What Does It Mean To Be Successful Writer? Guest Post by Susan Day

Today, I am sharing a guest post with you about how writer’s measure success (hint: it’s not all about money). The post is written by popular children’s author Susan Day.

That’s enough from me, I’ll hand you over to Susan…

What does success mean for any author? Can it be measured in sales or is there other ways you can measure success?

I’ve been writing children’s books for many years, in fact coming up to 7 years soon.

The first thing people ask me is how many copies have I sold. I always respond with just one word – enough.

Now, that might sound rude or perhaps a little arrogant, but to be honest I think it is the right answer.

The other side to that answer is I never really know. I’m not good at keeping records or checking updates. I’m too busy being a successful author, wink wink 😉

Success for many people can only be measured in dollars, pounds, cents, or sixpences. And, I certainly understand how important money is in our lives. You certainly can’t pay the rent with a smile or get fuel for the car because you can recite a witty poem (believe me, I’ve tried, and it can get pretty ugly).

So what does success mean for this author?

So what does success look like?

I know I have something to offer when people don’t return my books from the Book Box in our local café. I keep putting them in there, but they somehow make their way to the tables, and never come back. I’m sure they are taken home with every intention of being brought back, but they never are. And you know what? I don’t mind. It means my books are being treasured and stored away to be read and shared another day. I’ll just keep adding more.

I know I have made a mark when I am introduced by people and they say, “Oh, this is Susan, she’s a children’s author.” I do a lot of other things besides writing children’s stories, but I love it when people identify who I am with my passion.

I have also received a few letters from children who tell me what my books mean to them. These I keep in a special, treasured place. I love the crooked letters and sloping sentences. I love the way many children decorate their letter with a drawing – sometimes a flower, other times a dog. These small tokens mean a lot to me.

So many books

As I sit here at my desk I always glance over to the set of 12 books I created for the Astro’s Adventures series, and they always give me a thrill. I often think about the zany plots I created, and the funny things my characters did and said as I go about my busy day.

I know I am a successful author because I am always stretching myself. I see myself as a writer and creative soul who wants to inspire children to develop a passion for reading and books, and I want to fill their world with joy one word at a time.

So, what things make you a successful author?

Albert Einstein was quoted as saying, “If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales. If you want them to be more intelligent, read them more fairy tales.”

About Susan Day

Susan Day, children’s author and writer. Her blog, Astro’s Adventures Book Club, is full of ideas and tips, for grandparents, parents and teachers to help them support children in their literacy journey. As well, Susan has created a guide for grandparents who want to build a more meaningful relationship with their grandchildren through a shared love and passion for books.

Susan lives in country Australia with four dogs, three boss cats, three rescue guinea pigs, and an errant kangaroo. And, apart from blogging, writing and reading, she loves coffee, painting and gardening.

To read more written by this successful author visit –

Are you an author? What does success mean to you? Let Susan and I know in the comments 🙂