Happy Halloween!
I’m not going to trick you today, but maybe I’ll give you a little treat—a peek into the psyche of this writer. Maybe that’s not much of a treat at all, but hey, it’s calorie free!
So this week’s theme is What scares you most about writing (and I guess by extension, publishing)?
Oh, that’s easy. How about: EVERYTHING!
But in the interest of brevity, I’ll talk about my top few here.
Now that I will be published, my work will be (hopefully) read and reviewed by strangers. People that don’t have to love me and tell me it’s wonderful (like you, Mom). People who may even…gah…NOT LIKE IT. That’s pretty terrifying. I realize that it’s not rational to expect everyone to like my work, but deep down under my tough, crusty exterior, I’m kind of mushy inside and am scared my heart may not be able to take it if people actively hate it.
And here’s another thing: I’m an introvert. I’ve said it before here, and for some reason, my mom doesn’t believe it, but it’s true. I am a homebody who is very happy sitting at her desk by herself, writing down the stuff she makes up in her head. Yes, sure, sometimes I get lonely, but that’s what e-mail and message boards are for. Taa daa! Instant interaction with others in the medium I’m most comfortable with: WRITING. When I write, no one sees me blush or stutter or say the wrong thing or even blather on incessantly about ridiculous topics (Er, that last thing is pretty much what I do here every Monday, but I do edit these posts and try to make them somewhat entertaining).
But the thought of getting up in front of strangers (if they show up – yep, there’s another fear right there) to read to them and answer questions off the cuff, gives me the vapors just thinking about it. Because I will blush and stutter and feel stupid and inadequate and inarticulate. I’ve done some public speaking before, so I know this to be true. But I’m (almost) okay with it because if it’s what I need to do to get my book out there and be a career author, I’ll do it. Because I’m that determined and people can’t learn about my book if I don’t get out there and promote it. And hopefully someday I’ll get to where my knees don’t knock together at just the thought of getting up in front of a crowd. But for now? Yeah, I’m terrified.
Have a spooktakular Halloween! If you run out of candy, remember books make great treats!
We’re all about sharing here at The Ball, so let’s hear what spooks you about writing/publishing?
I’m thinking of hiring a stand-in for promotional appearances. Maybe Lady Gaga. That’ll work, right? 😉
Oh, absolutely. I’m sure she’d do you great justice – she’s got that special flair ALL readings need. Maybe she could wear a dress made from the pages of your book.
That’s what I was thinking. And maybe she could come up with a theme song for me. I think this idea has potential.
Agreed. I am all over this idea.
I needed to read that I’m not alone at the spooky side of writing.
Unfortunately for me, I’m 70 years old now, time is running out, and I’ve
not been able to put myself out there for the world to see. My children have
plagued me for years to write a book and it’s swirling around in my mind.
Perhaps this is the kick in the pants I need.
Go for it, Gayle! We’ll cheer you on!
And no, you’re not alone.
We’ll totally cheer you on! I read a wonderful book this year, The Dry Grass of August, by A.J. Mayhew after I heard her speak at the SC Book Festival. I believe she is 72 and this is her first novel!
Joanne, love the picture, by the way…
I think you’ve nailed one of the top fears we writers have. And I REALLY like Linda’s idea of a stand in. See, aren’t you all glad I asked what celeb we resemble? Now we know who to ask 😉
I am glad – pure stroke of genius. I’ll have my people get in touch with Jodie’s people…
Ha! Good thinking, Erika.
Okay now let me tell you, you have cofidence, you are poised, you will not be trembling when you are up there because you are good and you have finally started the road to being one of the best writers this world will know (that is your Mother speaking who else). Live brings us many scary moments and we take a deep breath and plunge forward because we are strong and we have it in us to go forward.
To all the Debs writing their blogs, you are great and you will all do what needs to be done. Good luck to all.
THIS IS YOUR MOTHER SPEAKING, Have a great Halloween.
You sing it, Marcia! Tell it like only a mom can tell it. 🙂
Thank you, Mother, neverending font of support and unbiased praise.
I think YOU should do my readings for me, what do you think? I think your Mahjongg group would definitely enjoy that.
Thank you, Marcia! And I’m with Linda again–YOU are all the stand-in we’ll be needing. Clear your calender, Mom. You’re going to one busy lady. 😉
If people started passing out books instead of chocolate I would grab and mask and head back out there.
For the record I love your mom.
I’d be out there with you, sister. You would love my mom even more in person. Hint, hint.
Awwww! I love that your mom is posting. She must be awesome!
What scares me? Someone finding a typo or other major error! THE WORST!
I hear you, Missy. It was actually kind of embarassing to get back my copy-edits and discover I had very little idea how to properly use a comma. Yikes!
My mom is very awesome. And I’m not just saying that because she will read this comment, either. Well, not completely, anyway.
The whole no one coming to an appearance is my current freak out. I don’t need a ton, 5 would be great, but me and the crickets would be a bummer.
Yes, that would suck for sure, Elise. Here’s wishing you many human attendees at your appearances.
I hear you Joanne. I’m speaking on a book publishing panel this Thursday. I’m totally nervous, but actually quite grateful that my first public speaking foray isn’t directly related to my own personal book promotion. Need to get some practice in. Public speaking isn’t my thing! I’m already trying to figure out what to do about the nervous sweat stains that will inevitably appear.
Too much information?
I’m sure you’ll do great, Rachel!!