The writing will always be the most important thing to me, but there is no escaping the fact that building a following is extremely helpful when it comes to the point of getting your work out there. If you've managed to build enough interest and positive connections online, there are bound to be some people who would buy your book. Although I said a few weeks ago I was going to take the social media side of things more seriously, I admit I still haven't got the hang of it yet. Maybe I need to take to Twitter and ask the #WritingCommunity what kind of tweets from authors inspire them to engage the most, because I'm at a loss.
Having said that, my last blog post got a lot more interest on Facebook than any of my previous ones, and I put that down to the fact that I shared it to the Inner Circle Writer's Group. Maybe I need to put myself out there on that platform more often. I've also subscribed to the magazine now so just trying to build up the courage and the inspiration to write something to submit as a feature. Though it doesn't pay yet, being a relatively new magazine, I need to start somewhere when it comes to gaining experience, boosting my confidence and getting my work out there. It's all part of building that following I keep banging on about.
With all of us as beginners, I think it's really easy to procrastinate and find any excuse not to put something out there. It's fun to think of all the things we could do and which publications we could write for, but then fear can just dash it all away if we let it. I have all these ideas but, when it comes to the point of actually writing something for submission, I bottle it.
The trouble is, those of us who do that cheat ourselves out of some much needed affirmation. We could do it if we would only stop getting in our own way. Then, the possibilities could be limitless. Those first steps of submitting to various publications are scary. We're afraid of rejection, harsh comments and generally not being very good. But what if we get past all that negative self-talk and are actually really good? One success would lead to another, our confidence growing like a rolling snowball.
The worst that could happen is a rejection or simply not hearing anything back at all. Yes, that might have the opposite effect of a confidence boost, but the outcome doesn't have to be all negative. It would undoubtedly be a knock at first, but these things are also learning experiences. They teach us how to handle rejection without taking it too personally and help us to grow a thicker skin. It's all good writing experience too. We can keep trying until we find a way that works for us. It's all part of learning and growing and developing our craft.
So, as I mentioned, I've been cracking on with editing my novel. Round two of edits is just about done. Round three will be hot on its heels, but it's also time for me to bite the bullet and write something to submit in the very near future. If you're in the same boat and keep putting this off, I urge you to take the plunge with me. Post your links on one of my social media platforms too. I really would love to read what you get published, whatever it is. I'll keep you posted on mine.
V.
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