Getting Ready…
It's almost here.
On Tuesday, April 17, 2012, I will realize a lifelong dream. My first novel will be released through Soul Mate Publishing.
It's so hard to believe. I have worked so long and so hard on this story, it seems surreal that other people will finally read it. I hope they enjoy it. I am honestly petrified about the possibility of negative reviews. That may seem silly, considering that I've published three other books and never worried an iota about what others thought of them. Maybe that sounds pompous, but it's not really about my ego. My other three books are nonfiction metaphysical works, and I've studied and worked with my spiritual path for so very long, it's a natural part of who I am. I no longer worry about what people think when they find out I'm a medium and a Spiritualist. If people look at me funny because of my beliefs, I simply dismiss it. My identity does not revolve around their approval of my philosophies or religious traditions. Being a medium is another part of who I am, and if they can't accept that, it's fine with me. I don't feel any need to defend myself or to try to convince them that they should like or believe me.
Writing a piece of fiction is very different. Many artistic folks describe the creative process as comparable to birthing a child, and for me, this is an accurate metaphor. Your book is like a child, and you don't want anyone bullying it, making fun of it, or tearing it down. It hurts you to see someone not understand it or think it's silly or trite, because to you, it's the most beautiful thing in the world. Again, this isn't about ego–it's about the painful creative process you put into it, and you want the end product to be appreciated and valued. I also think about all of the wonderful stories and books I've read over the years, and I remember how very special so many of them are to me. The magical experience of reading a book and being transported to another world is something I genuinely treasure. As a writer, I hope to bring a similar experience to people who read my books. There are characters who have left indelible impressions on me, and I hope that my characters will touch the hearts of those who read about them, too. Is this ego? Yes, I suppose it is. Our ego drives us to achieve the very best we can, and I hope that I've written the best book I am capable of writing. But my ego also wants readers to like it.
I suppose time will tell. I just finished my final edits for the book, and now it is out of my hands. On April 17, I will see the finished product as an e-book, and in a few months, I will hold the printed book in my hands. And I truly hope that Gwendydd, Myrddin, and all of my other characters will come to life for my readers and entertain them in a memorable way. As with every challenge in my life, I struggle, but I promise to work on releasing my fear, my doubt, and my anxiety, and I trust that Spirit will lead the right folks to my book, the ones who will appreciate it and love it for what it offers.
This is really the best that any of us can do. And I feel extraordinarily blessed to be given this experience. I hope you'll all join me on this new journey.
Sending you all blessings and love.
