Happy 2 year Anniversary to the Insecure Writer's Support Group!
This is my first time posting with the IWSG, and I'm thrilled to be part of this marvelous group of author's.
And a big thank you to Alex J. Cavanaugh for starting the IWSG! Press on Alex's name to learn more and, how to join in with a wonderful group of writer's. This September, Alex's co-hosts are:
Chemist Ken http://hogwartssabbatical.
SL Hennessey http://pensuasion.blogspot.
Michelle Wallace http://www.writer-in-transit.
Joylene Nowell Butler http://cluculzwriter.blogspot.
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Now it's out there for people to read and judge and review, I can't sleep. Just rereading the first chapter--I cringe. And say to myself, "Did I write that? I could've written it differently." or "I should've made it better."
I wonder if all writer's second guess themselves even after their books are made public? I lack confidence and need to grow thicker armor and learn to roll with the punches.
Also, I'm not a good self-promoter! Social Media seems to take up most of my day lately, leaving little time for writing. After arranging for a book signing at a city bookstore, my legs won't stop jangling. I'm afraid of fainting,(which has happened in the past) or will my tongue stick like glue to the roof of my mouth? Wish me luck!
Thank you Alex for hosting this group!
Good luck on the book signing that is awesome. I know how you feel right now with the book release.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by Brandon.
DeleteI know what you mean about the second-guessing. I am actually in the process of revamping my first book for a second edition. We learn as we go, but you've taken the first big step in a wonderful journey. Good luck with the signing!
ReplyDeleteLearning as we go, you have that right, Steven. And good luck with revamping your first novel.
DeleteOh my goodness, my first novel is about to come out as well and I've avoided re-reading it for the same reason. I know I will just find a million different things I could have changed lol
ReplyDeleteI'm slowly learning social media as I go. Its a tough thing to master. Best of luck with your signing, it sounds really exciting to be able to do one :D
Good Luck with the release of your first novel, SK. We're in the same boat, I think.
DeleteGood luck, I'm sure once you get there the nerves will quell and you'll have a great time. Go you :)
ReplyDeleteI hope so, thanks Suzanne.
DeleteAs a comic writer/artist, I can relate to this extremely well. Like, when I first premiered my webcomic, I had nightmares about it for the longest time, and still freak out whenever I put up a new page. Doesn't help that my own artwork makes me cringe. Sooo...yeah, the second-guessing probably will never end, but it seems to be a feeling that most creative types share, so at least you aren't alone!
ReplyDeleteOn a happier note...hurray for the release of Wickedly They Come! That's awesome! Hope the book signing goes well. :D
I believe you're right Heather. Freaking out sounds about right.
DeleteJust stopping by from the IWSG :)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the book...i LOVE that title ;)
Ive heard that even novelists that have dozens of successful books out there STILL want to change things about their work. Theres nothing wrong in wanting to get it right :)
Good luck, and remember, just be you :)
xx
Thanks for the good advice.
DeleteBook signing? Wow - have a great time! (You will, you know...)
ReplyDeleteAnd don't forget the advice someone gave once to an insecure person:
"It's easy! Just imagine they're walking around without any clothes on!"
Best of luck with the signing and the book!
Diana at About Myself By Myself
I forgot about that one, thanks, Diana. Hahahaa
DeleteFingers are crossed for you!
ReplyDeleteHave some faith in yourself!
Getting it out there is just the first step of many!
Best of luck.
Heather
Thanks for your encouragement, Heather.
DeleteYour fears are so understandable, Cathrina. But know this, one day you'll read that first chapter and you'll think, "Wow, did I write that! It's awesome."
ReplyDeleteBest of luck. I'm guest hosting today and I'm very glad to meet you.
I know how you feel! My debut is about to come out and it's with some reviewers as we speak (I don't know how I'll cope when it's on Amazon for the whole world to see (and read!) Yikes!). But it's something that we have to deal with if we want to be writers I guess. But I don't think that anxiety goes away. Maybe we just learn to lean on friends and family and the fact that we're talented and really love what we do, and that's why we put ourselves through it. Anyway, congrats on your book being published! Take some time and congratulate yourself, too.
ReplyDeleteAww...thanks Quanie, you're sweet. Good Luck with your debut.
DeleteGood luck with the book signing! You will do great and I know it will be a big success!
