Whenever I get my manuscript back from my editor-friend, I go through the five stages of grief.
Step 1- Denial: This isn't so bad, my book is pretty good. I read it and re-read it multiple times already, what could possibly be wrong with it? Pshhh! This'll be a piece of cake!
Step 2- Anger: I hate this stupid thing! Why did I think I could write anyway? Did I really use that word so many times? I'm going to burn this book! At least it would keep me warm in the winter!
Step 3- Bargaining: Next time I will be better, I swear! I will keep that thesaurus within arms reach, I can change! Please don't be like this! That's what re-writes are for, right??
Step 4- Depression: *Sobbing uncontrollably* My book sucks! It's the worst string of words put to paper since the beginning of time! Next to this, '50 Shades of Grey' looks like Shakespeare! Why did I ever think I could do this! I actually thought people might want to rest their eye sockets on this piece of garbage?
Step 5- Acceptance: Well, maybe it's not worse than 50 Shades... Perhaps it's even readable. Now that it's polished, it may actually shine in parts! Someone out there may enjoy it. There is hope after all!!
Your post intrigues me. I am not and never will be a writer. I do not have the Gift. I am not a great reader as I rarely have time nowadays, however I have read some great books by some well published authors. I can understand your apprehension at publishing a book. You expose yourself to a "world" full of critics but you also open yourself to a "world" full of "human beings" just like you. People who do not have your gift of imagination and expression and the ability to share it, but who want to experience and appreciate your gift, to be part of the process as you develop characters and your stories evolve. Never take for granted the gift you have. It is rare and it is special. Do not deprive us and do not doubt yourself.
ReplyDeleteI await your next book with much anticipation.
Thank you so much for the kind words! I would like to think I have a little bit of talent for it, but it doesn't always feel so! Everyone has self doubt to some degree, I suppose. As long as you can find ways to overcome it, that's what really matters.
ReplyDelete~Casey