This is a monthly event organized by the Insecure Writer's Support Group. Click here to find out more about the group and sign up for the next event.
The other day a colleague congratulated me about my upcoming book. I blushed and confessed I was terrified. He frowned and asked me why.
Good question. Why?
I'm terrified of stepping out of my comfort zone. I'm terrified of what people will think of me. I'm terrified that my book will languish, ignored and unloved. And, lastly, I'm terrified because I'm alone in this. Traditionally published authors have a whole team to cover their back: the agent, the editor, the publisher, the publicist. Us indies... yes, we stick together and support one another, which is awesome. I've made so many friends already and I'm so grateful for all of your support. But let's face it: once I'll put the book out, it'll be me and my book that will be judged, not my friends.
So why am I still publishing it?
One reason: I believe in my story.
If you don't fall in love with your story and characters, how are you going to make readers fall in love with them? You might try and write something trendy, but great stories aren't made with the head only. Great stories are made from the heart. And believe me, readers can tell stories that are made from the heart from the others.
Be true to your story, be true to your characters. That was the priority for me. Still is. I had agents, I had editors interested. Some wanted X, others wanted Y. Most were scared off by the science. Sometimes you have to believe in yourself even when nobody else is willing to. Yes, self-publishing is scary. And yes, it requires a lot of work. But it also gives you the freedom to make your own choices, to fulfill your own story.
Maybe my book will never soar. But I'm publishing my book so I can finally claim that Track Presius -- and most importantly his quirks and uniqueness -- is mine. Whatever happens, I remained true to my story, and that feels good.
What about you? What's the fuel that makes you overcome your fears?
Powered by Linky Tools
Click here to enter your link and view this Linky Tools list...
CHIMERAS is the first in a detective thriller series featuring LAPD Detective Track Presius. The Kindle edition will be released on Amazon on April 9, and the paperback edition will be available starting from April 15.
Click to download sample chapters (ePub, Kindle and PDF available).
 |
| © Christopher Germano |
Congratulations on your upcoming release. Thinking back to the release day of my first book, I was terrified too. Not much happened that first day or the first month for that matter. Once the reviews started coming in, I started to relax. The best advise I did not follow at that time was to write something else. I got so involved with the wrong kind of marketing and stopped writing. It has been hard to get my schedule back.
ReplyDeleteThank you Doreen, yes I'm trying to write (when I don't get distracted), that's indeed the best advice. Thank you!
DeleteCongrats on your new release. I was scared, too, the first time I released a book, for the same reasons you mentioned. But don't think trad. pubbed authors have it any easier than Indies. Unless you're a big name, they do little. Maybe some tweets. You do the promo work. Just remember the best promo for you book is to write the next one. Best wishes.
ReplyDeleteGreat advice, thanks so much Diane!
DeleteCongratulations and welcome to the IWSG!
ReplyDeleteI'm busy with a short story collection which will be self-published round about October...
I'm super scared! But it WILL be published!
Thanks so much Michelle and best of luck on your release!
DeleteGreat points. In the end we have to write what we believe in. Congratulations on your forthcoming book. Best of luck to you. I love Indie publishers.
ReplyDeleteThank you Beverly!
DeleteWell said. If we don't believe in it, no one else will.
ReplyDeleteLess that two weeks to release!!
Yup, less than two weeks! Thanks so much Alex for stopping by and organizing this event !!
DeleteI have a tough enough time hitting the publish button on my blog, nevermind the thought of writing a book!!
ReplyDeleteAnyone who attempts to write a book amazes me. Just the ability to sit down, find a topic, put together an outline...and then form something out of that. It is a superb talent!
I am sure your book will do great!
Carrie~Anne at That Dizzy Chick
Thank you Carrie-Anne -- we need to be brave! ;-)
DeleteCongratulations. I love the cover of your book. Sounds like my kind of read, so I will definitely check it out. I love the name of your blog. It makes me think of Star Wars, which I am addicted to. Chimaera (spelling a little different) was the name of Grand Admiral Thrawn ship in a Star Wars Thrawn trilogy--one of my favorites. He is still one of my most favorite villains.
ReplyDeleteI love Greek mythology too, so appreciate the reference to that. The definition is even cool IMHO "a thing that is hoped or wished for but in fact is illusory or impossible to achieve." I just like that word.
Juneta at Writer's Gambit
I didn't know about the Star Wars connection, Juneta, how cool! Thanks! I hope you'll like my book, I did use the Greek mythology connection a lot! :-)
DeleteHey, congratulations of finishing and publishing your book. That already distinguishes you from most of the population and from those of us who are still working on their first book. (Like me!) The concept does sound intriguing. Glad you joined the Insecure Writers Support group.
ReplyDeleteHi Ken, looks like you're a fellow scientist, too. Thank you and best of luck on your writing!
DeleteCongrats on your new release! I think the fear is natural, but as long as you still follow your dreams it's all good :).
ReplyDeleteWelcome to the group!
Marie Andreas http://faeriesdragonsspaceships.blogspot.com/2014/04/iwsg-trust.html
Thanks, Marie!
DeleteThree cheers to you for stepping out on faith and believing in your story.
ReplyDeletethank you Angela!
DeleteDon't be scared. You can do it!! Happy IWSG post day. :)
ReplyDeletehappy IWSG day to you too Candilynn :-)
DeleteCongratulations! Good on you for standing by what you believe in. What you say is so true. I think a writer also needs to believe in themselves at times in order to keep pushing themselves forward. You have demonstrated that by self publishing and I applaud you for it. Best of luck with it and welcome to the group!
ReplyDeletethanks so much for your encouragement Debbie!
DeleteYay for you. That's what you have to do, stay true to your story and stay true to your heart! It's scary but it's also exciting. Congrats on your upcoming release! I've added it to my Goodreads list. :)
ReplyDeletethank you Kimberly!! and I have your book on my Kindle now, looking forward to reading!
DeleteVodka. Oh, no, wait, it's my writing friends that help me find the courage to go on as a writer. Your post tells me that you are a published author. I don't want to terrify you but I have friends with over 80 books and 25 years of writing under the cap and they still get insecure.
ReplyDeletehaha, Vodka works too! ;-) thanks, Elizabeth!
DeleteHave no fear your beta is here!
ReplyDeleteHistory Sleuth's Writings - Blogging A-Z/ISWG
yay, my beta is here! you know, you do make a huge difference, Cindy, thank you!!! <3
DeleteCongratulations on the new book coming out soon! Having a support group totally makes a difference. And I so agree with staying true to the story and characters! Best of luck!
ReplyDelete