September 17, 2009
For some, fear concentrates their focus like a laser, sharpens their senses and clarifies their thoughts. For me it has the opposite effect. It paralyzes me, fills my head with disparate, random thoughts that almost preclude any ability to work through or conquer the fear.
“You have to have that feeling of ‘I’ll show them,’” according to Leon Uris. “If you don’t have it, don’t become a writer.”
At the moment, I’m wondering if they didn’t show me. I know how good my last book is. Yet without the validation that agent and publishing contract bring, self-doubt creeps in. Part of me wonders if it’s worth the time and effort working on the second book in a series that hasn’t been accepted yet. We’ve all been there (well, many of us), but it never gets any easier.
I should just put the fear aside and write, but the money’s almost gone, and the nagging question in the back of my mind is whether I’ll get a book deal in time. A good one. So much of this business is serendipity. They say talent plus hard work equals success. But luck plays a part. I’ve got the talent. I can do the work (seven novels says so).
It’s my time. Right?
