This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Susan Bagby will be awarding a $20 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
“Comparison is the thief of joy.”
I chose today to write about this simple, yet powerful quote, often attributed to our 26th president, Theodore Roosevelt. He often talked about the importance of focusing on one’s own path rather than measuring oneself against others. The exact original source of the message has been debated, but whoever said it, I can’t think of a better truth for writers and authors. And it’s something we all deal with at one time or another in our career. But the idea can apply to anything in life.
Anytime we compare ourselves to someone else, no matter the reason, we allow that comparison to steal our joy and hand our energy over to self-doubt and fear.
In regard to writing, I often watch successful careers of other writers and compare myself. When will I get there? What do they do differently? What can I do better? We writers are the hardest on ourselves—believe me.
But this one little statement hit home one day, and I now have it hanging above my writing desk—a gentle reminder that we are all different and unique, each on our own path. It’s about learning to embrace our journey and celebrate the small wins along the way. Because we all have them—be it a new publishing deal or just getting 100 words down on the page. Most writers write because they love it. I do. And even though it’s not an easy path—with publishing changes, rejections or marketing woes, to name a few—it is a path I gladly walk.
Thank you for hanging out with me today. Susan xo
Willow Barton’s life crumbles at her husband’s arrest for fraud, forcing her to return to her Ohio hometown to rebuild. Running a small bookstore and helping her best friend care for her ailing father offers solace—until Zachary Hayes, her best friend’s brother and a charming country music star, shows up. Struggling to revive his career and reconnect with his estranged father, Zach sparks an undeniable yet unwelcome chemistry with Willow. As her estranged husband seeks forgiveness, and Zach battles his own demons, Willow must confront her painful past and decide if she’s willing to risk her heart again. Caught between heartbreak and hope, can they overcome their fears and build a future together?
Enjoy an Excerpt
He browsed the shelves, stopping in front of a framed photograph on the wall of a close-up picture of a couple, sitting in a park somewhere in New York City. The woman was laughing, and the man held her outstretched hand. “The carefree expressions on their faces strike me with a feeling of wistfulness. Not an easy emotion to capture in an image. Who did this?” Zach pointed to the picture.
“I did.” Willow felt warmth spreading across her cheeks. Oh, God. I’m blushing.
“You’ve got talent—another surprising quality you possess. And this one?” He indicated another photo on the opposite wall.
“Yes.” She chewed on the end of her pen, watching him.
“Why aren’t you pursuing this as a career?”
She lowered her pen. “I’ve always wanted to, but life got in the way.” She was determined to stay tight-lipped about her endeavors in New York and failed career as a fine arts photographer.
“Don’t let adverse circumstances prevent you from following your dreams, Willow. No matter what happens externally, don’t lose touch with your inner calling.” He lifted the photo and placed it by the cash register. “I want to buy this, please.”
Willow observed his facial expression, which bordered on flirtatious. “You don’t have to. Please don’t feel you need to buy one because we know each other. I won’t be offended.”
“You see, your problem is you don’t believe in yourself. I want this because the photo is an exquisite piece of art. I have a perfect place for it in my house. Don’t argue.” He grinned and eyed her with both hands on his hips, then slapped his credit card onto the counter.
About the Author
Susan is a retired speech and language pathologist and full-time writer of romance books. She has three novels published with independent presses and her newest release is slotted for February 2026 with The Wild Rose Press entitled, Forever Kind of Love. In addition to being a Maggie Award finalist, Sweet Ridge Hearts, her last book, was also a Literary Titan gold award winner. She lives in Ohio where she relishes the four seasons, (well, maybe not winter), and loves yoga, jazz, golf and walking anywhere outdoors. Susan belongs to the Great Lakes Fiction Writers organization and to Romance Writers of America (RWA). She loves seeing new characters come to life and is a firm believer that dreams do come true.
Thank you for hosting today.