I've worked for this moment for ten years and it's taken me the last two years to craft the young adult fantasy that will be my debut novel. While part of me rejoices at reaching this milestone, the other half is petrified. I have reached the jumping off point where I will cover my eyes and release my writing into the world.
I'm sorry to admit that I could have finished this book earlier, but have been procrastinating for fear of what comes next. Querying agents. What if no one likes it? What if someone is blatantly honest and tells me to let my inkwell dry-up? Even worse, what if someone actually likes it and wants to help get it published and others are going to read and critique it?
Ahhhhhhhhhh! Now you understand why I'm dragging my feet. And one reason I'm writing this post now (procrastination I can disguise as writing). My fear is holding me captive.
As I write this post, I'm at my writing desk surrounded by my vision wall where images of my inspirations encourage me and photos of my family nudge me on. My muse whispers in my ear, "you can do this." But my hands are shaking and tears begin to blur my vision.
For the last year I have acted as if I was already a published author in order to keep myself from quitting. I had to push myself to do what authors do, write without abandon. But now it comes to this - the opportunity to have the outside world see me as an author too.
As part of my work I've created a routine and business plan to help me achieve my goals. I'm thankful now for those plans because without them I would have quit with only the monkey of regret on my back. But with my plans, I see a carrot ahead of me that if I push myself just a bit more I may actually reach it.
Years ago I determined I would attempt my dreams. Now is that time, regardless of what fear may linger. That determination is what will drive me this week to finish my debut novel and prepare to send it out into the world.
If you are a new writer, I strongly encourage you to create your own business plan that will provide you with the motivation and tools to continue. The world needs your story.
- Decide where you want to be in one year, then create a calendar showing what you have to do each month to reach that goal. It helps to keep the plan to one sheet so you can post it somewhere you will see it often. This will help keep you accountable to your goal.
- Treat your writing time as if you have a scheduled meeting with your boss. You wouldn't skip out on an hour or two with the CEO in order to watch cat videos, so don't do that to your muse.
- Start a Twitter writing community right away. Follow your favorite authors, agents, publishing houses, and participate in the daily writing events. Plus look for the pitch events that allow you to post a pitch and possibly get noticed.
Most importantly, keep writing. No matter what. There will always be people who don't like what you do, but that shouldn't be enough to prevent you from trying. Pick up your pen and prove them all wrong. That's what I intend to do even if it takes me fifty years and thirty books. This is what I love to do and there's nothing I'd rather be doing.
Speaking of which, my characters are waiting.
Good luck and keep writing.
