Writing is a mixed bag of hard-boiled candy that will break your teeth, and soft chews that will wash sweetness over all your senses.
The Hard-boiled:
Letting go of my babies. When I’ve created a story, and it’s time to edit, I break my teeth (as it were) on the yearning for greatness, the striving for perfectionism, the dream of it going out there with exactly what I wanted to say with no errors or misunderstandings. I want my stories to touch lives, to grant sparks of laughter, to offer moments of comfort. I want them to bring insight, joy, escapism, and adventure. I want them to do wonderful things.
And once I’ve let go enough to publish the stories, more stresses rush in. How will they be received? Will people love them? Will they hate them? Will people even find them, and if they do, will they buy them?
Which leads me to another stress: the marketing. Am I doing it right? Do I have the right cover? The right blurb? The right story?! I know I should be more consistent with social media, but I’m not a huge fan of it. I’d rather sit in a corner and eat anchovies on stale bread…. Shudder. But I get a lot of sales through social media. It’s where people find my stories. It’s where I’ve met so many wonderful people…
The Sweet Chews:
Making connections. I’ve connected with so many people I never would’ve met without my writing. And I treasure every single one of them. And when I get a fan letter or a five-star review, oh my gosh, what a joy! They remind me that I don’t write in isolation. They remind me my words have an impact, a purpose, and they can make a difference. That’s exciting!
And when I write—just let go and write—I’m transported. My world expands. My mind engages in a way that adds depth to my life. I feel whole.
Writing is in my blood, and I must answer its call.
How about you? What are your ups and downs with writing?
Cling to God: 365-Day Devotional
The perfect gift for Christmas
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Wishing everyone a safe and peaceful Christmas and an awesome New Year.
This post was written for the IWSG. Every first Wednesday of the month, members post on their blogs about their writing insecurities or offer some encouragement to others. If you are new to the IWSG or want to learn more, then please go HERE.
Hi Lynda - the blogging community is so helpful and cheers us on. All the best with your recent publication '365 Day Devotional' and have a peaceful season - Hilary
ReplyDeleteIt is a wonderful community. Thanks, Hilary.
DeleteThat is a great answer for delights!
ReplyDeleteThought that would resonate with you in particular :)
DeleteWriting is in your blood...now that's a comment from a real writer. There's no choice but to write, is there?
ReplyDeleteExactly!!
DeleteJust the thought of marketing stresses me out. Totally agree with you on the joys of writing.
ReplyDeleteI think the trick to marketing is not to try to do it all, but to find what works for you... and schedule it in short bursts ;)
DeleteBeautifully put. Having that connection and impact with a reader is a really wonderful thing, I agree.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Nick
DeleteI want to steal your answer!!!
ReplyDeleteThe writing is my fave - putting it out there...not so much!
And yet it doesn't take on its own life until it goes out there. It's meant to be shared. :)
DeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteI very much relate to wanting what I write to touch hearts. I just don't want it to be another book to read.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a great crossover into 2022.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat G @ EverythingMustChange
Yep, we all strive for that "something special"
DeleteI go through that stress every time with books that aren't even mine as I feel the pressure is more on me than the author.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I can understand that. :)
DeleteHi Lynda, I very much relate to your writing stresses and delights. Happy Holidays and a very Merry Christmas in advance.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas to you too! :)
DeleteMarketing sucks. I'm 100% with you about that. I don't think it's the #1 most stressful thing about writing for me, but it is definitely up there.
ReplyDeleteIt would be nice if readers could magically find our books ;)
DeleteWriting is a mixed bag of hard-boiled candy that will break your teeth, and soft chews that will wash sweetness over all your senses.
ReplyDeleteI love this line as much as I like candy! Happy holidays!
Ha! And candy is pretty awesome :)
DeleteMerry Christmas!
I totally forgot about the marketing aspect. Yes, that terribly stresses me out. And it still does after a book has been on the market for years!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas.
It's crazy, huh.
Delete"And when I write—just let go and write—I’m transported. My world expands. My mind engages in a way that adds depth to my life. I feel whole.
ReplyDeleteWriting is in my blood, and I must answer its call."
I feel this every time there is a blank piece of white paper in front of me. (Okay, blank computer screen.)
It's a wonderful feeling. :)
DeleteI think we all struggle with whether a reader will love our work. Getting those good reviews are priceless!
ReplyDeleteReally, when you think about it, reviews are a special feat from the reviewer too. Normally readers only read. Most of them aren't born writers. They don't normally need to express in detail why they like something. But if they loved the book enough to actually step out from their comfort zone and spend the time to leave a review...wow. That makes it even more special.
DeleteGood similes. My teeth hurt.
ReplyDeleteHa! We need more soft, sweet chews in our lives.
DeleteIt's nice to know I'm not alone.
ReplyDeleteI know those fears. Writing is easy, marketing is the pits. I hate putting myself out there. "Hey, buy my book!" That is not me. But we have to do it.
ReplyDeleteYarp, unfortunately we do have to do it if we want people to find our books.
DeleteHi Lynda,
ReplyDeleteFrom what I have read of you work, you have NOTHING to stress about! Your covers are gorgeous and your prose is engaging. BREATH... At least your stories are out there and people are reading them. Sadly, the publishing industry has changed so much in the past ten years and we have to flow right along with it. Authors are expected to do EVERYTHING now, EVEN if we get published by a big publisher. Ack! I haven't even dipped a toe in yet as far as marketing since I have nothing yet, BUT, I may be self-publishing in February if my current work doesn't get picked up. So, I will be joining the ranks... it's okay. Baby steps for me...
Wishing you a wonderful, peaceful, and healthy holiday season!
Oh! Going independent! Go you! I'm super excited for you!
Delete"Writing is in my blood." Your blog post was inspiring to me. Thank you. Wishing you all the joy, peace, love and hope of Christmas.
ReplyDeleteThank you. That means a lot.
DeleteWishing you a special Christmas too.
I love the way you describe those struggles and the joys. Yes, writing is in your blood. Writing is in mine.
ReplyDeleteWishing you happy writing, joy, peace, and love for Christmas and beyond!
Peace, love, and joy to you too!!
DeleteSo writing is like an onion? Every layer brings tears (stress)? 😁 Happy Holidays
ReplyDeleteAt least onions are tasty when barbecued ;)
DeleteTrue!
DeleteThe hard-boiled and the sweet chews? Perfect metaphors for this candy-filled season! Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteHave a Blessed Christmas and Wonderful New Year!
Thanks, Michelle
Delete"Writing is in my blood, and I must answer its call."
ReplyDeletelove it!
It seems to have resonated with a few writers ;)
DeleteHearing how your writing has impacted readers definitely makes a difference. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
ReplyDeletewww.onegayastronaut.wordpress.com
What a great post, Lynda! I am so with you. When I submit my stories, I hunger for someone with authority to tell me they are good, that someone would want to read them and learn something new or be entertained.
ReplyDeleteI'm terrified of marketing because I don't really know how to do it. And yes. I've found many true friends in the writing field online. Thank you for being one of them. All best to you in 2022!
Making connections is one of the best parts of writing! Although I find editing is easier than drafting, it's also nerve wracking because I can obsess.
ReplyDeleteHappy ISWG!