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| IWSG |
The release date for Wilder
Mage, book one of The Magic Withheld
is August 30, a three-year project that is finally coming to fruition.
After finishing the
easy stage (little did I know that writing the manuscript was the *easy* part),
I followed the traditional route of agents and queries.
Last year, when I heard
that Musa Publishing was taking
submissions, I shot them a query also. A request for the full manuscript
followed and then a contract. People tell you how thrilling it is but words cannot
come close to my elation.
It has been one heckuva ride since then with many a
loop-de-loop.
But now, Doubt has made an appearance. You know the one I’m
talking about. He’s the fellow rolling his eyes and whispering, “You aren't good enough to join the Published Author club.”
I attempt to ignore my inner monster but Doubt is the roach that slithers into every thought.
I want Wilder Mage
to be the book people read until 2 am because they can’t put it down. In my dreams, they arrive
at work the next day bleary-eyed and still thinking about the main character Justus and the magic he fights to contain.
Doubt says, “Don’t kid yourself.”
I hope for a loyal readership and fan mail. People tell me
they like the first drafts. And heaven knows, my fantabulous editor, Angela
Kelly says she loves it.
“They are only being kind,” Doubt says.
GAHHHHHHHHHH
Maybe all I should hope for is to arrive on the other side
without becoming a total fruitcake.
You won't be able to enjoy the ride as a fruitcake.
ReplyDeleteThere will be those who dig what you wrote and can't wait for more - believe!
Always good tohear from you Alex. *pointing. He's my hero*
DeleteDon't listen to Doubt! Just google the statistics on how many people manage (in three years!!) to write a book and get a publishing contract. You have done exceptionally well and it doesn't happen by fluke. I don't know if it will turn into a best-seller but just remember this is the beginning of your professional writing career. If this is what you've achieved in three years, imagine what you'll have achieved in another three. Good luck with the launch, I hope it is everything you want it to be :)
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing boost your comment is! Thank you!
DeleteNon-writers have no clue just how much work goes into writing a book; much less all of the hard stuff that comes after!!
ReplyDeleteDon't let that doubt get to you! (Easier said than done). And go buy a fruit cake to celebrate your book launch- stop worrying so much about being one! :)
*still LMAO*
DeleteHow did you know I am one of two people in the world who loves fruitcake?
Tell that doubt to go and believe that even if your story won't be for everyone, it will find the right people :-)
ReplyDeleteRight now I'm hope it isn't the one ppl throw across the room! ha!
DeleteI know how this feels - my book's releasing in September, and despite my initial readers and my publishers telling me that they love the book, Doubt keeps appearing and whispering that they're just being nice, and that everyone will hate it when it comes out. I guess the best thing to do is ignore the voices and concentrate on writing the next book!
ReplyDeleteYou are worth it! I applaud you for getting the long project on its way! Push that self-doubt down. Nobody knows what struggles writers have but other writers. You got this!
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine how you are feeling right now! I would be terrified (this coming from the little mouse who shook for nearly 30 minutes after trying karaoke), but chin up, you made it further than most! All you have to do now is go write another, and another, and another... you get the picture ;) Best of luck with your release.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your upcoming book release! You've made it so far already because you have a story worth sharing with the world. Tell Doubt goodbye!
ReplyDeleteBy the way, nice to meet you! :)
Punch Doubt in the nose.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!!! :D
Great post! Welcome to the group. :)
IWSG #118 until Alex culls the list again.
So, you're telling us that landing a publisher and a deal doesn't do a thing to quell the DOUBT? Thanks a bunch. Tell doubt to take a hike, you're half way there, don't look back.
ReplyDeletebeing a realist, i feel your doubt!
ReplyDeletei am going to try not to check my numbers every hour or look for reviews daily... best thing to do, i think and hope, is to keep busy and write the next one to take my mind off the doubt & worry. i believe our fan bases are out there and they will find us! believe!!
First you doubt you're good enough to get an agent/contract, then you get the coveted publishing deal only to doubt how your book will be received. It's an ugly cycle :) And from the tweet I read from a huge bestselling author with a long list of top sellers, it just never ends. When she tweeted she was always afraid she won't finish the next book and that she worries no one will like it my jaw dropped.
ReplyDeleteSo I've learned to enjoy the small highs (a request, good feedback). You have HUGE one! Don't let doubt take away from the celebration. YOUR novel is going to be published. Be proud and if someone doesn't like it (and you know that will happen, we can't please everyone) let it go. Because more people will love it! Congratulations on joining the published author club :) (Something I aspire to do one day!)
Meredith
Meredith’s Musings
Thanks for posting for IWSG!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your upcoming release. Don't listen to Doubt. They suck. Listen to Hard Work and Perseverance. You know them much better.
Keep writing.
Heather M. Gardner
You need to distract Doubt. Throw him a steak. Then while he's chewing on that, build a fence around him. Sure, you'll hear him baying through it. Turn up the music or TV. Eventually, Doubt will figure out you're ignoring him and move on to go and bark at someone else.
ReplyDeleteCongrats!!! Kick that doubt to the curb my friend. Think about how far you've come just by getting published. Old you would be so jealous ;)
ReplyDeleteBest of luck keeping people sleep deprived!
Julianne Price at Dragon and Phoenix
It's so awesome to be sending a book out into the world, and I totally understand where you are with Doubt. Plant your fist in Doubt's face and see what comes up next spring.
ReplyDeleteGood luck!
I'm willing to bet doubt is a constant companion, no matter how much you publish. Congratulations to you!
ReplyDeleteShannon at The Warrior Muse
I love Rena's comment. Give that Doubt a one-two in the chops and enjoy your success.
ReplyDeleteDon't let doubt come in the way of what you like to do! Ignore all the people who say that you can't do it.
ReplyDeletewww.modernworld4.blogspot.com