I’ve never, ever liked others reading my writing. Ever since I was an elementary school girl, I wanted to throw up with the thought of someone else catching even a glimpse of what I wrote, even if it was just two sentences. Yep, I hid my little talent under a bushel and really lost great opportunities to grow as a writer. In college, I found myself in the same predicament. Yes, I have never let people read my writing . . . until now.
Recently, I’ve handed off my manuscript to a handful of people. I was TERRIFIED and that’s an understatement. I wasn’t just sharing a couple sentences; I was sharing over 70K words. Yet, I’ve become a diehard fan the whole experience. What was I thinking in the past? Seriously, friends, I was stupid. I will never go back to not letting people critique my work. When I am published, tons of people will be reading my books, so I may as well get used to the whole happy routine.
The thing is I’m excited to have people read my story. And. I hope that one day soon, you’ll see it in bookstores. Yep, I am that determined. You know what? Having others read what I write is the best way to get me there. They help me see what can improve, what I’ve overlooked, and encourage me with a happy little pep talk!
Now, I’ve somewhat overcome the horrifying, self-conscious problem of releasing what I write to the public. I’m happy I have because my writing can only get better from here.
FYI: Instead of posting on Tuesday and Thursday, I'll be posting on Tuesday and Friday from here on out. Thanks wonderful followers. *hugs*
FYI: Instead of posting on Tuesday and Thursday, I'll be posting on Tuesday and Friday from here on out. Thanks wonderful followers. *hugs*
Definitely a hurdle some of us have a harder time getting over than others. Some people plaster their blogs with every piece of writing they've ever done. Me, I'm still nervous about posting Chapter 1. Currently, my soon-to-be-self-published book is with a group of beta readers. I'm nervous about the outcome, but know that it's definitely an important step that can't be missed!
ReplyDeleteScott - Absolutely! We can do this, my friend. Overcome these little (for some like me BIG) insecurities. Thanks for the comment!
ReplyDeleteHooray for you!!! Way to face that fear and blast right through it! Utah authors ROCK!!
ReplyDeleteLormandela - You are right, Utah writers DO rock!
ReplyDeleteHi Julia,
ReplyDeleteFirst of all: Congratulations!! My metaphorical hat is off to you :D
How exhilarating it must feel to have your first novel completed and preened for querying. I wish you all the luck, and may I also commend you for seeking out an agent. It strikes me as insecure -- and this is only my opinion -- when a writer bolts straight for the self-publishing counter. Down the road, if I am not able to solicit any interest in my book, I would absolutely make it available through Amazon or what not; but to not even try at all? To remove all chance and possibility of seeing it circulated in a real live, beautiful book store... I can't even imagine spending all that time, effort, and love, and then basically say, "Meh. My book isn't so great. I'll just do it the easy way." I would fight to the death, endure the harshest of rejection letters before compromising.
Okay... I apologize. I've rambled a bit. :)
I enjoyed reading this post of yours. I must say, I feel quite similar to the way you used to. Allowing people to read my work, to put it bluntly, is like letting someone inspect me while I stand on a chair completely nude. And while those lovely art models may not mind, I have just a tad more instillation to consider :) You are absolutely right, however, the opportunity for growth is far too great to just hide inside our protective bubbles.
Again, much congrats to you!
<3,
Cara R. Olsen
A writer's quirks and commiserations
Cara, I totally see what you're saying there with self-pub. I debated going that route at firts but came to my senses knowing that going through a publisher was right for me. I have friends who did the self-pub route and it works for them. I just want someone to help me out with the marketing aspect of my book. I really appreciate you comment. Love how lengthy it is, too. I really like it when people comment. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI still have a hard time letting people read my work, but I'm getting used to it. I really look forward to feedback from those readers. I love making my books better, and learning what I need to improve on.
ReplyDeleteAnd good luck to you when you start querying!! It's an awesome and terrifying place to be! :D
Chantele, I have to admit I still squirm around giving my book out to people. But it always feel good once they are done reading it. I can go back in and make it all the better. Thanks for the wish of good luck on querying. :D
ReplyDeleteI'm newly published as well and understand exactly how you feel. Congrats and good luck!
ReplyDeleteThanks Amy! Congrats on being pub'd. Hope to join you in that glorious realm soon! TY for the comment!
ReplyDeleteYou're great, Julia! Keep it up! We're all rooting for you!
ReplyDeleteYou are superest of the great, Morgan! I'm cheering for you too!
ReplyDeleteI know EXACTLY how this feels. I've been reading writer friends' work for a while now, but I was terrified to show them bits of my own stuff (partially because my last WIP--my first novel ever--was a bunch of crap, and I knew it. But hey, at least I knew it, right?). I've recently started showing chapters to others...and it's very freeing. Even though my stomach still goes all wobbly whenever I open an email with their latest comments, haha.
ReplyDeleteBut I'm definitely with you on this one. :)
Oh, how I've become VERY familiar with the wobbly feeling in my tummy! Yet, I get excited to see what they think. I think it is worse waiting for them to get through what I've written then it is to read what they say. Hayley, thanks for the comment!
ReplyDeleteYour first novel couldn't have been that bad, btw!
Absolutely agree with you! It was so difficult to pass off my first manuscript to even my close friends and family. What if they said, "You are not a writer. Get a real job"?
ReplyDeleteBut the feedback of others has been so valuable and at some point you just say, "Hey, I WANT people to read my book!" That's the whole point, right?
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ReplyDeleteYou have a good book in your hands, Julia! Keep up the good work and good luck with the query process!
ReplyDeleteHehe! Jack, you make me blush. Stop it! You really should be my brother, Jack. Why didn't that happen?
ReplyDelete