Thursday, September 10, 2009

THE Fear

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?

13 comments:

  1. I've been hesitating and hesitating to query, and I think part of it is THE fear.

    But setting myself a deadline (query by Saturday) is helping with it!

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  2. 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.

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  3. There are so many fears that we have to face! But with each one that we overcome, I think we can become that more confident!

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  4. Good for you! I think you were brave (and smart) to take on the course.

    I think I conquer the fear a little more each day. That said, i think a little wisp will always be present.

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  5. Congrats for putting on the big girl pantaloons! Now, go get 'em! :D

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  6. i 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.

    jeannie
    The Character Therapist

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  7. 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!

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  8. Better to have tried something and failed, then to try nothing and succeed. Gotta keep going... :O)

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  9. You 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.

    I 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! :)

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  10. 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.

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  11. I 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. :)

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  12. I 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.

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  13. Thanks for all your support! We'll all get there, won't we? *hugs*

    Lynnette Labelle

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