The NINJA ALEX’s Brainchild |
I remember when I was waiting to hear back from a publisher about the first book I’d written. Like all writers who have researched, written, and re-written their manuscripts, I really wanted to have it published. That would mean I’d succeeded in doing something and doing it well enough that someone besides my husband, my kids, and the family dog would let me read to them.
When I finally heard back, and they wanted a full, I did my little dance and sent that book off into the big world. Then I waited. And if you’re a writer, you understand waiting. The house sparkled from all my energy and angst. The dog smelled perfumy from too many baths. Dinners at our house during that time are still legend and longed for.
Then I had a call. Back in those days, editors sometimes called. Mine did. She offered me a contract. I, of course, told her I had to think about it. Naawt!
The book came out the next year. I went to New York to meet the real published peeps and the want-to-be-published peeps, and I wallowed in my publishedness. The reality of what being published meant hadn’t hit me yet. It soon did.
I discovered that not everyone thought my book was as fabulous as my dog had. I discovered not many people even knew I’d written a book. I discovered I had to do something called “blogging” and create a Facebook account, then there were 140 character challenges on Twitter to master. And that’s when Insecurity arrived at my door with its luggage. It took over the guest room and is quite comfy there. However, if I feed it, do its laundry and tuck it in at night, we co-exist, especially since I found that I was not the only writer who had one of these guests.
So that’s my story. I’m an insecure writer. I’ve accepted that, and I’ve moved on to go through several different publishing experiences. It has been a odd route, but interesting.
If you haven’t joined IWSG, then here’s your chance. Find the bottom of the Linky (that will take a while), and sign up.
Birgit says
It seems one needs to put on a suit of armour when ready to publish. The nice thing you can say is you didn't give up and you published your book. There are many who can't say the same thing so congrats to you. Now kick Insecurity out of the guest bedroom-it stayed long enough:)
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Empty Nest Insider says
I'm sorry that Insecurity moved into your guest bedroom. Do you iron her sheets too?!
Julie
lilicasplace.com says
I had such a blast co-hosting again for this month's IWSG. Thank you again for visiting my blog. I can only imagine what it must feel like to be published. I'm still editing my first novel, which I completed earlier this year after completing the first 50k at last year's NaNo, but she won't be ready any time soon.
I'm learning my ropes through blogging, social media, online classes and visiting some very inspiring and knowledgeable blogs on writing. I'm so glad to have the chance to officially meet you. Btw, I love your blog design! Have a great evening. Eva
Medeia Sharif says
I thought I had "arrived" when I signed a contract, but it was just the beginning of a new phase.
Michael Offutt, Phantom Reader says
Hehe, I love how you made everything including the dog sparkle in the "between" time of waiting. That's so funny.
Joylene Nowell Butler says
I always remember the story of Mr. King walking down the hall of his publishers with his editor when along came the publisher. Mr. King had to be reintroduced because the publisher couldn't remember who the author of CARRIE was! Mr. King and his editor left that house and went somewhere else.
Tara Tyler R says
oh girl – you have summed it up most predigiously!
little do bright-eyed bushy-tailed new writers realize the anxiety that comes after you publish!
but we muddle through! glad i have you to muddle through with!
J Q Rose says
Thanks for this light hearted look at insecurity–a heavy weight problem. You're handling fine, gal.
Lynda R Young says
Ha, insecurity has a way of leaving its smelly socks around. The trick is learning to live with it, because sometimes it's just got to visit.
Heather Holden says
I'm constantly insecure, as well. It's a hard feeling to shake!
Kim Lajevardi says
Not an industry for the faint of heart, is it?
Denise Covey says
Wow, Clem, if you're still insecure after your success, I should be crawling along the gravel and spitting out rocks. Mastering social media is fine, but it takes so much time which could be spent writing.
Christine Rains says
The journey is full of ups, downs, and so many surprises. I know it's far from over for all of us. I still haven't mastered Twitter… or FB… or any of those other thingies!
Angela Brown says
I thought I was the only one with Insecurity making itself snug and comforable in the extra sleep area. This publishing gig is interesting and every one of us have unique paths before us. 🙂
Stephanie Faris says
Yeah, promotion is the hardest part of all of this, isn't it? It's funny–I always imagined my "call" would come by phone but most of my good news has come by email!
Patricia Lynne says
If only publishing was all sunshine and roses, eh?
