I remember how I felt when I first decided to share the news about completing “The Beautiful People.” I was nervous and scared. This book had taken me twelve years to complete. There were things in there that came from my dreams, my worldview and my interpretation of my faith. What if people hated it? What if people will think I’m weird? Is there too much “grown-up” content. Will people hate it?
All those thoughts rushed through my head, but I pushed the button anyway. I sent out the message so that hundreds of friends and family members now learned something new about me. They now know I’m writer. Those that read my book now know I have an interest in secret societies and religious cults. They also will know that I have strong views within my own faith. These are some of the thoughts that flooded my mind as I pondered whether I may have made a mistake.
It doesn’t matter what others think:
It really doesn’t. When I see what people spew today on social media related to politics and issues, I realize that I have nothing to be concerned about it. Some people are downright mean, arrogant and are borderline bullies with their “you either agree with me, or else” passive aggressive attitudes. So, in retrospect, does it really matter if people think I’m weird?
There’s over seven billion people in this world. So there’s probably at least few thousand out there that will like you write – probably even more than that. If you look at the reviews of the best-selling, highest-rated books, you’ll see reviews from people that hated them. Not everyone has to like your work – you just need to focus on the people that do.
In the end, I’m glad I did it
I’m glad I did it. I’m really glad I did it. The response I got from my friends and family was overwhelmingly positive and encouraging. Some bought it right away while others are waiting for the paperback version. It made me feel good – more than good. But even if I didn’t get that type of response, I felt great just completing it and getting it published.
If you’re thinking of writing a book, go for it. Don’t let anything, or anyone, stop you. Even if you don’t sell a single copy, just seeing the listing on Amazon or holding a copy of your own book in your hand is an amazing feeling.
Thank you for sharing this James! I am currently working on my first novel and I feel the exact same way. Sharing my book with others feels like sharing my inner-most thoughts I wouldn’t dare share with anyone under different circumstances. My book isn’t even published yet but sharing the concept of it still feels personal.
Since I believe the world needs this book , I am willing to swallow my fear. The potential that it will make the world a better place outweighs any doubt or insecurity.
Thank you for sharing this post. I found your new website from “Overnight Sensation” a post about “Public Speaking Success: The Pregnant Pause”
Hi Vikiana,
Thanks so much for the comment. That’s cool that you’re working on your first novel – and that’s great that it’ll have a postive impact on the world. It’s what motivates us to write, right?
I’m sure your book will be excellent, but what about it concerns you about sharing it? In my case, the novel has some “adult” (PG-13) content and a little bit of gore (someone commented that even the description weirded them out).
But definitely keep me posted on the progress of your novel. I’m very excited for you!
Thanks,
James