My husband and I were having a conversation about a book he’d just finished reading when he turned to me and said: “Don’t take this the wrong way but if that’s published why aren’t you?”
My answer was a one word response. “Editing.”
It’s expensive. So, I’ve been putting it off and putting it off.
My book has blossomed into six books, with three more still to write.
But, I can say I’m one step closer to publishing. Having found an editor who just might be the perfect fit for me.
It still doesn’t stop the self doubt and anxieties from creeping in and sometimes that alone is enough to make me pause and consider not publishing because I’m scared.
Of course then I have to remind myself that it’s okay to be scared. That the reason I put pen to paper in the first place when I was fourteen hasn’t changed. I still want to share my words with the world. My dream of being publishedhasnt gone anywhere and all this is just a bump in the road that I will get over.
It’s okay.
Being scared, is okay. In fact, it would be a little remiss if you weren’t. Writing. The entire process is huge. It’s sharing a part of yourself with strangers. What’s not scary about that?
The trick?
Breathe. And let go.
Focus on getting the words down. It’s not a sprint. You don’t have to compare yourself to any other writer.
Just do you. Be accountable. Show up and put in the effort. The words on the page will speak for themselves.