Well, I’ve begun it. The first step in the last step of my writing. The marketing. I’ve read several “how to publish” it books and done some homework on agents and publishers. Now I’m ready to begin the “push” to sell Cat.
It’s incredibly terrifying.
If it succeeds I’ll be committed to actually pursuing my writing career. Yes, the second book (Sarah) is already written. And yes, the 1st three books of the multi-verse series are one page sheets ready to go. And yes, the stand alone Slut book is rummaging in my head also.
But all that material doesn’t mean that being an actual working writer with research, deadlines, contracts, marketing pursuits and re-writes isn’t going to take a toll. I barely have the time to raise 3 kids, work a job and do all the other things I spin on a daily basis. How will I find the time to truly pursue this career should someone actual say, “Yes, we love it! Here’ some money, write more!”
And that’s the road if it succeeds! Imagine the wonderful emotional toll as it’s rejected. Because Cat will be rejected, over and over again until someone finds her interesting. I try to keep in mind its a numbers game. Someone will want her eventually.
OMG… I just had an epiphany. Writing will be just like my dating experiences. Oh Joy. And now I’m REALLY looking forward to it (heavy sarcasm there).
So as I’m about to step out onto this marketing road, I hesitate. If I never do it I’ll never know if Cat was good… but I’ll also never know if she was BAD. I think this is some sort of Passage Thru the Circle of Fire that every person who pursues this dream must do. I stand there looking at the road and question if the time and effort will be worth it. I even do the prep work, but until I send out that first query letter, it’s all still easy to drop.
After all I can happily write my books and never bother selling them. And never actually call myself a writer, just a dabbler.
The weirdest thing is even as I stand and look at that road of possibility it’s actually moving under me like a moving sidewalk. I’m such a compulsive completer that I CANNOT stop doing part of this process. So I daily take these baby steps and fate keeps answering little thoughts I have about my writing like, “I could really use a new opinion about Cat” and boom… new people beg to read it. Now if I could just get the feedback as quickly!
Yes, I’m mentally staring at the road wondering if I should step onto it but apparently I’m so deep in thought I haven’t noticed the scenery is moving slowly in my peripheral vision. I think the muse and my subconscious have, while I am distracted, put me on skates and have been quietly pushing me along hoping by the time I notice I’ll be too late.
Those two have GOT to stop watching Looney Tunes.