I have been struggling.
Not just with this move to Texas, or making new friends here, or deciding whether to buy a home or build or rent longer . . . I’ve been struggling with the whole publication thing.
Honestly, if I ever get a book accepted, I’m not so sure I can do everything that is required today of a new author. I’ve watched so many of my friends become overwhelmed with setting up release parties and book signings and new websites and then to have to start it all over again if they get a second book published.
When I started writing, I never dreamed of what the other side of getting published would entail.
Probably just writing about this is dooming me. And that brings me to my next point. I’ve been blogging for a long time—six years this summer. If you’ve noticed, I’m not as consistent as I used to be. That’s partially because my life isn’t consistent right now. But what bothers me the most is that underlying voice that says, “Terri, you have to keep blogging in case you ever get a book accepted by an agent. They are going to want to see what kind of presence you have out there.”
Let me say, UGH.
I 'm not sure I can jump through all the hoops that rightly need to be jumped through to get to that part of writing.
I’m not sure where that leaves me in the whole process then. I’ve always been the kind of person who follows along and does what they have to do but really…I’m not sure this parade of self-promoting is for me. I can’t imagine the day I have to pump my book out on Twitter and Facebook and pray my friends don’t get bored or irritated by me doing it.
So maybe I’m crazy. Maybe I’ve seen too much. Or maybe I need to accept that all that stuff is part of the process these days and just go with it.
I don’t know anymore and that’s where my thoughts have been. Honestly, I’ve come so far in the system and I’m not sure I like what I see. So I don’t have this great hope to see my name in print anymore and all that goes with it.
I only want to write a great book.
45 comments:
I've had these thoughts and feelings time after time. Praying with you to discern God's will, timing and purposes for your writing. One thing I know for sure, He's given you a gift that I hope you'll continue to use for His glory!
Nothing to keep you from writing! I lost my zeal for the idea for the very same reasons. I think when (or IF) I ever get my one little book written, I will just self-publish it and let the chips fall where they may. I have no desire to go on book tours and do all the self-promo and such. There is just a little story I would like to tell and hope that others enjoy reading it and are blessed by it.
I hear you, Terri. I've had some of these same discussions with other bloggers/writers, and many others feel the same. You're not alone.
Things are changing, aren't they? But we know this - God's plan for us will be accomplished. He can walk us through this maze of details. He is faithful.
Keep walking!
I'm with Shirley... and I'm also with you, sweet friend. Oh for a long afternoon before the fire or at Starbucks to work this writing thing out. You obviously have a great following here at the blog, so I wouldn't throw in the towel just yet.
I understand.
Prayers.
peace~elaine
All writers go through this. I have been reading a lot from writers who are discouraged with the whole process. I think we worry too much about how it will all fit together. But what it boils down to is that if you feel called, you must obey. It's the same with all other areas of our lives. Social Media is the way of communication today whether we like it or not. It has to be done to a certain extent. It could be that God has something else for you to do. I takes a lot of soul searching and it's not easy. I don't know of any call from God that is. But we are the only ones who can determine if we are called or if we are just following our own talents. I hear you on the UGH!
Hang in there, my friend.
Jan
i think many writers echo your thoughts here, so take comfort in knowing you are not alone.
just remember - don't walk faster than you are able. so do what calls to you and gives you light and hope. the rest can fall to the wayside, because it really isn't that important anyway.
and some food for thought....the best part about self publishing? you're in control of everything!
good luck to you my friend!
I've had similar thoughts and it is terrifying at times. Hugs and hope you will go and do whatever God leads when the time comes. (Same for me...) :O)
Terri Terri Terri,
Step back. Take a big breath. Take a few days off from all this contemplating and worrying. It's okay. Everything will be fine. Right now you're off balance with all that's going on. We all get that way. I stay there a lot of the time.
You need to put thoughts of writing away for a few days. When you're feeling uplifted and more grounded then it's time to think writing again.
I read your blogs and this is not the Terri I know talking.
You'll be renewed, I'm praying it.
ALso, I'm putting my first novel on eook Kindle, at amazon in another month or so. I know of several success stories and it's worth a shot without all the problems.
Blessings however you go about publishing.
Barb
Have had similar thoughts too, Terri. Praying.
First let me say up front I know absolutely nothing about the publishing process. I know what I like and I know I like to write and that is about the extent of my knowledge. I just know that if you stopped blogging we would all miss your wonderful point of view. I think it is also perfectly acceptable to step back and take a small break.
I read a devotional by Joyce Meyer the other day. She wrote about keeping our dreams before us all the time and not giving up. We all face periods of frustration and disappointment. It's how we face the disappointment that determine how we either give up of move past out frustration to a new place.
http://www.youversion.com/reading-plans/promises-for-your-everyday-life/8/365
http://www.youversion.com/reading-plans/promises-for-your-everyday-life/10/365
I have been doing the Joyce Meyer Reading plan on my new Kindle. I recently went to one of her conferences. I found her very real and down to earth.
