped I would.
          When I sold the true book of my heart, One More Summer, to Carina Press, I thought I’d reached the pinnacle of my writing life. I was thrilled and excited and it didn’t matter if I never sold another word even though I hoped I would.
          I sense a pattern. Well, no actually, you can see the pattern right there because I cut and pasted it into place.
          There are people who accomplish those Very Big Things when they are young. I hope it works out for them and that they find new and even better ways to be productive and successful and to have a good time. For me, though, Pollyanna to the end, I’m glad it’s worked the way it has for me.
          Because I wouldn’t give up any of those summits—including the ones on the bleachers when my son scored 40-some points in a basketball game or my daughter played volleyball or their younger brother set some new school records in football or the days any of the Magnificent Seven grandkids were born. I wouldn’t give up (except for a few really rough years) the job I had or knowing the people I worked with on that job. I wouldn’t give up being jumping-up-and-down-shrieking excited with every book sale.
          So last week, I reached the pinnacle of my writing life. I am thrilled and excited and it doesn’t matter if I never sell another word even though I hope I do. What I really hope for is more tops-of-the-mountains. I am, after all, only 65—there’s plenty of time.
          Have a great week—and a great climb. I hope you reach the summit.


Comments

  1. Your Pollyannaish-ness is one of my favorite things about you, Lizzie--don't ever change, okay? A thousand congratulations on reaching the bestseller list! And you know, I believe there are so many more summits in store for you in your writing career...so many more! Enjoy the climb!

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    1. Thanks, Nan. I do love the summits...and the climbs!

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  2. My Pollyanna side loves your Pollyanna side so freaking hard, Liz!!! I am so so so excited for you for reaching this milestone...and I'm so glad you're still climbing to the next one.

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    1. I'm so lucky to have such good friends--and Wranglers--on the climb with me!

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  3. SO happy this happened for you!! <3 Glad you came on board for the set. :)

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  4. It seems that you accomplished the most important things when you were younger. You raised good kids to be responsible adults and you held your marriage together while doing so. Not many people can claim that these days. Enjoy life - write at your own pace - and stay our Pollyanna. We love you just the way you are.

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    1. Thanks, Sandy. What a really nice thing to say. I never cease to be amazed at the supportiveness of romance authors. (And now I'm wondering if "supportiveness" is a word...)

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  5. Love this! Hopefully you never reach the true "pinnacle" and just keep climbing to higher heights :)

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  6. Whoo hoo!!! Congrats on making the list, Liz!

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  7. Congrats! Liz. I'm raising a glass to more mountaintops!

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  8. I'm with you on summits and other peaks of life! Really enjoyed the post and congrats on the bestselling status!

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    1. Thank you, Barb. One of these days I'll have to post about the valleys, too. Sigh.

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  9. Congrats! Hope there are more mountain tops you reach.

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  10. Congrats on hitting the USA Today lists. I agree with you that I also wouldn't change anything about my journey.:)

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