Believe in yourself

I am finding that the business of writing is very involved. Things I never even knew about, like marketing, branding, etc. I just thought it was write a story, get it published, cash the checks. Not so. I can't even begin to tell you what is involved with self-publishing. Maybe down the road when I'm not working a full time job, then writing, I can have the time to do self-publishing. But as for now, I'll let someone else do the majority of my marketing, while I handle the writing part.
I still am in charge of branding. Blogging, Facebooking, Tweeting, then writing, rewriting, editing, rewriting.
Next month I'll be getting my picture professionally done. Yes, you'll finally see a glammed up - heavily photoshopped picture of me. (Ha!) I've also ordered business cards to hand out if and when I meet agents. It's overwhelming at times if I stop to think about it. Fortunately I'm too busy to think.

I've finished yet another round of edits on my first manuscript. Two minutes after I send it off to my second beta reader, I think of more stuff to put in it. I swear the more I edit, the less confident I become. I think I'm adding something awesome to the story, but fear I'm taking away from it too.

I look up at this board above my computer and it tells me to "Believe in yourself" Easy to say, when you're a painted piece of wood.

Success, the elusive mistress of writers.

Today, I submitted my first novel to a publisher, after - of course - another round of aggressive editing.  I guess it's a good sign that I can never by satisfied with what I write.

Last night I attended my first writer's critique group.  My story had already gone through a proof reader and a beta reader with a thumbs up.  However, those two were good friends, and these ladies I met last night are writers like myself.  I read my first chapter and they picked it apart like scavengers on a carcass.  Now don't get me wrong, it was well liked, but it is what I needed.  I needed an equal to tell me what was needed.  I have a good story, but I want a great story.  I want a novel that haunts the reader as much as the story has haunted me for these last few months.  The best part of our fledgeling group is that we all write different genres.  I write action/thrillers, two write romance, and the third writes YA fantasy.  It made for a good balance of ideas.  While my story runs fast and furious, the other's suggestions made me sit back and look around at the scenes, and my descriptions fell short.

After today's edits, I am happier with the first chapters, also I have the addition of a sub-character that can bring the ending full circle, which excites me.  It'll bring a good closure to the story.

So off my manuscript went, I waved at it as it ran off to be judged and wished it well.  Fortunately, I have an ace in the hole.  I've already been chatted up to the editor.  Yea!  I just hope my work reflects the buzz that has been created.

Is humility dead?

Well, a phrase came to mind which I shared on my other modes of networking today.  I might as well share it here.

Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.

I gave up time.  Time spent with my family.  Time spent doing hobbies I enjoy.  Time playing with my dog.  A lot of time.
Time owes me big time!