Molting like a Cicada (or Self-Publishing)

“Courage is the hallmark of a warrior.”

I remember visiting Taiwan and hearing a repetitive whirring from the tree above me. It was the song of a cicada. Cicadas are known as “tree crickets” and live on branches. While their cousin crickets on the ground produce music by rubbing their wings, cicadas actually have built-in noisemakers (tymbals) that can be manipulated by using their muscles. In Chinese culture, cicadas are a symbol of immortality (because of their long lifespan) and rebirth (from their molting practices).

Like the butterfly, cicadas transform. They climb out of their old molted shells and spread forth their wings. What does molting have to do with warriors, like in the above quote? There is a battle tactic called “shedding off the golden cicada shell.” It’s part of the “36 Stratagems” written by General Wang in The Book of Qi. The technique he refers to involves masking yourself and becoming inconspicuous in order to avoid being attacked.

Interestingly enough, the physical shells of cicadas are actually highly valuable in Chinese medicine. Moltings offer a lot of chitin, protein, and amino acid. They’re supposed to have sweet and cold properties. The healing benefits of the shells include reducing fevers, soothing itches, and relieving spasms.

For me, I’m also molting. I’m shedding the old and taking on the new, just in time for the New Year. I’m also exhibiting the hallmark of a warrior by venturing into self-publishing. I recently got offered a publishing contract for my cozy mystery novel but have since decided to self-publish. I’m wading into unknown waters, like my friend Evelyne Holingue (please check out her new middle-grade novel).

My next step is a foundational piece: editing. I’ve already reworked my story using online and in-person critique groups, along with beta readers. Now, though, I’m getting professional help by soliciting a few editors for sample edits on my manuscript. These folks have done work on cozy mysteries before and came either recommended by acquaintances or through the acknowledgments pages of books I liked.

Is this all crazy or foolish? Possibly. But I invite you to follow me as I continue on my new publishing journey this year.