ReplyDeleteI had to chuckle a bit about asking yourself "Did I write that?" because I did and do the exact same thing every time I look at my book. Why can't we stop being so hard on ourselves??
So glad you joined the group! :)
It's weird isn't it Julie? Thanks for commenting and I love this group.
DeleteNew follower of your blog, Cathrina. Thanks for visiting mine earlier today. It's always nice to hear from another SCBWI member.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations with your novel. At the end of the day, you just have to sit back and remind yourself that you put yourself out there, you tried your best, and wow, you have a novel!
Thanks Cynthia for your advice, and thanks for joining my blog.
Deleteditto!! will anyone notice my book in a sea to choose from! how will i get noticed? well we are supposed to put out another... with all the self promoting which we hate! theres no time to write!
ReplyDeleteit does settle down, we just have to allot time for each necessity, right? whew!
Today is the first day I feel somewhat settled, thanks, Tara.
Deleteand congratulations!!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteYou mean we aren't supposed to second guess ourselves? Gee, wish someone had told me. LOL Take it one step at a time. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteOne step at a time, good advice, Thanks, Diane.
DeleteWishing you luck and no fainting. I figure if I ever get a book published, I'll never be able to read it again or I'll make myself sick second guessing everything.
ReplyDeleteThat's exactly how I feel. Thanks for stopping by Liza.
DeleteGood luck with your book signing. You are not alone with the second guessing. There are some parts of my book where I cringe, but mostly I smile, because I can't believe I wrote that. Dang, I love being a writer.
ReplyDeleteMe too! And mad at myself for taking so many years off in between writing.
DeleteSince you are further ahead in the writing process, I can't give you any advice based on experience. I can say that I believe you will be Fabulous. I think the key is you believing it, too:)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the encouragement, Robin! I truly appreciate it!
DeleteThat's why I've never gone back to read my books after they were published - I'd want to change something!
ReplyDeletePromoting isn't always fun, but it helps to have friends lend a hand.
Welcome to the IWSG! Glad you could join us.
Thanks, Alex, happy to be aboard!
DeleteHave fun at your signing--how exciting for you! :)
ReplyDeleteI hope I do, thanks Lara.
DeleteLol, yes! I could easily rewrite every single story/novella I've written. But at some point you just have to close the pages and move on. It gets easier, honestly!
ReplyDeleteI guess you're right, Annalisa. Thank You.
DeleteI think we are all nervous when we think about the reviews of our book. It is a vulnerable feeling to put yourself out there. Best of luck with your book signing (drink plenty of water first and have some crackers to help with "not" fainting). :)
ReplyDelete~Jess
Thanks Jess, and thanks for joining my blog. I'll bring a bag of crackers.
DeleteAll the best!!!!! Keep BREATHING and you'll be fine.
ReplyDeleteI'll try...
DeleteGood luck with your book signing! You should be proud that you've come this far, and try not to look back.
ReplyDeleteJulie
Thank you Julie
DeleteGah! The thought of what comes with success is almost as terrifying as failure! Best of luck and well done! :-) Yeah, I reckon we all re-read what we've had published and think 'oo-er!' Thanks for visiting my blog :-)
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks for visiting mine, Linda.
DeleteYep, sounds like you're in exactly the right place for a newly published author. No worries! It all falls into place. As for promotions, try a little of everything right now, then see where you're most comfortable and focus on that.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the advice, Nicki!
DeleteD'oh! P.S. Congratulations!!!
ReplyDeletelol, thanks.
DeleteCongratulations! I think everyone probably has that feeling.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tonja
DeleteHi Cathrina .. congratulations on your publication - that's great news. And whenever the book signing is - I'm sure all will go well and you'll just enjoy it ...
ReplyDeleteGood luck .. cheers Hilary
Thank you Hilary
DeleteYes, I think many of us do second guess our work! When I read back on what I've published, I see things that could or even should be changed. It's nearly impossible to catch everything. After I find something serious enough, or if I find enough little things, I do go and make those changes.
ReplyDeleteYou'll do great at your book signing, I'm sure! Just be yourself, with nerves and all. :) Welcome to the support group! Writer’s Mark
Thanks Nancy. This is a great group!
DeleteI struggle with self-promotion, too. I need to organise a book signing at some point (mine's out in October) but the thought fills me with terror! It's an amazing opportunity, though. Best of luck and welcome to IWSG!
ReplyDeleteEmma good luck with your book.
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