Whoa, I’m Published!
It still hasn’t set in yet. I’m published. I finally did it. The Unnamed is out there for the world to read and review. ACK!
Reviews! I’m nervous. I haven’t gotten a review yet. Does this mean that no one likes it? Does it mean I suck horribly as a writer?
And then I breathe in a paper bag remind myself that freaking out is part of the job – well for newbie authors anyway. Besides, I know not everyone is going to like my work. And that’s okay. I mean everyone has different tastes and I respect that. It’s what makes writing stories so much fun, each one is unique.
But, if that doesn’t get the doubts outta my head, I ask my daughter’s opinion again. And again. And again. (It’s great to have a built-in cheering section, isn’t it?)
Seriously though, having doubts is normal. I’m still new at this writing gig, and I’m still growing as a writer. I don’t expect to be a best-seller overnight, I still have so much more to learn. But publishing The Unnamed
has been a great experience and I’m thrilled to have gotten as far as I have.
And now its time to move forward and take my next step. There’s a ton that has to be done. One is that there’s going to be a few minor changes to my website. I’ll be adding a few things, like neat widgets to help promote books written by my WANA pals. There’s also marketing to do and blogs to write.
And most important, I need to finish the novel, HAEDYN. It’s almost there, but not quite yet. That means I need to get my butt in the chair and get typing. So real quick, I’ll say thank you to each and every one of you. You have all enriched my journey and helped me in some way – whether you realized it or not.
Tell me, have you ever done something you were really passionate about? How did you deal with your doubts and your nerves? And if you’re an author, share your first publishing experience with me. That way I don’t feel all alone in my craziness!
October 23, 2012 @ 7:23 PM
I’m so excited for you, Jennifer! And I know everyone is going to love the Unnamed as much as I do!
October 23, 2012 @ 7:37 PM
Aw, thank you, Laird! Couldn’t have done it without the support from peeps like you!! 😀
October 23, 2012 @ 7:39 PM
What a wonderful time! I’m so happy for you, Jennifer! I’ve got The Unnamed on my kindle waiting for me 🙂
October 23, 2012 @ 7:41 PM
Thanks Fabio! I hope you enjoy it. 🙂
October 23, 2012 @ 7:39 PM
Sooo exciting! I’m off to Amazon to download my copy. Love your idea about a widget to promote other WANA authors. I would have no idea how to do that. Maybe you can teach me.
October 23, 2012 @ 7:42 PM
Hi Sara!
I’m going to use a widget from Smashwords – once I figure it out, that is. lol! And I’m thinking of doing the affiliate program with them and/or Amazon as well. Just a way to help promote other authors and get good books into the hands of readers. 🙂
Hope you enjoy The Unnamed. Thanks for stopping by!
October 23, 2012 @ 8:03 PM
Jennifer, I am so thrilled for you. It is exciting and scary but just keep breathing (into the paper bag if need be). I know the feeling. You want to jump up and run around your neighborhood yelling “I’m published, I’m published!” but at the same time there is that knot in the stomach. It gets slightly easier with each book (says she who is procratinating about uploading her new release because she keeps thinking of ways it could have been better).
October 23, 2012 @ 8:14 PM
I definitely have a knot in my stomach, Kassandra. But I’m determined to ignore it. LOL!
Does every author have that “second thought” process on things they could’ve done to make it better? I’m still thinking of all the things I “should’ve” done! Thanks for stopping by!
October 23, 2012 @ 8:05 PM
Oh, forgot to mention two things. Thanks for pinning my book cover. You rock! And, Laird Sapir, if you’re listening in here, I want me one of them there widgets!
October 23, 2012 @ 8:18 PM
Widgets are fun, Kassandra! Uh oh, I better hide from Laird before she puts tape over my mouth! 🙂
October 23, 2012 @ 8:05 PM
My review is “being processed” as I write. Good show! Puts me in mind of the golden age of horror (70s & early 80s)…and I’ve read ’em all. You don’t want to hear about my first publishing experience, though, it would make you want to take a bath with a radio. But if you want to talk about things since I took conrol…they’re greeeaaat! Wishing you much success!
October 23, 2012 @ 8:25 PM
Oh! Thank you so much, Mike! My first review – now my stomach is full of butterflies AND knots! LOL!
I appreciate all your encouragement. I keep going because of peeps like you. 😀
October 23, 2012 @ 10:24 PM
Huge congratulations, Jennifer! It’s exciting! I’m looking forward to reading your book. 🙂
October 24, 2012 @ 8:50 AM
Thanks Sheila!
October 23, 2012 @ 11:46 PM
congratulations. It’s wonderful, scary, amazing and terrifying all at the same time. Get another book out and keep writing. It takes 5 books to get ‘noticed’ is what i’m told. Steena Holmes has had great, amazing success with “Finding Emma” but it’s her eleventh pubication.
congratulations.
October 24, 2012 @ 8:52 AM
You’re right, Louise. Those are the perfect words to describe it. I’m going to get my butt in the chair and keep on writing!
Thanks for stopping by!
October 24, 2012 @ 7:17 PM
Congrats, Jennifer! And yes, like others say, the best thing to do is get to work on the next one. And try not to check sales too often – that’s just a crazy-maker!
October 26, 2012 @ 9:35 AM
Bravo, Jennifer! You took the plunge and did an awesome job with The Unnamed. 😉
WANA Wednesday: Some Scary Good Books, plus ROW80 update | Jennette Marie Powell
October 31, 2012 @ 8:41 AM
[…] “The Unnamed” is a short story, and is a prequel to Oliver’s upcoming release, Haedyn, due out in early 2013. More info at:Â http://www.small-escapes.com/2012/10/whoa-im-published […]
November 8, 2012 @ 2:57 PM
Jennifer,congrats on publication, and thanks for following “Swords, Specters, & Stuff.” I hope you continue to enjoy the posts.
November 8, 2012 @ 3:14 PM
Thank you, Mike! After reading the post that August suggested, I found myself intrigued with your blogging voice. I’m looking forward to reading more. Thanks for stopping by!
November 12, 2012 @ 12:36 AM
Congratulations, Jennifer. Having your own book published is a huge accomplishment. Enjoy it and don’t worry about those pesky doubts – they are a natural part of any authors journey!
November 12, 2012 @ 12:52 AM
Thanks Angela! And you’re right, I don’t need to worry about the doubts. I just need to keep writing! 🙂