IWSG Virgin

12:07 PM Elizabeth Seckman 19 Comments

Did you click the link because you thought this post was about sex?

Well perv...you're about to be disappointed.

IWSG is a monthly reach out from one writer to another and this is my first post with the group.

I actually signed up yesterday, but then saw in my stats that traffic is coming from Alex, the host of IWSG's site to my site and these people are expecting to see SOMETHING about writing. Now I believe in being a proper hostess and think people should get what they came for even if it is a day late. :)

Sooo...here's the OFFICIAL first post:

A friend of mine asked me this morning...now that I have published my first book and have a contract for book two, do I feel more confident as a writer?

Yes. And no.

Yes, I no longer cringe when my husband (he's the best publicist no money can buy!) tells people, "My wife is a writer."

Before publication, I'd tell him to keep the lid on it. If I failed, the less people who knew I was trying...the less people who could offer me crow later.

Now that I am published and you can buy me (okay, well not ME, the book...remember this IS a clean post!) on Amazon and Barnes and Noble it offers me some credibility and I'm more at ease saying, "Yes, I am a writer."

But sadly, insecurity is still there. When will I get my first scathing review? What if my sales stink and the publisher dumps me? What if I can't come up with another book? What if this one was a fluke and book two puts people to sleep?

I guess the short of it is...the doubt never leaves. BUT maybe that's a good thing. I mean, I don't want to get cocky and think every word I spew is golden. Effort and sweat need to be applied to every story because...bottom line...the books aren't about fulfilling the dreams of the writers...the books are meant to entertain the readers. And the readers are the ones dishing out the dough, so it's our responsibility to always give them their money's worth.

Now, go write something awesome!