This is a perfect time to post about INSECURITIES as a writer. I’m undertaking two new adventures this year: my first middle grade novel and Indie Publishing. Both scare the beejeebers out of me.
I feel very comfortable writing YA novels and dealing with YA readers’ reactions. Not so with the middle grade. Even though I enjoyed writing this story about two boys on a swampy adventure, I’m edgy about how young readers will react. Will they like a story about saving alligators or think that it’s too wacky? I mean, we’re not talking fluffy kitties or puppies here. Will they find the “out-of-practice” witches humorous or too bizarre? You can see where the INSECURITIES have me springing all over the place.
And about Indie Publishing . . . I’ve been warned by one agent. “Don’t do it!” I’ve been cautioned by one editor. “Don’t do it!” That’s a bit
INSECURITY-producing, don’t you think? I was grateful to find this post by Nathan Bransford on the subject. It was so sensible. Still as I’m going through the process, I’m experiencing a whole other set of INSECURITIES. Will the cover work? Will it be ready on time? Have I done the edits right? Will I open page one and find a glaring grammar error? What happens if . . .
I could go on and on, but I’m into short and punchy posts. I need time to nurture my INSECURITIES.
Anyway, I’m really grateful for the Insecure Writer’s Support Group this month; it’s therapeutic to be able to share all of this.
And if you’d care to lend a hand in my effort, I’m asking interested readers to sign up on the Linky below. I’ll be in touch with anyone who wants to help me out. Did I mention I’ll have a presents? Yes. I will.
I've seen your writing, both before and after publication and you have nothing to be insecure about. It sounds like a great MG book for boys. You know I just did my own experiment with Indie publishing and I've enjoyed it so far. That doesn't mean I'm giving up on traditional, just flexing my muscles a bit.
Sounds like the kind of adventure that middle graders are hungry for. Wishing you all the best on this new adventure (and hoping you can actually ENJOY it, too!)
Since I spend my days teaching middle graders, I can assure you they will be all over the alligator angle. I can't wait to read this to my class next year. Right now they've fled for the summer.
Love the cover! Your story is going to be fabulous!! 🙂
Your story sounds great and I'd be happy to help anyway I can.
It's your decision if you want to self- publish. Even multi-published authors do heavy promoting when they self publish, so that's all you need- heavy promoting.
Your mg story sound great to me. I think boys will be interested in alligators because they're not the cute, cuddly animals mostly written about. Bes of luck to you.
The cover is neat.
I am in total AWE at you wonderful brave and brilliant authors going the independent and e-pub and self pub ways!!! So yay for you!! And I may be long in the tooth and grey of hair but I do truly think kids of the middle grade age will LOVE wacky!! The wackier the better!!
All the best with your amazing writerly ventures!! And yay for nursing and embracing your insecurities and the finding the strength to move on out and UP!!!
Take care
x
I have no doubt you'll do great, Lee! I can't wait to read your book.
I read Nathan's post and I agree with him. Do what you think is right for your book. 🙂 I understand your inecurities. First, I like the cover! second I'm rooting for you too. You can do it, C.Lee 🙂 Happy Friday!
Wohoo! MG is a whole new landscape, but i'm pretty sure you'll rock it, Lee! Congrats!
Nutschell
http://www.thewritingnut.com
Hey you…they say the sign of growing old is the fear of taking a risk so that means youth is still oozing out of both of us! (I just stay away from mirrors). Seriously, your cover is fantastic. It absolutely screams to be picked up. At the BEA a panel of booksellers said the same thing…we need books for boys. Also, what I'm noticing is the stigma of being an indie author has decreased immensely the past two years. Writers are discovering the advantages of being in control of their own destiny. I'll be rooting for ya, girl!
Hi Lee .. go for it – and you are .. great linky list of bloggers – I love the idea of saving the alligators – sounds an adventure or two coming out ..
Good luck – sounds fun – cheers Hilary
Saving alligators is cool! And this is exciting. I'm betting that you and your novel will do great!
I'd be delighted to help out in any way I can. And alligators and bumbling witches sound like a perfect combo to me.
I love the cover, and I'm happy to help – for some reason, I couldn't get the Linky thingy to work (likely just me – my computer is playing up today!). I think there are many routes to take, and only you can decide what's right for you.
I love the cover! 🙂 You can do this, Lee. I have faith in you!
Oh- and we are excited that you branched out to MG. We both love it- so we can't wait to read your book. How fun! I hope your insecurities will subside. 🙂
~Jess (and Stephanie)
I agree with Angela. There are many paths. Just pick the one that's right for you.
Don't listen! Indie publishing has come a long way. You'd be doing all the hard work still no matter how you publish.
You'll be fine. You'll get your name and your work out there.
Keep in mind what I've been told: series and the amount of work you have out there are big keys to success.
I'm still in the wading pool. But many authors have found successful careers going it alone.
Thanks everyone. For those of you with email response turned on I've already responded to your super comments.
I'll remember reading your post on Jackie Collins, Catherine. That was quite a surprise.
I'll be in touch Fairday M. Maybe you could riddle me something! 🙂
Middle-graders LOVE animals of every stripe (and fang). And the scarier the better. I just got back from a school visit with 5th graders, and they ooze enthusiasm from their pores. You'll love them, and they you.
As far as doing an indie, why the heck not? See my recent post (from May 11) about flippin' Jackie Collins getting into it) If it turns out not to be your cuppa joe, you don't have to do another that way, but TRY it, you may just have a blast!
Catherine Stine’s Idea City
I quite like the cover. It looks kinda spooky. Dunno if that's what you were going after.
Keep your chin up. Gonna check out that post you mentioned.
Stephanie and I would be happy to help out! Please let us know : ) ~ Jess
http://thesecretdmsfilesoffairdaymorrow.blogspot.com
Your book sounds wonderful, and I'll also be happy to help you get the word out! Julie
There's only one way you'll find out – just do it! I know so many authors who self-published and enjoyed success. You're next.
I've recently seen agents being more open to self-pub. (As in, they aren't saying "don't do it" they're saying, "it's a decision you have to think carefully about, but it can be the right decision for some books and some authors.")
Since I can't imagine you haven't thought carefully about this decision, it's clearly the right one for you. And I'm happy to support you in any way I can. 🙂
I love the cover, by the way, and the book sounds perfect for my oldest boy (who HATES to read, but LOVES animals).
I think there are many paths to getting books into the hands of readers. I've never been a fan of people telling other people what to do or not do–everyone should decide for themselves.
You'll do great!
Angela
Congrats! I'm excited to see your MG fiction, C. Lee! And the thing about indie publishing is … you get to follow your heart (and not worry what other people think about that). Good on you, and I've signed up – I'd love to have you on my blog when you launch!