Like a lot of writers, I get a little crazy worrying about stuff. I can’t help it. Here’s a list of the WORST FEARS that have paralyzed me at one point or another on my journey (and some of them still do – I’ll let you guess which ones):
10. I am never going to finish this manuscript.
9. My query letter is better than my book. Great, so I’ll just get rejected at the partial stage instead of the query stage.
8. This isn’t really a form rejection. It’s an “I Hate You And Your Work” rejection, but the agent or editor is too professional to say so.
7. All of my writing friends think I suck, but they’re too nice to say so.
6. My agent only signed me because she had nothing better to do that day.
5. My editor only bought the book because she had nothing better to do that day.
4. My promotional efforts are being seen as narcissism, arrogance, and self-absorption. Every time I post a link to my blog on my Facebook page, people sigh and hit the “Hide” button.
3. Nobody’s going to buy my book. They’ll see it on the shelf, pick up the one beside it, and buy that one instead.
2. Those who do read the book will hate it and wonder how in the hell I got published.
1. I can’t write, and soon everybody will know that I am faking got lucky have a guardian angel don’t really deserve anything good that’s happening to me.
I don’t feel like this every day, but some days… yes. Some days I’m plagued with fears –
some are understandable, and some are totally ridiculous.
Tell me I’m not the only one! What are YOUR fears?
I love that rude little bunny. My family has a sticker that says "you suck and that's just sad" that we have been circulating for years now. I opened the book I was reading on vacation at my parents to find my dad had hid it there for me. I promptly removed it and put it in the silverware drawer where my stepmom pretended not to see it (I pointed it out). She snuck it into my brother's jacket pocket and I'm really not sure where it is at the moment. I checked my luggage really well when I returned home and that pit in my stomach didn't leave until I was all clear.
I worry about my overshares. They're a part of my personality but I think people just pretend to laugh and don't find my stories as funny as they say. I want milk shooting out of noses. THAT would convince me. Probably.
Number 7. That's a big fear. I haven't had to face the others yet. I love that you shared yours! I heart your blog. I even shared it on mine last week. People care when you update. You're witty (that's not just funny – that's SMART funny). I don't remember whose blog led me to yours but I followed you immediately. Love your style! You keep me entertained. And I can hardly wait for your book!
HA! Well I KNOW I suck since I had an agent and my book didn't sell…
Personally I'm big on the "fluke" theory. Everything good that happens to me (no matter how hard I worked for it) in ANY area of my life is a "fluke" (and I don't mean the fish…)
Publishing is a crazy-making biz imho so you're in good company. Just try to enjoy the ride!
Aw, I get those fears for sure. When my book went out on sub my biggest fear was that I was wasting everyone's time, that I'd somehow fooled the people giving me good feedback (including Hubby, who is the pickiest person I know). Now my biggest fear is that the next novel – the one I'm really, really excited about – won't actually be as special as I think it is.
Jennie: That's awesome that you and your family sneak Happy Bunny into suitcases, coats, etc. Wonder where he is now? And thanks for the kind words. Words like yours keep the demons at bay, at least for a little while. 🙂
JB: Sorry to burst your bubble, but you don't suck. Far from it. Which I guess makes it worse, because if you sucked, you could give up, but since you don't, you have to keep going.
Joann: Nice to know I'm not the only one who thinks everybody who likes my work might just be deluded! Man, I can't wait to hear about this new book… when you're ready to tell, that is.
I share all of your fears, Jennifer. But, on the bright side, that means we're both as fearful as each other, and therefore have each others' shoulders to cry on!
My biggest fear? Pigs. It's not irrational. Pigs eat people. Pigs are smart, and can plot revolutions (ala Animal Farm). Pigs are also delicious, but one day they're going to realise how delicious people are, and then we'll be in BIG trouble. I'm just the messenger for the Pig Apocolypse. *shudder*
Caitlin: Quite possibly the most Awesome. Comment. Ever.