Beverly Stowe McClure says
Love your sense of humor. Oh, wait. It's true. I guess being an author is the most insecure job a person can have. But we love it. 🙂
Lexa Cain says
"I wallowed in my publishedness." Hahaha! You're a riot, especially with the Insecurity guest. Mine has moved out of the guest room, taken over the house, and makes me sleep on the couch. 😉
Robin says
I keep reading that it isn't Easy Street once you are published. Just seems wrong:(
Southpaw HR Sinclair says
What a strange feeling that must have been. The whole other side to writing. 🙁
Jay Noel says
I was just talking about this with a young writer. It's not enough these days to be a great writer, or write compelling stories. There's this whole other side – the business and marketing side – that's important too.
S.K. Anthony says
Oh my goodness! Being a writer in these times is about so much more than just writing. How on earth did that happen? It's not a bad thing, only tough to deal with it all with the stress and busy lifestyle that we live in. We're probably all insecure writers, and that's okay. Good for you and all your experiences. Yay for us for being able to read and learn from you. 🙂
Natalie Aguirre says
Loved hearing about your first publishing experience. Awesome how you channeled the excitement into your family and home.
Teresa Powell Coltrin says
We always think if we're published (indie or trad) that everyone will love our writing and beg for more. Not true. But you're a fantastic writer!!
Michelle Wallace says
When insecurity arrives at my door with its luggage, I'm directing him to the dog kennel. I don't have a guest room. LOL
Jennifer Hawes says
It's funny how some people you expect to know you're a published author, don't have a clue. And, of course, others, like my insurance agent, requests a boat load of signed copies of my book;-) It really is an odd road!! Nice to meet you:)
Karen Jones Gowen says
Great story, especially since it involved a traditional publisher and a call from New York, which most writers see as the be all and end all in publishing. Does the insecurity EVER end? I don't think so!
E.J. Wesley says
Being insecure is definitely just part of the gig, CL. 🙂 Luckily, it's a deep enough rabbit hole we can't just climb right back out. So might as well stay a while and learn to live in your environment.
Sarah Foster says
Loved hearing your story! I think that's why I try so hard to network even though I'm not even close to publishing a book yet. So hopefully when I do, marketing it will be a lot easier than starting from scratch.
Caffe Maggieato says
It still sounds very exciting though–the call, going to NY to meet with your publishers. Go and tell that insecurity to suck it in the basement! =D
Elizabeth Hein says
As long as you can lock the guest room door every once in a while, I think you'll be ok.
Julie Flanders says
I really enjoyed reading this and learning about your writing start. And I am like Melissa – my insecurities made themselves at home right on my couch LOL.
Chrys Fey says
Great post! Thank you for sharing your story with us. I think it is when we all realize those same things when we become insecure, too. So it's a good thing we didn't know, otherwise we wouldn't be living our dreams, and our dreams are worth the insecurities we face. 🙂
Mark Noce says
Great post, I feel like I'm at that very moment you're describing. Blast the waiting:)
M Pax says
There's always something to make my nerves sweat in this business.
Melissa says
I don't have a guest room. My insecurity plopped itself on my couch. Which is next to my writing desk… Oy. 😛
IWSG #184 until Alex culls the list again.
Crystal Collier says
It doesn't matter where you're at, there's something to be insecure about. That first books sure is a tough one though, right?
E. Arroyo says
I wish I had a dog. =)
Loni Townsend says
At least you're good at this blogging/social media thing! That means you're a quick study and probably a blessing to the publishing house. 🙂
TBM says
My dog would not be happy with all the baths. You can read to him all you want, but get him near water and he'll give you the saddest face ever.
Marketing…a whole different ballgame. It's a wake up call for many.
Dianne K. Salerni says
Yes, I remember that slap in the face that meant: Yeah, you're published. So what? That makes you a little fish in a very, very big pond. Insecurities galore!
Wow, that's a lot of people participating in IWSG! I can't join because I have another commitment for my first 3 posts every month, but I can visit!
Catherine Stine says
Yeah, the harsh realities of marketing hit you after the magic has settled. But we have to consider it another form of art, right?!
L. Diane Wolfe says
As long as the house guest doesn't overstay his or her welcome, all is good.
Bish Denham says
I see nothink. I know nothink. I write, I toss it out into the world and will be happy with whatever I get.
Alex J. Cavanaugh says
If only they'd warn us about all that stuff that follows. I guess if they did, fewer of us would take the plunge, right?