One does not win this game.
One simply tries to stay in the game.
Again, we return to the RPG metaphor — yes, once you’ve whacked enough rats, and earned enough Publishing XP, you are granted access to a new land. You have a Shiny New Word Sword.
YOU HAVE LEVELED UP. Ding!
One thing, though —
Your problems have leveled up with you. You have new skills, new cred, new weapons, but you also have new problems. You’re not just playing D&D anymore, now it’s Advanced D&D. Success breeds new concerns….
There is no comfortable plateau in a writing career.
As always from Chuck Wendig, a fun post to read.