By Elaine Stock
Surviving? If you’re a pre-published writer who desperately
wants to become published you might be rubbing your furrowed brows wondering
why a debut author is offering survival skills. Shouldn’t she count her lucky
stars daily until her sophomore book releases? Since I cringe at narrow-eyed
gazes cast my way I’ll back up a sec. Yes, ever since my novel debuted in
January 2016—after many years of submissions and rejections and close but not quite
what we’re looking for responses—I have thanked God for the blessing of the one
yes that’s changed my life.
Yet, I learned a lot since that January day about things I
never thought I’d learn. Ultimately, what I discovered about having a novel
debut swings right back to learning more about myself, others, and Life 101
Part B. This is why I believe it’s necessary to share with others.
1. Expect a temporary
neurosis
I’d waited for this special moment in
my writing life for seemingly forever. In my mind’s eye
I’d visualized the
time between signing the contract to the novel’s release as a time of sheer
joy and peace
because, hey, isn’t that what happens after having a dream come true, i.e., The
Contract is finally signed?
Nope, it doesn’t
happen. I jumped from writer to soon-to-be-released author during days
stretched thinly
across the deep waters of excitement, wonder, and fretting. Then there were
the days of
keeping so busy to escape stress that I became more stressed.
Remedy: keep your
eye on Him. Read scripture. Read inspirational blogs. Reach out to author
friends who “get
you.”
2. Expect Delays
What I’m
referencing here is the delay of congratulations, how-can-I-help?, interview
and blog guest
invitations, reviews of your book on Amazon, or even a simple Retweet
or a Share on
Facebook of your newest meme.
Don’t take these
delays personally. The uncle that you last spoke to five years ago will
pick up your book,
your neighbor will look at your website, and your critique partner will
surprise you with
trumpeting your name across Facebook when you least expect it.
Life is
complicated for many folks. Those who love you, support you, and are your
friends
will not forget
you. Thank them!
Remedy: forget
about you and reach out to others and help them.
3. Don’t read your
debut novel
How many times did you read this novel
in its manuscript form, from creation to final edit?
Right—one too
many! I doubt you’ll be able to read your own story without wondering
why you didn’t
plot differently, or why you had a character die, or why you used the
same word twice on
one page. You will land back into #1: neurosis.
Remedy: begin
another writing project.
Will I proceed with trepidation or courage when my next
novel is about to launch? Bring it on—I
can’t wait to find out. And, I’ll look out for your book!
A former Brooklyn gal, Elaine Stock lives in the Northeast
with her husband where she enjoys spring, summer, autumn, and puts up with the
winter. Elaine writes contemporary fiction, fusing family drama and
psychological suspense. Her debut novel, Always With You, Elk Lake Publishing, released in January 2016. A 2011 ACFW
Genesis semi-finalist and a 2013 My Book Therapy’s Frasier Bronze Medalist,
Elaine is a member of ACFW and WFWA (Women’s Fiction Writers Association), as
well as a contributing author to the international
“Happy Sis Magazine.” In addition to Twitter,
Facebook, and Goodreads,
she hangs out on her active blog, Everyone’s Story,
dedicated to uplifting and encouraging all readers through the power of story
and hope. Please visit her on her website for more
information.
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