Reality set in and I felt THE fear. You know, the Oh-my-God-this-is-really-happening sensation? Yeah, that one. What caused this sudden burst of terror? The course I’m taking: The Submission Process by Lois Winston.
First, we created our query letter and now we’re working on the synopsis. I wasn’t planning on worrying about those challenges until after I completed and edited my WIP. But this course came along and I jumped at the chance to learn more about those pieces of work that often trouble writers. What I didn’t expect was for the whole experience to become REAL to me. I’M ACTUALLY DOING THIS. Should’ve been a no-brainer, I know. Yet, somehow, the realization hit me like a smack in the face.
I’m on the path leading to my goal of publication. And with the help from great instructors like Lois Winston, I can do this. So, as quickly as THE fear had crept into my mind, its negative feeling has left and is replaced with a stronger belief in myself and my abilities.
How did you conquer THE fear? Or have you?
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I've been hesitating and hesitating to query, and I think part of it is THE fear.
ReplyDeleteBut setting myself a deadline (query by Saturday) is helping with it!
Even though THE Fear is trying to sink its claws into you, Lynnette, you're strong. I'm glad to hear your belief in yourself and your abilities is growing.
ReplyDeleteThere are so many fears that we have to face! But with each one that we overcome, I think we can become that more confident!
ReplyDeleteGood for you! I think you were brave (and smart) to take on the course.
ReplyDeleteI think I conquer the fear a little more each day. That said, i think a little wisp will always be present.
Congrats for putting on the big girl pantaloons! Now, go get 'em! :D
ReplyDeletei signed up for a conference and editor/agent appointments! if that won't jump start me into the midst of things, i don't know what will.
ReplyDeletejeannie
The Character Therapist
It's funny how we can fear something so much and doubt our abilities... until we actually *do* it. It was much that way with me and the dreaded bogey-man of MARKETING up until this year. No way I could do all that self-promotion, not in a million years, it's totally against my personality, totally outside my comfort zone! But I finally convinced myself to jump in headfirst... and, you know what, it's not so bad a view here on the other side!
ReplyDeleteBetter to have tried something and failed, then to try nothing and succeed. Gotta keep going... :O)
ReplyDeleteYou can do this!! A query is just an offer: Would you like some tea? A rejection or an acceptance is merely the reply. The fact that you're taking a course means that you're serious about your craft, and that will show through.
ReplyDeleteI didn't feel the fear until my publishing contract came. Then, I realized I had COMMITMENTS to take seriously. Even now, when I think about required sales numbers and book signings...it makes my heart pound.
But you're facing your fears early, so it's blue skies ahead! :)
I'm not sure I have conquered it, but I keep moving forward. Maybe by not giving in to it I am overcoming it. And of course, the encouragment of bloggers and my critique partner helps.
ReplyDeleteI hate fear. It is so paralyzing. This writing journey has been a journey of facing fear after fear and I am so thankful that I KNOW I am growing through it all. Good for you for taking courses and doing what needs to be done to continue the process. :)
ReplyDeleteI think querying is that good kind of fear, like waiting in line for a roller coaster. It's equally scary and exciting. The first time I hit the send button on a query, my hands wouldn't stop shaking, lol. It got easier with each letter. Then the fear is replaced by nervous impatience.
ReplyDeleteThanks for all your support! We'll all get there, won't we? *hugs*
ReplyDeleteLynnette Labelle