The Fruits of One's Labor

From this...

To create something and seeing it go to print (or, "go live") is a thrill in itself. Seeing it on display in a bookstore is another big thrill. Then seeing the fruit of one's labor arrive in the mailbox has to rank right up there. While it is a thrilling experience, it is also humbling.


...to this:




I received the first check today from Kinokuniya Bookstores for The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan. This is, by no means, the first check for the sales of the book. But, it is the first from a book-seller. I anticipate many more to follow.

To writers/authors who regularly get published, this is probably just old hat to them. But this is a first for me. Admittedly, it feels great!

My daughter Amber stopped by soon after the mailman made his delivery. She was impressed that I am getting paid for this. I told her she sounded like her grandmother who said (referring to the Guide) a few days before she died, "Finally, you're getting paid for all the work you do!"

Considering how bad the economy is, anytime one gets paid for something should be seen as a blessing. Now is not the time to take anything for granted.