Um, yeah.
I'm very insecure about publishing.
Only a few weeks ago, publishing From the Ashes was a dream far off in the distance. Actually reaching it was a silly fantasy I had, not really believing the day would ever come where I'd have to worry about that rough, rocky shore of publishing.
Now that I've considerably closed the distance between me and that "rocky shore," I'm realizing it looks much more difficult to navigate than it did from far off.
Maybe I'd be a little more comfortable if I'd secured a publisher. At least I would feel like I'd been "accepted" by editors, and other people because they liked my story.
See, my mom has read my story like… ten thousand times for me. Okay, not ten thousand but probably around ten times. She's helped me edit it each time, and she always tells me it's really good, and it's getting a lot better and all the stuff a mom has to say. She's very critical, don't get me wrong.
As I'm reading through it one last time (as a reader, not an editor), I haven't found a single gramatical error. And I'm already on page 200.
Now maybe I'm just blind. But I have found a lot of stuff to reword, to make things flow better.
Anyway my biggest insecurity is… what will everyone else think about it?
I know some of you have read through it for me as beta readers and such, but that was the first few drafts.
(Very embarrassing that I actually let you read such a rough draft… I know…)
But what if you don't like the final version? What if no one likes it?
That'd be really awkward.
Anyway, what are you guys insecure about?
--Jess
14 comments:
Jessica, I have to say that's the first thing every writer is insecure about, so welcome to the club! Just know that some people will like it and some won't. That's the nature of reading tastes. You've worked hard and your MS has been thoroughly edited and I'm sure it's just awesome. I am so impressed. Good luck with it:)
Just keep writing and dreaming. You've got a good thing so don't worry. (Easier said than done, I know:)
Keep writing and reading. Sometimes I wonder if people can 'over edit' and that is what makes some books seem to be 'jumpy.' Well done for writing a book!
For the record, not all moms just say the things that moms are supposed to say. My mother, for instance, has an acidic wit that she employs for editing. My sister won't let my mother read her stuff because my mom is such a harsh, honest critic. I brave the waters, but only with my big girl pants and armor on.
On the other hand, a gold star from my Mom is a badge of honor. She doesn't exactly hand those out to every project.
My point: Your mom writes, she's probably pretty honest with your work. She's taking an interest in your work, and that can only mean she's pulling hard for you as a writer and her daughter. If you believe every criticism of your mother's, you're not allowed to discredit her praise. They are both valid, even if she is biased.
Gwen~ Thanks :)
Sally~ I really hope that's not what I've gotten myself into!
Rena~ I see what you mean. In my family, I have to get the "gold star" from my dad, because he's the harsh critic. Unfortunately, he has declared that he won't read it until it's published.
I worry about what other people will think about my work, too. I think it's on the minds of most content creators!
I have the exact same worries! Will anyone ever read and love what I've written? I think the answer is yes. There are so many people out there with different tastes. You'll get published and someone will read it. :) It just takes time. :)
It's always scary putting that first piece out there, no matter what the path. People will love it and yes, people won't like it. Don't focus on those and it will be all right.
Golden Eagle~ It definitely is! I used to think publishing would be the EASY part of the whole writing thing. But it takes a lot of nerve to put your heart out there!
Krista~ I totally know that feeling. I just hope more people like it than don't.
Alex~ Totally! It's pretty scary. Thanks for the encouragement :)
Just think of it as any other interest, as a reader, you love books that others dont, but thats not going to stop you loving those books :)
Putting yourself out there is terrifying, but in order to get your book published, it's a must. Best of luck to you on getting it out there!
The post was right on!! I think, that unfortunately its something lots of us struggle with...( But by staying in touch with other writers we can help overcome it))
yep, I don't think that feeling ever truly goes away either... well, it hasn't for me ;)
lol, Jess. Doesn't it just make you cringe to think of others reading those first drafts?? But it's the only way we make them shine.
Just remember, not everyone will love your book, but there will be those who do, and those are the ones you're writing for. Anyone else just doesn't matter. Know your audience and embrace them.
You're gonna do great!!! So excited for you!:D
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