Success story!

Guest post with Christy Wopat

“Success is getting what you want, happiness is wanting what you get.”
― W.P. Kinsella

Dear Writers,

I’ve been at a family wedding this weekend—the perfect opportunity to think about the future. And your deepest dreams. A wedding is one of those events where EVERYONE thinks about love. And happiness. At weddings, we look back. And we look forward. We hope. We dream. We realize that we never have to do things alone again. We think about what we want and what success means to us.

So while I fly home, I want to introduce you to author and friend, Christy Wopat. Christy’s novel, Overruled, just hit the shelves.

Here’s what the book is about:

Mac has a reputation—and not the good kind. When his best friend gets hurt on the playground, everyone assumes he’s to blame. Facing suspension, Mac gets one last shot to clear his name: a classroom mock trial, complete with witnesses, lawyers, and a surprise judge. As secrets come out and friendships are tested, Mac learns that breaking free of a label is harder than it looks—but maybe being seen for who you really are is worth the fight.

(I’m reading it now, and it is fantastic!!!)

So today, here’s Christy! Please welcome her to the newsletter!

Dear Writers,

At the very first writer’s conference I ever attended, I chose a memoir session with an agent from New York. I sat with my notebook and pen resting in my lap, poised to take furious notes — after all, I was doing it. I had a story to tell, and I knew I was the right one to tell it.

The agent launched into his session with a bang:

“The first thing you should know is that unless you can write like Elizabeth McCracken or you’re a celebrity, nobody wants to read your memoir.”

Well … I couldn’t, and I wasn’t.

I wrote that memoir anyway, and it remains one of the greatest things I’ve ever done. But his words caused a crack in my foundation — a constant extra dose of doubt on the days I was especially vulnerable.

Cut to several years (and three books) later: I’d landed a literary agent, had a middle-grade novel on submission for over a year, and was ready to pack it up. Done. Too much, too hard. I cut ties with my agent and shoved that manuscript into the proverbial drawer.

I kept writing, begrudgingly — partly because I couldn’t let my critique group down, and partly because I’d been accepted into the Highlights Whole Novel Workshop (which is where I met the remarkable Sarah Aronson).

I was moping, for sure. Pouting, even. Then one day, while at a convenience store, I heard a little voice say, “Mrs. Wopat!? Is that you?” I turned to see one of my former fourth-graders.

“Hey, buddy!” I said. “How are you?”

“I’m just wondering if your book is ready — you know, the one you read aloud to us? I’ve been checking at Barnes and Noble in the W section every time I go!”

If you’ve ever needed motivation, try having it served to you by a darling 11-year-old who believes in you.

A few weeks ago, I released that mighty book into the world. And yes, I indie-published. No, it’s not making any lists, and no, it can’t even be on the shelves at Barnes and Noble. I’ve been turned away from interviews because it’s indie, and I’ve barely scraped the surface of earning back what I invested.

But that little boy came to my launch party.

Writing for children can be the most motivating thing of all — I’ve won a few awards and contests, but nothing (and I mean nothing) beats the feeling of that boy walking into the public library and waiting in line to have me sign his book.

Inside, I wrote, “I can’t wait for you to sign your book for me someday,” and I meant it. He was always writing something, following me around at recess, telling me his newest plot.

I hope it’s my voice he hears when he sits down to write that first book — not the voice of someone telling him it’ll never sell. Because, frankly, that agent was probably right, but my story still deserved to be told.

And so does yours.

So picture this now: Sarah Aronson and me — a stranger from Wisconsin — cheering you on. Whispering in your ear, “You’ve got this! Don’t give up!”

Get that story down. Butt. In. Chair.

XX

Thank you, Christy!

Are you ready to stretch??

Last week, we looked back. We looked at everything we tried. Everything we did. We counted all that we accomplished. I hope that task made you feel proud of yourself. I hope it also showed you what you are ready to work on.

Today, pull out that list and circle the things you did that are still exciting you. Think about what you have to do to put those ideas in the “win” column. What do you have to do to consider yourself a success? What will DELIGHT you??? What will bring you to your desk? Your list may be small. It may be gigantic. Write down all your ideas on a piece of paper and turn it into some art.

From that list, you may find a word for the year. Or a hashtag that offers you a reminder or some direction. Or a contingency plan that offers you an action item for when you need it.

Every year offers challenges. Every year offers opportunities. What are YOU excited about? Embrace where you are right now as well as where you want to be in 2026.

Have a great writing week.

xo Sarah