What is "Climbing to the top?"

Every author has had this thought in his or her mind when they initially embarked on creating their first published work:

"I'm going to write something so awesome that people will want to know my name.  I'll be able to make money doing what I love...and if I'm lucky, achieve celebrity status."

That's about it in a nutshell.  We've all thought it.  We've all aspired to accomplish it.  But what is the proper way to achieve it?  What is the direction of climbing to the top?  Is it the destination, journey or a combination of the two?

What happens to the millions of us who may never achieve super stardom status?  Will you be content with making a few dollars from your work?  Will you be satisfied with the journey into the literary industry or will you keep pushing until you hit pay dirt?

And I guess the only way to really answer that question is to ask yourself another one.  Why do you write in the first place?  If you are writing for profit, what is your game plan?  What is your strategy?  Who do you know in the industry that can help you to achieve your goal and if you don't know anyone, who do you intend to get to know?  Who comprises your literary network?

By now, you should know that being an author isn't about book signings and royalty fees.  It's hard work.  It's grueling and sometimes even thankless.

But the climb to the top has it's rewards as long as you educate yourself, build up a thick skin and are prepared to take your knocks.  Climbing to the top is truly in the journey...and if you're lucky, you'll pause and be able to look back at where you've come from and be proud of how high you've ascended.

~ J.L. Whitehead