Insecure Writer--Me

This is a perfect time to post about INSECURITIES as a writer. I'm undertaking two new adventures this year: my first middle grade novel and Indie Publishing. Both scare the beejeebers out of me.



I feel very comfortable writing YA novels and dealing with YA readers' reactions. Not so with the middle grade. Even though I enjoyed writing this story about two boys on a swampy adventure, I'm edgy about how young readers will react. Will they like a story about saving alligators or think that it's too wacky? I mean, we're not talking fluffy kitties or puppies here. Will they find the "out-of-practice" witches humorous or too bizarre? You can see where the INSECURITIES have me springing all over the place.



And about Indie Publishing . . . I've been warned by one agent. "Don't do it!" I've been cautioned by one editor. "Don't do it!" That's a bit

INSECURITY-producing, don't you think? I was grateful to find this post by Nathan Bransford on the subject. It was so sensible. Still as I'm going through the process, I'm experiencing a whole other set of INSECURITIES. Will the cover work? Will it be ready on time? Have I done the edits right? Will I open page one and find a glaring grammar error? What happens if  . . .



I could go on and on, but I'm into short and punchy posts. I need time to nurture my INSECURITIES.



Anyway, I'm really grateful for the Insecure Writer's Support Group this month; it's therapeutic to be able to share all of this.



And if you'd care to lend a hand in my effort, I'm asking interested readers to sign up on the Linky below. I'll be in touch with anyone who wants to help me out. Did I mention I'll have a presents? Yes. I will.  



Sliding on the Edge, C. Lee McKenzie, WestSide Books, Spring '09
The Princess of Las Pulgas, WestSide Books, Fall '10
The First Time, Fall '11 (Anthology story: Premeditated Cat)
Alligators Overhead, Outskirts Press, Fall '12