Today is the first Wednesday in January which means it’s time for the Insecure Writers Support Group post which happens on the first Wednesday of each month. Blogger extraordinaire, Alex Cavanaugh created and runs the online support group. You can find sign up details HERE. Β HeΒ createdΒ it for writers to talk about their insecurities within a group of peers who understand and the group also write supportive and helpful posts.
Today I’m not sure what I’m supposed to write. I’m kind of stuck in the middle of the two areas at the moment. Between anxious and insecure because just under two weeks ago I released my first baby into the world. So what writer isn’t going to be insecure as they watch and wait and read reviews.
But the reviews that are coming in – after only two weeks, so there’s plenty of time for things to change – are good. They’re positive. That baby I let go of. It’s holding it’s own in the world. It didn’t need me to coddle it anymore. So maybe I should be writing something positive. After all, I know I am going to write a couple of how-to posts on uploading to Amazon etc as I did it all myself. But right now, it feels too soon.
So I’m sitting in the middle. A kind of no mans land if you will. Watching. Waiting. Wondering which way the wind will blow. And then, only then, can I have the confidence to write a post about how I feel or about how I did it.
For now, I’m holding my breath and have no words….
Margot Kinberg says
I know the feeling, Rebecca! Still, I am so very excited for you about the release of Shallow Waters π It may be an anxious time, but it’s a really happy time too.
Rebecca Bradley says
Thank you Margot. It is indeed. π
vicky blake says
Someone once equated being published with walking naked up Oxford Street just before Christmas. Well, I might have added the ‘christmas’ bit! My experience of being published is of feeling very high levels of exposure and I’ve never been able to negotiate it with any kind of grace or calmness. Just at the point when my nearest and dearest are saying ‘isn’t it great’ etc I basically feel I want to be locked up in a padded cell. Hope that helps!!!!
Rebecca Bradley says
Thank you Vicky, you explained it really well! It is such a bizarre feeling isn’t it! Maybe there’s room in that padded cell for both of us π
Alex J. Cavanaugh (@AlexJCavanaugh) says
All good reviews is great! Aren’t you glad you let it go?
Rebecca Bradley says
Good reviews are great, but it’s still scary waiting for them. And yes, I am glad I let it go…. I think π
eclecticalli says
“The waiting place, where everyone is waiting…” Sorry.. that Seuss line just struck me here — I HATE that waiting-void (for anything) where you really have nothing else to do but wait…
Glad the reviews are good!
Rebecca Bradley says
Thank you and you’re right, it is that waiting place where there is nothing to do but wait. And yes, waiting for anything is a nightmare, even if something is bad, at least knowing about it gives you the capability to deal with it! π
Annalisa Crawford says
You’ve written the best book you could, so there’s no need to be insecure! Congrats on the good reviews – long may they continue π
Rebecca Bradley says
Thank you Annalisa. Fingers crossed! π
Prashant C. Trikannad says
Rebecca, I’d be interested in reading your posts on uploading one’s books to Amazon and elsewhere.
Rebecca Bradley says
Thank you Prashant. I’ll hopefully get around to doing those soon.
Glynis Smy says
So proud you decided to let the baby go! It isn’t easy but I wish you all the success in the world x
Rebecca Bradley says
Thank you Glynis. It was about time really. Now to continue working on the next one! π‘
Jacqui Murray says
No problem. Take your time. We’ll be here.
Rebecca Bradley says
Thank you Jacqui. I really appreciate that x
EE Giorgi says
congratulations on your first book! I know, it’s unnerving but also very, very exciting! π
Rebecca Bradley says
Thank you. You’re right, it is most definitely a bit of both! π
readingwritingandriesling says
Practice breathing Rebecca π In for 3 out for 3 ( at least maybe longer π ) And congratulations!
Rebecca Bradley says
Thank you Carol. I do need to consider some kind of meditation actually, just to keep my mind in order. It would prove most helpful for this!
readingwritingandriesling says
Slow breathing – I think that is what it is called- is good to know….calming π
Julie Flanders says
Hooray for the good reviews! I’m sure there will be many more to come. π
Rebecca Bradley says
Thanks Julie. Fingers crossed! π
Suzanne Furness says
Taking a little time to watch and reflect seems like a good idea to me. But positive reviews are brilliant, I hope you get many more to come. Happy New Year.
Rebecca Bradley says
Thank you Suzanne. Belated Happy New Year. Positive reviews are good. And yes, taking time isn’t a bad thing is it. Thank you x
stephie5741 says
I’m right there with you–so you have company! It is VERY tough to wait it out after a new release…you aren’t sure if all your hard work is going to pay off or if you’ve gone in the wrong direction. It all works out in time, but it’s very nerve-wracking until then!
Rebecca Bradley says
It is extremely nerve-wracking. I’m glad of the company but sorry you’re feeling the strain as well! Wishing you all the best. π
R. Floyd says
Hi Rebecca! Congrats on the new book. May all your dreams come true! Your IWSG friend, Rob.
Rebecca Bradley says
Thanks Rob. I appreciate that!
lilicasplace says
OMG, Rebecca! Congratulations! Geez-Louise I had no idea. I try hard to keep up with everyone’s blogs but it’s so difficult, especially when my mind is all over the place to begin with. I’m going to have to post something somewhere on my page stating that ALL MY BLOGGER FRIENDS NEED TO CONTACT ME when they release a new book! I would’ve loved to have been involved in it.
Either way, I am so proud of you and am ecstatic that your baby has been getting good reviews. I’ll going to have to check her out on Amazon and see what she’s all about. Thanks for the visit earlier. Hugs to you! Eva
Rebecca Bradley says
Thanks Eva, I appreciate it! You can still be involved on your blog if you’re interested in doing something with me?! π
lilicasplace says
Of course I’m interested! Please email me at lilicas_place at yahoo (dot) com and let me know what you need.
Sorry, I won’t be at my computer until tonight. Too many appointments today. But I will definitely look out for an email! Hugs.
Gwen says
I’m so happy for you, hearing Shallow Waters is doing well!
Rebecca Bradley says
Thank you Gwen. Your earlier advice on keeping my own name and keeping everything the same was what helped my decision, so thank you x
Graeme Cumming says
Don’t wait, Rebecca. My feelings still change 2 years after publication. If you’ve got something to tell us, just tell us. You can always write about your feelings are different again in another post.
Good read, by the way. Review will be done soon.
Rebecca Bradley says
Thank you Graeme! It is so scary putting it out there isn’t it? But that’s why we write it, to put it out there, for readers. Now it is. I shall hopefully do a post where I can form some words soon π