Dear Journal,
If I had one wish for my writing it would be to have a lot of people be able to relate to it, in some way, at some time. I don’t need them all to be at one time, like in a rush, but even a steady stream would do just fine. If a mere two people a month read one of my books, or my short stories, or my poems, or my blog, and somehow related to what I had to say, then that would be a success.
On the other hand, I do want a huge following. I do want millions of people to camp out until midnight when my newest book is about to be released, to follow me on Twitter because I am @TheRealSamMcManus and not one of the many poseurs who will spring up because I am so famous and want to siphon off some of the glory. But I’m the real one. I want to be synonymous with such names as Grisham, Evanovich, and Koontz.
So which one is more important to me? I think at some point I won’t have to choose between the two extremes. I think some day there will be a huge following for my writing, and yet in the midst of the chaos of fanatics there will be a few who really do relate, like I do with some of my favorite writers. Like I am when I read books from Lisa Scottoline or Laurie Halse Anderson, with those goose bumps I get from the experience that is so much more than just a mental connection or words I’m reading on a page.
And I want to feel that acknowledgement from my peers who also read my books and feel a kinship with me, with my characters, and with the process it took to bring each one to life. I want to breathe in and out in a rhythmic fashion and not get upset when others don’t “get” what I’m trying to say, when they just read the words and don’t feel the emotion behind them. Because it’s okay if everyone doesn’t feel it. Because my books are personal and not everyone can relate on their own personal level.
Which is okay. But J.K. Rowling status would be nice too.
Sam
Sam's Online Journal 
I like that you can admit that you would like people to admire your work so much they would camp out for your latest novel. Too often, writers are so scared to say that they would like to be successful. Why not aim high?
I think it has a lot to do with definitions of success and with not wanting to have that feeling of a letdown if you aim high and it doesn’t come to pass, but for me I try to keep a level head while also wishing for the stars. It is a thin line to balance on, but I think it works for me. Thank you for your comment!