If you are serious about writing, it is only natural that you want to be a success. But how do you define success? Especially when doing something like writing or broadcasting.

For me success, is all about setting targets, money is not always a factor. And I like to think that I have had my fair share of success.

When doing ballroom dancing, I was privileged to perform at some of Britain’s most famous venues ie: Blackpool’s Winter Gardens, in front of over three thousand people as part of the Scotland Team. How many 17 year olds get to experience that.

As history showed, this performance led me to appearing at London’s Albert Hall, television appearances on BBC’s Come Dancing, which of course led to me meeting my better half. That for me, was not just success, but achievement.

When it came to writing, I always set realistic standards when it comes to achieving success. When I first started, I never regarded myself as a Pulitzer Prize Author who could quit my regular job, being my own boss, doing nothing but writing.

I always looked at this challenge as a work in progress, trying to be the best writer as I could be. And as someone who stunk at English at school, it was a huge ask as far as I was concerned.

But when you have the right support available and the determination, then anything is possible. As far as targets and achievements, all I was looking for, was to create a product that I would be proud of. And if people bought it and liked it, then that was a plus.

I cannot describe the feeling of pride when I held that first book in my hand, even more so, with the reviews that came later, from people, not just my friends. I knew that if there was a problem with the book, my friends would be the first to tell me.

With the book sales, I did make some money, not enough to retire, but it told me that I could produce something that people were interested in buying. Even the media was interested in it. The first book, resulted in TV and video appearances, not necessarily about the book, but the story linked to the book.

During that time, I learned that media focus not on the product itself, but on the story behind it – the brand. Namely you.

That was enough to inspire me to write more, not perfect, but still enough to generate results, but showed me that there was room for improvement and that has always been my outlook on life – be the best version of myself.

So, when it comes to success, I have hit many of my targets and there is room for development. Would I want to be earning enough so I can finally turn my back on the joys of travelling to an office every day with my regular job and be my own boss again, doing something I love.

To be honest I would love nothing more, it is certainly achievable. It is certainly a goal; it is not an impossible one. There is nothing wrong with having a dream/goal.

But for now, the achievements may be small but am enjoying everyone when they happen. For me that defined success.

I am not ruling out going for something higher. I have the Champers on standby just in case.