The "Refined Thinking" of a King

In everyone's life there is a moment of truth. Here's one of mine.

Mar 03, 2023

Russia

I received something today — at long last! After navigating an arduous customs approval process, I have finally received the author copies of my book, HOW TO SUCCEED ON PURPOSE, in Russian!

I am happy to say that my publisher, Ves, did a brilliant job with the book! It has a handsome blue hardcover, an embossed and multi-colored kolibri adorns it, and the interior design includes a hawk atop each chapter and mandalas at the start of each section. I am super-pleased!

Being an internationally-published author actually feels tangible now that I can hold the result of my work, the translator's work, the editors' work, the graphic artist, the author photographer, and many others, in my hands.

Спасибо! (That is spasibo — thank you — in Russian.)

The Moment of Truth

Stephen King says that his favorite moment—as one our most prolific authors—is when he receives a box of newly-printed books from his publisher and opens it to hold his freshly-published book in his hands. That's the moment of truth.

Indeed. It's hard to imagine the amount of effort that goes into writing and publishing a book. I always say the last 10% of the process is 50% of the work. And then we authors have to market, promote, blog, vlog, speak, teach, pitch, sell, read, beg, borrow, and give away our labor so that others might read — and benefit — from the material we spent years living and crafting.

Refinements

King writes in his book, On Writing, that "Writing is refined thinking." That's a keeper sentiment. An axiom for the ages.

Reading is a singular and personal way to experience the refined thinking of someone who has spent years — if not a lifetime — contemplating subject matters you can read in a few minutes, a few hours. To benefit from another's lifetime of curiosity, dedication and focus is one the great gifts of reading. And one of the great blessings of writing is being able to share one’s unique perspective, one’s refined thoughts, through one’s craft.

I'm eternally grateful to the authors who have contributed to the pantheon of wisdom that I have plucked from bookshelves via intention, recommendation or serendipity. I've absorbed the refined wisdom captured in their day many seasons, years, decades, or lifetimes later. And it has shaped me uniquely in the same manner it had uniquely shaped them.

I hope that this book finds its way into the hands of Russian people — and any Russian readers — who need it. And that its refined distillations subtly transform, enhance, and refine those readers’ own thoughts and spirit.

If you wish to acquire the book in Russian, here is the link: bit.ly/SucceedinRussian