The past few posts have been about writing. Leading up to the self-publication of a third novel, the notion of penning fiction has been on my mind. It’s funny that now the manuscript is with an editor, I’m ‘contemplating’ writing more than formulating a story – I suppose it’s a bit like navel gazing rather than cleaning out the waxy bits of the umbilicus?
Eww. Excuse the metaphor. Bit below the belt with TMI?
Perhaps self-publishing creates this loophole for soul searching and reflection at the near completion of work. Am I really wanting to continue down this path, how can I market better, how can I make the work as professional as possible? Is it too much work for too little reward? Should I go back to my day job?
So many questions of doubt wander through the self-publishing mind, but the crème caramel of wondering are the words: is my novel good enough? I suggest it’s a creme caramel (with accent) because the question makes you squishy and squimish on the inside – thus you have to develop a crusty veneer of confidence . . .
but in the end, you could get eaten alive! (At least some people find this yummy, I guess).
Around this time, I always read snippets of the Australian produced “Get Your Book off the Ground” by Anthony Santoro & Suzanne Male. I’ve spoken of this book before and will again (it’s become a little light of inspiration for all things ‘wanna be writer’) but I want this short entry to include the words they quote from Steve Jobs. He’s the guy that founded that Fruit Computer Company. I say this as I share his words and hug the family Mac.
Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma, which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most importantly, have the courage to follow your own heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.
Steve Jobs, Apple Founder. June, 2005
So true. Great little quote to have if you’re standing on that precipice, wanting to take the jump but fear the final fall with crème caramel on your face. At least it’ll sweeten the landing!
ZOMG! The Northern Fangirls is due out in late February 2010. It is the third novel in the Fangirl series by Rosie Jones.
It’s a great quote Rosie – common sense really. It’s a lesson I’m slowly learning – live the life you want, rather than trying to fulfil the expectations of others. The first step is hard. It takes you away from the “sensible path” into the unknown. And if you don’t succeed, does it really matter? At least you won’t die wondering! You know, I look at people who seem terribly confident and wonder how they do it. I have a thin veneer of confidence on the outside, backed up by a whopping great squishy custard of self-doubt on the inside. It’s learning to keep that wobbly mass (gee, I could be talking about my body here!) under control, to ignore its constant taunts and jibes.
Should you go back to your day job? Go wash your mouth out girl!
Hello Rosie! My thoughts are, if it’s inside you, you have to do it.
As you said, it’s a lot of effort, yes but if you weren’t always writing, you’d mourn it and become some sort of half-Rosie and I don’t want a half-Rosie. It’s what you do and what you love and you have to just keep going no matter what.
I like the quote you shared. It’s grouse as.
P.S If you notice a bare chested man in the moving gallery to the left, he’s wearing bandages about his groin and I thought of you and Mahmoo while doing him. *hugs*
Hey Fiona, love. How’s it going this week? Hope you don’t have the post-hol blues.
I’m wondering whether confidence is a facade for most of us? It’s hard to tell, innit? Those we think are confident may well be a creme caramel of anxiety beneath the blow-torched toffee. Or, perhaps self-esteem is learnt and true confidence grows from there?
Hmm. Another post, mayhap?
I’ve been thinking about washing my mouth out lately, but then I thought some more…NAH, lol
Sarah, lovely. Thanks for this. You know, I often look at the moving gallery – as much to catch up on your latest work as to marvel at the variation. I don’t think I’ve said this recently, but i love having it there.
Hey? Mahmoo is going REALLY well, so I will hold on to this pic of the bare chested man with groin bandages for inspiration. thanks for thinking of me. Do you have a name for that piece? If not, I will refer to it as Mahmoo.
I agree with your words about living a half-life. *hugs*
Hehe, his name isn’t Mahmoo but I refer to him as that, in your honour.
We won’t refer to him as that officially. Thanks hon *g* x
*cracks fingers* Okay be ready Missy, I’m catching up on my readings here and starting with this!
LOVE that quote =)
Be true to oneself can be a hard path to follow when the ‘people’ factor get thrown in the way huh ?
Ok, I’m keeping this short, I have more to read and say!
I’m delighted to see you publishing, and will continue reading if you continue publishing.