This weekend I participated in my first book festival as a member of the Southern California Mystery Writers of America at their booth at the Tucson Festival of Books. I am happy to say it was a success. We pretty much sold out our stock. I hadn’t interacted with so many people in years and had forgotten how much fun it can be. It was a blast and a half. There were three of us: Mary Jo, Joanna, and me. Rather than hunker down behind a barrier of books, we stood in front of the booth and interacted with those that went by.

I asked one and all, “Are you a mystery reader?”

If they answered yes, I exclaimed, “That’s great — because I’m a mystery writer!” And so it went.

Being successful as a writer is a daunting task. A great deal of effort goes into getting a book out. Most people think it’s enough to simply write one. I have news: writing a book is a mere one-third of the process, and that assumes you wrote a good one. Sales and marketing make up another third with distribution being the last. The Tucson festival gave me a huge boost, meeting strangers who will become my readers. I know that if I had to, I could always set up a card table somewhere and sell copies myself. This was a profound realization. I know I can be a successful author.

Seeing a way to succeed is everything. Our doubts retreat before such a realization. To see no possible way to advance, to move forward, or to reach one’s dreams is a kind of death.

Finding a way and believing in it is everything. Always remember that, no matter what, if the path is unclear, go out, and do it yourself. Carpe Diem!

Thank you everyone who helped and supported us.