My Fear No Longer Rules Me

The dedication in my newest release mentions taking chances when fear is present. I’m certain most artists suffer the same fear I am experiencing; the fear of inadequacy and rejection. Logic speaks to me. Hell, logic has knocked me in the head. I know art is subjective and not everyone shares similar tastes. My fear is not very sophisticated and doesn’t carry over through many dimensions. No, my fear is simple. I fear that my fans will not like my second attempt to woo and entertain.

I think fear paralyzed my fingers for nearly a year. In fact, I know it took a giant leap of faith to feel the fear, and do it anyway. The initial leap was wholly the result of my friends and fans offering support and little nudges. I made a promise to tell a story and I had to follow through.

Putting on paper an entire new set of characters was a challenge. My first main characters were large and filled the space on the pages. Not all characters can perform the same. I was mostly concerned with the fact that I didn’t necessarily deliver the alpha everyone is expecting. I had to stay true to my vision of him and not the overwhelming dimension the romance world is demanding.

I pushed a boundary and showed a side of the newest craze that isn’t discussed. I spoke of a lifestyle and not a trend. I suggest that lifestyles ebb and flow with the characters involved and the circumstances they encounter. Even if etched in stone, over time, the elements of nature will encourage change.

As with any artist, my vision will be criticized and scrutinized, or at least I can hope I’m worthy enough of such musings. Though, as a hopeful person, I hold my breath to learn if my work is once again liked.

Nevertheless, by releasing my second book, my fear no longer rules me.