Is Fame Addicting?

I have asked myself that question a few times over the last two weeks. It has been just about that long since my first book -- "Avoiding the Blues" -- was published. Now I am by no means famous and I have no expectation that this book will bring me any fame whatsoever. But in a minute way I am feeling the elixir of fame.

Writing this book was very therapeutic for me. It had resided in my head, in words on this blog and in notebooks for at least two or three years. Writing it was at times emotional and never boring. I relived the moments detailed within the book as I typed the words. I hope that those who read it feel this as they turn the pages of my book.

Now that it is published the hard work is done. My job now is to market it and spread the word and to, more importantly, have people read it and hopefully recommend it to friends and colleagues.

So what is the elixir, this drug, that I am becoming addicted to? Sitting back and watching this amazing story unfold. Avoiding the Blues is out there and available for the world to read and critique. The amazing tools of the internet and e-commerce have made my book available on amazon and barnesandnoble as well as a download. Every time someone buys a copy I am notified and every time I feel another hit of this drug. It is an amazing rush.

I have received great feedback from individuals who found it an interesting read. Strangers have reached out to exchange ideas on the topics I expand upon. Others have tried to help me with sales. I have sold copies to people half-way around the world.

While I have no expectations of fame and fortune the drug is playing tricks on my brains and making me imagine crazy scenarios. Hallucinations of interviews, of book signings and of fat royalty cheques flowing in.

I am having an amazing time. I hope my next "hit" comes soon.

Let me know what you think about what you have just read. Please and thanks!

Comments

alcino said…
I have just finished reading "Avoiding the Blues", I got it yesterday by mail. I was surprised by the short period of time it took me to go through the pages of this book. I must say that I'm not the kind of person who must always have a book not too far away from his sight... I enjoyed it a lot. "Avoiding the Blues" is not only an honest straight forward interesting analysis of how the Corporate World functions in our days but also in a way a book about "The meaning of Life". Congratulations Olivier, I wish you the best with your first book.
June 26, 2010
Unknown said…
Olivier,

A personal perspective on the life of those "on the ground" in IBM is something that is poignant and touching for me.

Thanks for taking the time to write this book.

As you say IBM is a life changing experience.

I think you are correct about the death of the corporation as it was emobdied at IBM years ago.

My career with Big Blue was from 1979-1994.

Paul Hanrahan
July 01, 2010
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