My Writing to Publishing Journey
Ugh…
I don’t really like talking about my writing journey, since writing has become a sore spot in my life lately.
I’ve outlined no less than 30 novels this year, and I’m no closer to releasing my second one in this series than last year.
I decided to take up reading and listening to books to help me regain my confidence. While it works for a little while, I find myself right back in my writers slump.
It’s become a never ending cycle. Last week, I even found myself questioning God, asking why was I given these ideas if I can’t adequately articulate them on paper.
But I realize my journey as an author isn’t linear, and I’m going to have ups and downs. This specific period of a “down” that I am having right now has really shaken my confidence to the core, but I’m going to continue writing. Even if I have to take long breaks in between.
Now, where is the problem you asked? Well, I know you didn’t really ask, but I’m gonna tell you what the problem is anyway.
I love my first novel, Love Before the Rapture. I think the plot behind it is amazing, and that is why I worked so diligently to build an entire series of short stories and outline three novels for this body of work. But I find myself struggling to articulate the words I want to say in a way that allows me to deliver a fully furnished plot and series that people can enjoy. Maybe it’s because they haven’t gotten any reviews or sales. I think if I could at least receive some criticisms on my work on how to change it and make it better, I’d like to feel more at ease and which way to go; since I haven’t, it’s hard for me to know whether it’s actually been well received or if it’s just downright horrible.
For me, I am much more confident in the ability to write children’s books than the adult novels and short stories. That does not mean I don’t want to continue to write the novels and short stories, it just means my confidence is started to wane a little bit. This coming winter, I’m looking at the possibility of joining groups who can critique my work and help me better understand my writing. This way, I can find the source of the issue.
I’m still proud to write and publish them, because so many people wanted to accomplish. So at least I can say I have that part off my list. But naturally, they’re so much more. I don’t want to just be published. I want it to be read and appreciated. I don’t need to be one of the bestsellers list, although that would be amazing. But for right now, I just want people to read what I’ve written.
If you’re interested in taking a look at my work check out the links below:
N.M. Burns (witchy fiction novels)
Nicole Caudle (children’s books)
