FMWriters is traveling the web via the Merry Go Round Blog Tour. Site members have grouped together to write monthly on themed topics and turn the blog tour concept on its head: we’re not the ones touring: you are, as you read one writer’s perspective after another. This is my contribution to the Merry Go Round Tour. Enjoy your ride. ~ Dawn
When it comes to writing, I perceive there to be two kinds of fears: the first being that voice in my head that throws the meanest what-if’s at me to keep me from getting stuff done. There’s also the stuff that truly is scary. It’s as real for writing as it is for publication.
Regarding ‘that voice’, the one that tries to sabotage me at ever step? It makes me think of, what if I hate it afterwards? What if the editors forgot to edit it, or fix my requested proof changes? What if everyone hates it?
Then there’s the more realistic but still irrational, “What if no one likes it?” or worse, “What if everyone hates it?”
Publication is about taste and opinions, first of the editor and the magazine they run, and second by the general public the editor has gauged should like your story. The honest truth is that not everyone will like my story. Not everyone will get it. Stories are built on a combination of my experience plus my imagination. If my writing can carry both over to you visually via the written word, I’m thrilled, and I really hope you love it. But if you don’t, it doesn’t mean I’m a bad writer. I had faith in myself, and my editors have faith in my story, or they wouldn’t have bought it.
How about the way I like to put little bits of my own experience into my stories? Cara’s Heartsong plays on my passions as a mother. How Cherry Coke Saved My Life carries my personal mantra of make the best of every situation. Time Monkeys and the Fullness of Glasses ties into my need for order and organization. Good thing I fade to black on adult scenes.
When it comes down to it, in writing at least, there are two kinds of people: one that cowers from their fears, letting it sabotage their attempts at success, and one that that says “screw you–oh wait, I can use you in a story!”
You know where I stand. If you’re part of the former group, I hope you can ease past your fears and give yourself a chance. I’ve never regretted any of my publications. If you’re in the latter, I look forward to reading your work.
Dawn
Today’s post was inspired by Forward Motion’s Merry-Go-Round topic, “Publication Fears”. If you want to get to know nearly twenty other writers and read about their ideas, then check out the Merry-Go-Round Blog Tour..
DAWN BONANNO 