One of the things I love about the Moments is that even though each one says what it does in a different way, all the writers are essentially saying a small handful of things. “Made it? What’s that? I haven’t made it .” Or, “It’s not about me. It’s never been about me. This is about the readers.” Elaine Bossik believed in her book enough to put it out there. But it’s her readers who convinced her she did the right thing.

The Last Victim was published by a small press, Portable Shopper, but I was grateful to have it published and thrilled to finally hold a copy in my hands with my name on the cover. That was my first Made It Moment.

Marketing my book was up to me. And I quickly learned that it was much easier to write it than sell it. I knew I needed reviews, so I submitted my novel to the Midwest Book Review. After months of waiting, a “highly recommended” review arrived. That was my second Made It Moment.

The most gratifying rewards came from people who said extraordinary things like, “Did you write about my mother,” and “I was up ‘till 2:00 a.m. because I couldn’t put your book down.” The biggest surprise was how many people ordered books as gifts…and still do.

Readers’ reactions will continue to be the most gratifying Made It Moments for me. I know I told a good story, but was totally unprepared for the wonderful reception it received. I’m delighted that my story is entertaining so many people because I think that’s what good fiction is supposed to do.

Elaine Bossik had three careers: as magazine editor, medical writer and teacher in New York City. She received BA and MS degrees from Brooklyn College, and now serves as staff columnist for Scriptologist.com, an online screenwriting magazine. While her professional experience helped shape her writing, her fascination with people is the inspiration for her fiction. She believes that great stories begin and end with provocative characters.