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!


19 comments:

  1. Congratulations on your first book!
    Those reviews will happen. Just look it as that person really wasn't your target audience if they didn't like your book. But you'll also get great reviews and those will pull you through.
    Thanks for joining the IWSG!

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    1. Thanks. I will keep that in mind. It beats them picking on me cause they think I'm too pretty. ;)

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  2. Great post and you are not late. Because of the holiday we had the option to post Tues or Thurs, at least I hope that's right because mine just went up too.

    Congrats on being published. That's no small feat.

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    1. Yay!! I love it when I am right on time by accident.
      And thank you. Much appreciated.

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  3. Bad reviews happen. But good reviews also happen, and I'm sure there will be many more of them! (I haven't read it yet, but I'll be buying once my book budget gets topped up at the end of the month!)

    Well done to your husband for bigging you up!

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    1. You're totally right. And I understand the book budget. I have to make myself pause and think...you have a kindle loaded with books that are yet to be read. Read them before buying anymore!

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  4. LOL! You crack me up! And I totally came here with no perverted intentions! Wahoo!

    And there is no possible way your next book would ever disappoint! You're amazing! I love visiting your blog to see what's in store for me!

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    1. Wow...you are a saint!!! And you're a sweetie. Love ya lady!

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  5. Nice to see you joining in. July's post is the second for me. Stay just as you are and congrats on your book.

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    1. I can always count on Miss Sheena for the kindest of words. :)

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  6. Ah, but even the scathing review, is a review. Write on, IWSG Sister. :)

    Thanks for your sweet comments today on my blog. I needed to hear them.

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    1. Glad they helped. I understand the pain of loss. Although time does heal the wounds, you never get over missing them. Hugs and love.

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  7. You are so right, self-doubt will never leave. I'm more used to it now, I even know how to use it for the advantage of my writing! The most important point is, indeed, keep striving to be better and give the readers a worthwhile escape to their routines.

    Nice to meet you and welcome to the group!

    From Diary of a Writer in Progress

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    1. Thanks Gina. And I think you're totally right. We must always work our hardest...the readers count on us.

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  8. I did the same thing as you! I signed up and started blog-hopping, posting comments, and then realized that everyone was making a special post with the logo. I was even worse than you. By the time I finally got a (teeny-weeny) post up, it was Friday the 6th! lol

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  9. The doubt keeps us humble. :) Great post!

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