As I write my book, I have to ask myself: on this writing journey, how will I know if I am successful? Is ultimate success finding an agent and getting published?

There is a lot out there on how to achieve success…

Winston Churchill said, “Success is going from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm.”

Thomas Edison said, “Success is 1% inspiration, 99% perspiration.”

The Proverbs say, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.”

…and about determining what success is…

“SMART” goals are supposed to be specific, measureable, attainable, relevant and time-bound. Right?

To me, the specific goal or achievement, the finish line, is what everyone else sees, and how society will determine my success. But what is success to me?

Having considered different perspectives on success, I think, for me, success is joy. Many times, joy is hard earned and the fruit of much labor. But sometimes, success seems to comes simply and easily, in unexpected little miraculous ways. Whenever I have joy, despite my circumstances or failures, then I know I’m on to something…

With Mirror of Sparrows, I think I’ve already succeeded because the writing process has brought me such joy.