This post is part of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group blog hop.Ā The first Wednesday of every month is Insecure Writerās Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling.Ā The awesome co-hosts for theĀ September 5 posting of the IWSG areĀ Toi Thomas,Ā T. Powell Coltrin,Ā M.J. Fifield,Ā andĀ Tara Tyler!
September has arrived! That means here in the northern hemisphere fall is just around the corner–my favorite season. It’s still pretty hot and summery here, so I’m trying not to get ahead of myself, but I can’t wait to break out the fall decor.
So, any insecurities for me as the seasons change? Why, of course! Those of you who follow me might remember I recently had another book accepted for publication–my lucky 13th! I’m working on the sequel right now and it’s an interesting writing experience. I kind of dragged my feet on it for a long time and was writing it slowly, but lately I’ve been working hard on it. My day job schedule is often erratic and cuts into my writing time, so I’m snatching time here and there where I can. Which means I go a couple of days without writing anything and then binge-write 5,000 words at a time. So far, it seems to be working for me. Even though I have the story kind of plotted out I’m surprising myself with where the emotional twists and turns are happening.
But, what if my fire dies out?! What if I get into another slump like my job was putting me in this summer? I really want to keep up the momentum on this series. I want to work on my OTHER series too and get the next book in that one out. Often I paralyze myself by thinking about all the things I want to do–and then not doing any of them.
Why did I become a writer again?
September 5 question – What publishing path are you considering/did you take, and why?
I went the traditional route, though I did self-publish two books just to see what it was like. I probably didn’t do things the way most self-published people do, because I didn’t spend any money on publishing them outside of the stock photos I bought for the covers. I’m blessed that I have graphic design skills and could do my own. I’m also a pretty damn good self-editor. The books have sold well and gotten some rave reviews so…I guess I did good?
The thing is though, I don’t think I’d do it again (apart from self-pubbing the last book in the series, which I’m working on). Only because while I CAN do the work to get them out in the world, I don’t WANT to. I’d rather leave it to the publishing house. Self-publishing is a job in itself and I’d rather just write and hand it to someone else to turn into a book. Am I lazy? Probably. If I was making money hand over fist self-pubbing I’d probably feel different, but I’m not.
Happy September, everyone!
