Becoming an author: Fear, self-doubt, & finger-crossing

I want to say that I have the thickest skinof anyone I know, especially about my writing. I want to say that if my novel is an utter and complete failure, I will still consider it a success because someone somewhere finished it. I want to say that as long as I’m published, I’m happy.

But that would be an infinite lie.

As my self-imposed publishing deadline looms closer and closer every day, I find the fear in the back of my mind growing. What was once a small timid skipped beat of my heart w...