I’m Finally Doing It!

What’s that you ask? Well, if you’ve followed along at all, this is a silly question you already have the answer to–I’m publishing my debut novel, Nicca’s Light, on May 1, 2021. 

As the date approaches, and the nerves encroach, several things have come to light that I want to sit down and talk (or write) about.

1. The Process is Humbling.

I understand now why many talented writers abandon their dream of publishing. It’s so much more than sitting down and writing a great story. The idea of marketing alone is enough to scare most people away from the prospect.

Let’s be generous and assume you can get your head around the social media platforms, website building, blogging endeavors, book promo sites, cover design, newsletters, email list builders, and something called “swag.”

     The one thing that will no doubt hit you right in the solar plexus region and steal your very ability to breathe… is editing.

2. Editing is the DEVIL

It really is the perfect definition of a necessary evil. Everyone says if you’re going to publish and have a tight budget, focus on the editing. 

     You have to understand, a story could roll around in your brain for years before some catalyst finally prompts you to sit down, and put it on paper. This process alone can be very emotional, and the resulting product becomes something akin to “my precious.” In other words–your baby. 

     It’s hard to explain because even though it’s not a diary, it feels very personal. Having someone read your work exposes your inner self, making you feel stripped and vulnerable. 

     So what do you do? You pay someone good money to tear it apart and criticize every line. Copyediting specifically is an extra layer of torture. You know you got your money’s worth if you get to the end of your copyeditor’s suggestions and feel like a unicorn pinata at the end of the party–busted wide open with your horn hanging by a streamer.

     A copyeditor will point out all of your bad habits, and as you reach page 342 and delete your 277th “amazing,” instead of getting amped up about publishing your book, you picture all of the negative reviews and question what in the world were you thinking?

3. The Irony of A Debut Novel

What I learned through the process of writing and publishing my first novel is this: While it will probably be your favorite, chances are your debut novel won’t be your best.

It will hold a very special place in your heart because it’s the story that’s kept you company the longest, but it’s also the one that teaches you the most. You learn about your weaknesses and where you need to improve, and if you’re smart, that means every novel after “your precious” is better than the one before. 

It’s important to push through your insecurities and publish. Get the editing, do your best to improve it while keeping the integrity of the story, then publish it and move on to the next novel. Grow and improve and don’t worry about negative reviews and trolls. I recently saw this online:

So don’t sweat it, get your story out there. You have to start somewhere, and this is your stepping stone to reaching your potential. I, for one, am rooting for you!!