Not 27, but 10 - the surprises of a writing life, by Harini Nagendra

Tell us one thing that you didn't anticipate about the writer's life, which surprised you once you became a writer. 

I loved all the responses to this week's question. Taking inspiration from my friend James Ziskin, who came up with 27 things that surprised him - but restricting myself to 10 - here's my list. 

The good 

1. Getting The Bangalore Detectives Club on the New York Times Notable Books list. 

(I was so green, I didn't know there was such a thing - when I saw the excited email from my publisher, I called my agent to ask her why all the fuss - was it such a big deal. She responded with a long-suffering sigh. My agent, whose also an old school friend, has never let me forget this!)

2. Getting shortlisted for the Agatha, Lefty, Anthony and Historical Dagger awards. 

3. Realizing that being on lists and reviews can move sales. Sometimes. 

4. The thrill of seeing my books in public libraries in the US and UK - including the New York Public Library, and the Stratford Public Library. That is one of the biggies.

5. Getting mail from readers - this can absolutely make my day!

6. Diving into historical research, and finding a goldmine (like the story of the Ugliest Dog prize in 1920s Bangalore's Dog, Horse and Pony Show).  

The bad

7. How hard it is to write to a deadline when the day job gets intense, a family member falls sick or there's a crisis at home. 

8. Reading mean comments from reviewers. I don't mind negative reviews - I've learnt a lot from some readers who pointed out important mistakes. But the mean ones - ouch. I think there's enough unkindness in the world as it is. I'm sure we can all find a way to point out room for improvement, while also being kind. Or if that's too much to ask for, at least without being cruel. 

9. Writing half of the book, and then realizing that I've backed myself into a corner. I didn't anticipate how stressful this would be, yet each time it's the same thing!

The Ugly.

10. ..... (no ugly so far)

I consider myself very fortunate. So far, more Good; less Bad; no Ugly. 

I'm still writing (book 5 in the series now) and readers are still reading. What more can I ask for? I'm very grateful.