The Authorgraph Issue
Zelly Ruskin Has A Fan Club
May I Have Your Authorgraph?
Starbooks-struck?
Have you ever heard a famous actor, singer, or rock star describe how they knew they’d made it? They’ll often tell about being recognized on the street or the first time someone requested an autograph. They are shiny celebrities, people with “that IT factor,” not book writers. So it kind of tickles when someone realizes you’re an author, and they ask for your authorgraph with an awestruck expression. It’s a fun, warm, fuzzy moment. But it’s also humbling and makes you step back for a second and reflect—you haven’t just written a book, you’ve done something pretty difficult and amazing.
At the 2025 Killer Nashville conference, Guest of Honor Sara Paretsky spoke about the statistics of becoming an author. The percentages she recited were rather fall-off-the-chair worthy and eye-opening. Here’s a compilation of Sara’s remarks, along with research from Olivia Blacke, Savannah Gilbo, and the ever-clever internet:
On a panel of debut authors, we answered a question about what our marker of success was. The milestone differed for each of us. For some, the goal focused on numbers: how many books they sold and/or money earned. Others saw their accomplishment in having their books read and/or readers liking them. Giving out authorgraphs was more of a highlight than a goal, but it’s up there. For this author, the definition of success continually evolved: first wanting to finish something, then to publish. Of course, I hoped people would buy and like Not Yours to Keep, but I harbored one secret wish to mark my success—for my book to be on the shelf in my local library.
psst, its there 🤩 and in libraries in random locations all over the nation!!
Recently, I’ve found an unexpected measure of author success—a fan club. Yes folks, there’s a group devoted to Zelly Ruskin. Sadly, I’ve never met a single one of them. Probably because they are from lands far, far away. Notably, Singapore, Nigeria, and China. They loyally check my website. Daily, in fact, in remarkably consistent intervals of time. Singapore, who’s been around for so long now they are affectionately referred to as Porey, seems to be Chief of the Zelly Ruskin club. Porey checks my site every two hours, at least four times a day. Wouldn’t you love to know what Porey does for work? I mean, who has time in their workday to robotically check on their favorite authors in such a systematic way? But I appreciate how dear Porey worms through my pages and scans my homepage and books. Sometimes club members Nigeria and China, and their friends from India and Germany, take a minute to view my essays and contact pages too. Their consistency is appreciated. I rely on their presence, like a familiar stranger you look forward to seeing at the dog park each day. Not being formally introduced, though, Porey seems less than human to me. I’d rather hang with my warm, engaging and expressive book club readers. Real book clubs are my favorite measure of success
What is your personal marker of “author” success?
Can We Talk?
Interested in an Author Visit? I’d love to join your book club, library, or writing group to chat about my books, the inspiration behind them, and my writing process. It’s cool if you just want to schmooze too. For an in-person visit (depending on location) or a Zoom event, please CONTACT ME HERE for more details.
If Authors Had Playdates
It Might Look Like This:
I had a blast playing Beer/Bestie/Banish with author Lori Duff—someone I’d happily have a beer with, absolutely claim as a bestie, and never, ever banish.
Lori B. Duff is the author of the Fischer at Law series, a set of gripping legal thrillers with unforgettable characters and unexpected twists! Go. Read. Now.
And This:
It was so much fun discussing first lines with Jude Berman! There’s always so much to talk about when we get together, yet somehow she magically got me to be concise in this interview—a true first. I’m still afflicted with my brevity disability, but baby steps, people. (Pats on the back are warmly welcomed.)
Jude writes fiction that is smart, unsettling, and speculative, with a political vibe. Don’t miss her books The Die, The Vow, Shot, and her upcoming The Lie!
I Read It:
When I get stuck in the mud trying to propel my newest manuscript forward, I read other people’s books. In the first 3-1/2 months of 2026, I’ve already surpassed the number of books I read last year. Shows you how deeply stuck I’ve been!
On the upside, I’m now only three years behind on my TBR pile 🙌 I’ll be sharing some of my favorite newly read books here and in upcoming issues.
The rating scale: Take the number of days to read, subtract all of life’s responsibilities, obligations, fun, and a few hours of sleep each night, and voilà—you’ve got the true reading score!
Sarah Pekkanen’s Gone Tonight is a gripping domestic thriller with a slow burn, twisty turns, and visceral tension. If you’re familiar with my work, you know I’m all about the secrets a mother keeps and how far she’ll go for her child. This book hit the spot.
GONE TONIGHT’S FINAL SCORE:
1 READING DAYS - 𝟎 LIFE INTERRUPTUS = 1 ACTUAL READING DAYS
![Blade [Book]](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!dKCC!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F86346d35-daca-41cb-8613-c1bfbfd1c55c_192x192.jpeg "Blade [Book]")
Wendy Walker’s Blade: From the very first page, I was completely engrossed and emotionally invested in the relatable, flawed, and endearing characters. The tension never lets up, and I found myself unable to put it down, racing through the escalating drama toward an astonishing climax. Blade is a sharp, addictive psychological suspense that absolutely delivers.
BLADE’S FINAL SCORE:
1 READING DAYS - 𝟎 LIFE INTERRUPTUS = 1 ACTUAL READING DAYS
And Now For Something Completely Serious…
Phooey…hit the word limit. I’ll tell ya later
Last Licks
Working Like A Dog
Delightful. Those stats are so uplifting. Thanks for sharing.
I'm in your REAL fan club!