Take a deep breath my friend.
One of my favorite very small prayers "Lord my boat is small and the ocean is big! Help Me!"
Blessings
R
Sometimes I think we listen to too many voices. Do this. Do that. The only two that really matter are God's and our own. Praying you rest in His, and trust your own... :-)
I knew from the start that I couldn't do all of that and had no desire to. What I wanted was to write my book, or compile the bits and pieces I had already written into a book that I could give to my parents, and leave behind for my kids. Not a very lofty goal, but one I attained. My dad passed away the year after I had my book printed....knowing he had read it was enough.
Terri, just do what your heart tells you.
Write and enjoy the process. Sometimes we worry about things that never even come to pass.
So write and let your heart spill out onto the pages, my friend. You have talent so share it and don't worry about a blessed thing.
"He" will take care of the rest----all the details. Just my thoughts. Susan
Hey doll, there is some great advice in these comments and I don't have anything new to add. Vent your frustration 'cause here we can take it and know where you're coming from. Let out your angst, take a break and let the dust settle around you. Your writing will wait for you and we'll all be here for you, keep hanging on.
When I published my first novel, We Shall Overcome, in 2007, I was overwhelmed by all the leg work involved with marketing my book. Fortunately, the publishing package I purchased from iUniverse came with a marketing toolkit that included templates for a press release, a sales flier, postcards, bookmarks, and other promotional materials plus a guide with a lot of helpful advice. When my second book, How to Build a Better Mousetrap: Recollections and Reflections of a Family Caregiver, was released last month, I knew what I was doing. I have several events scheduled around my community to promote my book. Because I'm a family caregiver and unable to drive due to my visual impairment, I won't be traveling across the country signing autographs, but I'll do what I can and leave the rest to fate. If the book sells, it sells. If it doesn't, it doesn't,and I move on. If you twiddle your thumbs because you don't think you can do it, you'll always wonder.
Been there, done that... thoughts of doubts and fear... yes, discouragement, our greatest enemy. I am on my fifth book being published, and it doesn't get easier, it gets harder.
But if you truly believe you have a great story to tell, it has to be told. No one can do it like you.
Here's a hug, Terri. Sounded like you could use one.
And for the record: you've got talent and have proven you have perseverance too. That combo will serve you well i whatever you do.
Remember that the Lord is preparing you for what He has in store for you and will equip you for whatever work that will entail.
I'm also sending you a hug, and for the record, I second Keli's statement.
I can relate. It might be worth taking a blogging break until you are ready to query again. You have a solid following, so you should be okay to pick it all up again when you need to. You can stay in contact with your online friends through the less demanding facebook in the meantime.
I was told yesterday that blogging a poem is considering publishing it...interesting. So I may go back and unblog some poems that I'm submitting to competitions that don't want published poetry. I'm at the same place as you-sick and tired of the whole publishing game and marketing chores. Without a publisher or distributor-it's about impossible and quite discouraging. I'm not in the writing to make money but to share my voice so why not give away my books I'm now thinking????
Terri, you have experienced so many life changes recently. Everyone feels as you do at sometime, even the most driven or prolific and even published writers. We all suffer from the "Imposter Syndrome", I'm not a real writer if I don't/can't..." Allow yourself a respite, back away from writing and blogging if overwhelmed is the word that first comes to mind. Remember the adage, Absence makes the heart grow fonder? My best to you. Linda
I think you've had a lot on your plate recently. But I really do know how you feel.
I wish we lived closer. We could sit and talk over a cup of tea.
You've had a lot of upheaval these past years, that's for sure. I'd just encourage you to hang in there. When the time comes to promote your book, we'll help you! :)
I think it's just part of the package deal. Most writers are introverted, so all that self-promoting is really awkward and unappealing to them. Like you, I'd rather write!! Yes, it does seem to get more stressful and demanding and hoop-jumping after publication (I'm not quite there yet, but have been thinking a lot about it! since I'm close-ish).
And I think Karen's right--let others/word of mouth help you sell your book, and then you won't have to be self-plugging all the time to the point of worrying about annoying people. :) If a book is truly great and readable, it kinda sells itself. People get excited about it, and help you promote.
I can understand your feelings Terri..I have gone through the same thing few weeks back. At times it does get overwhelming and kind of strenous trying to balance writing, blogging, facebook, twitter... And you have undergone quite a few upheavals. Hang in there, we are all there with you.
Oh dear. I have struggled with this, too. And now that I'm in the throes of promoting my first book, I often wonder where it's leading. All I can say is, I ask God for direction on what to do, then trust Him with the results. If I don't jump through all the hoops "they" say I need to, oh well. I'm out to please Jesus.
I have a lot of writer friends who feel the exact same way. I wish I had the answers, but I think the main thing to keep in mind is that God will give us direction and strength when we need it.
Have a great weekend!
I have a lot of writer friends who feel the exact same way. I wish I had the answers, but I think the main thing to keep in mind is that God will give us direction and strength when we need it.
Have a great weekend!
