Failure Is a Question of Interpretation
Ultimately, I failed as a writer because that’s how I decided to interpret it. By all accounts, a major house publishing my autobiographical first book while I was still in my early 30s was a strong first step as an author. Sure, it hadn’t sold as many as I’d hoped but there were some lessons to learn regarding marketing such a book and making sure the publisher is fully onside with respect to distribution – and, indeed, with respect to ensuring the author has realistic expectations regarding sales.
But I dismissed this in favour of the view that it was a total failure, because it failed to “breakthrough” and turn me into an overnight Nick Hornby. With no fame on offer I opted for the monkey’s interpretation ...
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