Published!

July 3, 2020. A day I have dreamed about since childhood. A goal, really, that I hoped to accomplish someday. Writing is something I have always been passionate about. But, despite the numerous times I started writing my novel, I never could seem to finish it. This day felt impossible. I kept thinking, "Someday." Then my friend, Caleb, published his first novel. And I wondered what I was waiting for? So, on April 1st, 2019, I officially began writing the book you hold in your hands. Everyday. Even when I was tired. Even when I didn't feel like it. Every day I pushed on, writing the story that I wanted to tell. And just over a year later, here it is. Available for purchase and published, officially published, by Beckham House Publications. No, it wasn't an easy journey. There were discouraging days. There were tiring days. There were days that I wanted to give up. But through the grace of God alone, I completed what I set out to do.

I've been asked, "How many copies have sold?" It's a well-meaning question that I would also like to know the answer to. Or would I? Would I become discouraged if I knew? Or would I bask in self-glory that I had accomplished something big? I've decided I don't want to define my success -- or any author's success -- through the number of sales alone. Some of the most incredible books I have read will never have a movie made about them. They will never appear on the bestseller list, or be taught in schools, or become the next teen icon. But yet, they still moved me. They still made me think. They keep me returning to them time and time again because the story was so beautifully written, so meaningful to the author, and so powerful to me. No, my success is not defined by my sales numbers. My success is not defined by if "He Who Holds the Key" is adapted into a movie, or taught in schools, or becomes the talk of every book club. Maybe you'll define my success that way, and that's fine. But I choose not to. Did I accomplish my goal of becoming a published author? Yes! Am I happy with the story that I told? Yes! Then that, my friends, is how I will define my success.

I say all this not to brag because I've accomplished something I've always dreamed of. I say all this because I want you to remember that if you have a dream, you should pursue it. It doesn't matter if it puts your names in lights. It doesn't matter if only your friends and family enjoy it. It doesn't matter. Do you love it? Yes? Then work on it. Because doing the things you love, using the talents God has given you, will always be successful. Thank you for being on this journey with me. Maybe some of those "big" things I mentioned will happen to me. It would be an incredible honor if those things did. But I will not let them define me. And don't let them define you either. Reach for those goals. You've got this!

Until Next Time,

Grace Majer