One of the people who follow this blog - and someone I've been following myself for a few years now - Travis Erwin does this thing called 'My Town Monday'. Usually he shares interesting things about Amarillo, TX, but this morning the way he did his post was phenomenal. I was blown away. Like the way I was blown away reading Feed by Mira Grant.
I feel totally so not worthy. Not that Travis should feel guilty at all. He's been having about as much trouble as I have getting his books published. I have no idea why. I've never read his books, but if they're told half as good as that one short post, I'm flabbergasted. And a little concerned that if he can't get his stuff published, what the hell are my chances?
Pardon me while I angst for a while.
Of course, in a little while, I'll kick myself in the ass and fight to make bring my work up to that level. It doesn't help that I'm hating the beginning of DLN right now, and a little bit of the middle. In a minute, I'm going to start printing chapters and tearing them to pieces.
I don't think I've ever been this uncertain about the direction a story went or how to make it go where I want it to go. I'll figure it out. I might be bald from tearing my hair out and toothless from clenching my jaw, but IT WILL GET DONE!
Ever read something that made you feel like you were unworthy? Come on, I can't be the only one.
Let me start by saying thanks. Praise from my writing peers always lifts my spirit.
ReplyDeleteNow let me say it is a damn tough business. Pardon the language. I feel certain that those of us with the guts to stick it out will eventually get there. And thanks for taking the ride with me. My blogworld friends have kept me going through the low points and I'm proud to call you one of them.
FWIW, I have come to relize there are some people who are born with a talent for writing. I get the feeling Travis is one of them. However, this does not mean that you pale in comparison.
ReplyDeletePlease try to remember, writing is subjective. Some people hate Jane Austin's voice while others sing her praises. Hemingway is known for his beautiful prose, but I find him overly flowery.
I guess what I'm trying to say here, and not very eloquently, is stop letting other writers influence your confidence as an author. I've been following your blog for several months now and I happen to think you are a strong writer. Put your best foot forward, quit doubting yourself and finish your damn story!!!! The publishing will happen when the time is right. All the best B.E.