The volume writer who's sold 20 romance novels is a success story right now. At that same moment, and for the next few years or so, the author who's been painstakingly shaping a timeless masterpiece is a loser, tryhard, wannabe, good-for-nothing failure. This is just how these things are presented to us in our day and age. The lesson is to never underestimate your process. You ARE becoming. Actively. Even though it doesn't feel like it. Even if others are done earlier. Each weapon forged needs a specific kind of tempering. Tolkien wrote his second book for 17 years. During this whole period, he was considered an amateur and a hobbyist. During those 17 years, was he already not a true master of his craft? Of course he was, he just didn't know it yet. Or, should I say, the world did not yet know it. Never judge yourself according to where you are now. Judge yourself only by the greatness of your aspirations. Always hold yourself at the height of your potential. And you will arrive. And the world will see you. But only if you see yourself first. The world won't matter as much then when you do.