It sort of makes me think about the many infertile ladies wishing for a baby. I've known, and know several. Many of them tried & tried & tried to no avail. When they finally let go (some even opting to adopt), VOILA! - a pregnancy often resulted.
Timing is everything, and the Lord's timing most of all. If we can but "be still & know", then striving is no longer a part of the frustrating equation. I know that so well, I'm a striver of the first order!
Wisdom comes with a price. I'm guessing this is a season of wisdom-gathering for you. One day, with 20/20 hindsight you'll be telling us: "You won't believe this, but _______________."
Hugs & blessings,
Kathleen
I have been thinking the same things. Seems like we have to be jack of all trades these days... I've pretty much decided to keep my writing for magazines, blogging etc. But then, I also believe that God will give us what we need when we need it - so if he ever brings about the book, He'll work out the rest. Maybe we should pray that his anointing is so heavy on publishers that they will go back to hiring people who will take care of the marketing! :)
Hi Terri -
Those thoughts, a.k.a. fears, also try to overwhelm me. Marja wrote a post recently about seeking Him for our daily bread. For me, it's all about trusting Him for one day at a time.
I just wrote 4 posts on my battle with discouragement. They'll run on Mondays starting 11/23.
Praying for you,
Susan
Hi Sweet Terri,
You ARE a good writer, with a fantastic blog following and a HUGE heart. Don't allow discouragement to overwhelm you! God gives us grace for every step of the way as we trust and lean on Him. It's not always easy, but what dream is?
I pray that God lifts your heart and refreshes your soul today!
(((Hugs)))
You've just expressed what is the difficult thing for me. I write. That's what I love. I write the best book I can with sincerity and heart.
But I do not like all the self-promo - I do very little of it. Do my book sales falter because I'm not constantly out there touting the books? Maybe so, but, I can't stand all the shouting and Me Me ME Me ME! All the constant talk about "buy my books" and "go to this link" and "go to amazon!"
I quit doing booksignings unless it is a favorite bookstore and they ask me to do it.
I mention my books when there is some special promotion going on that my publishers or amazon or whatever has going on - and pass that savings on to the reader. Or, if I have a new book coming out -- things like that.
It can be exhausting - I will not lie. Even the small amount(small compared to so many) of talk I do about my books is still enough to make me feel wonky. Not to say I'm not proud of my work and believe in it -for I do!
I still do pretty well considering I don't jump up and down and wave my arms. I think of it is: one book, one reader, at a time. I write the best books I can and I just hope people will love them enough to return to me and then tell others.
Don't let all this sway you. You'll find your own path.
This is a long comment! lawd!
I've had very similar thoughts. I'm building a platform, but my actual writing time is almost non-exsistant and I don't have time to do it all! I will pray that God shows you your path. That's all I can do as well, just wait and see where this all leads. I feel like I've made lots of wonderful friends in the blogging world, and maybe that's all I was meant to do:)
I can completely relate to what you are feeling. But that last line you wrote here, that's a great place to be because it's what it really should be about.
You've received wonderful advice from lots and lots of people. Pray. That's the biggest recommendation I can give (and advice I also need to take myself!).
Only you know what you want to do. Write that great book you have in your heart and let the rest of the writing worries go for now. I've found that when you need things, God helps you find them.
Remember that God gives us information and inspiration and specific strength on an as-needed basis. (Isn't that so hard?!)
Right now marketing a book seems nasty and overwhelming. But when He needs you to do it, He will equip you. Trust and rest in that. At that time, you'll be able to count many blessings in it.
I hear what you are saying and I pray that the Lord will show you the way - keep your eyes on Him and what He desires you to do. I have been spending more time reading His Word lately and it is amazing how He speaks to us through the power of the Holy Spirit. Perhaps choose one book to read during the next couple of weeks - I am currently reading Acts. It may give you a much need break and a time to reflect. Remember, we are in a spiritual battle of sorts and you have much to share with a lost world - God will show you the way, I am confident, and He is on your side:-) Written with prayers for you.
Hugs Terri. May you find the purpose God has placed in your heart that keeps you going no matter what. Sometimes we see what others are doing, as what we should be doing, but God has a unique plan, calling for all of us, I believe. I met an author who sells her devotionals only at book fairs, meeting every person who buys her books. This, she feels, is the best way for her. God will reveal His best way for you too, I'm sure.
A lot of good comments here. I didn't read them all, but I really liked Kenda's comment.
I read that before your book publication, you need to spend 80% of your time on the book and only 20% on blogging, fb, etc. Afterwards, you reverse the percentages. Following that 'recipe' might help you focus your energies where it sounds like you really wante them - on your book.
But like Kenda said, what do you and God say? wb
One step at a time, dear friend. Write your great book. :-)
Your last sentence says it all - for me as well. I do continue to blog because for me right now it's the place I get to play with words while I wait for my muse to return, and for this grieving season to wane. I would miss you if you stopped writing here, and will always read your stories when I see them, knowing if you wrote them, I'll love them.
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