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New Year, new goals, new blog hop with the Insecure Writers Support Group!
The IWSG is a wonderful place to find help from and fellowship with others in the writing trenches. Every month I learn something new. Join us! http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html
The awesome co-hosts for the January 5 posting of the IWSG are Erika Beebe, Olga Godim, Sandra Cox, Sarah Foster, and Chemist Ken!
January 5 question – What’s the one thing about your writing career you regret the most? Were you able to overcome it?
With apologies to Old Blue Eyes, my publishing and writing regrets are few.
I regret not starting sooner. I’ve led a book-centered life, have always entertained myself by spinning stories, and knew from a young age I had a way with words. What was I waiting for?
I regret not going indie sooner. My first four books were published by a small press and, while I’ll always be grateful to them for giving me my start as an author, I could have made so much more money had I struck out on my own after book one or two. Ah well–live and learn.
I regret my slow writing pace during the pandemic, but that’s how my brain is wired. I need a certain level of emotional stability to do my best work. You too? Or are you one of those lucky writers who pumped out multiple books these past few years?
Other than that, I have no regrets! Each book I publish shows improvement in some area, and I’m enjoying the journey as I build my skills, my network of author friends, and my backlist.
Here’s to a brighter 2022!
May your words flow, your royalties too, and may your writer’s brain buzz with brilliant story ideas. Happy New Year!
By the way, I have a new book out–a steamy foodie romance! Interested? Check yesterday’s post.
I am definitely not a writer who pumps out a book fast. I wish I was. Hope we all have a bright 2022!
Thanks, Natalie!
Hi and Happy New Year!
It is good that you had that small publisher. You were able to learn a little about the publishing business. As for writing slow, I am one of those writers also. I don’t know how many manuscripts I have lying on the side waiting to be polished, but I will do them, one at a time.
Wishing you all the best.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat G @ EverythingMustChange
I started with small publishers too before I went Indie. I think there were a lot of pluses to starting with small press, though as you said money wasn’t one of them:) Here’s to a Happy Writing 2022:)
I need some stability. A few did write like maniacs, but most of us didn’t.
Sounds like you are well on your way to recovering from your early regrets. We live and learn! Cheers to your new release! Hope 2022 treats you better 😉
2022 is the charm. We’ll all do better. I can feel it. 🙂
Anna from elements of emaginette
I think everything happens for a reason. Regrets? Maybe. But I prefer to treat them as lessons learned. And as the sources of new stories. Sort-of ‘making lemonade from lemons’.
My creativity is also impacted by emotionally hard times. Here’s to things improving and our way forward being better!
The Warrior Muse
Congrats on the new release!
I love your positive attitude, and I’m intrigued by your regret about not going indie sooner. I’m about to start querying again, but I know the odds are long, and I’ll probably end up going indie. Sometimes I wonder if I shouldn’t just do that from the get-go, but there’s a part of me that wants the validation of traditional publishing (as well as access to professional marketers–I suck at marketing).
Good luck in 2022!
Janet, I’ve heard over & over again from reputable sources that, with the exception of BIG name authors, trad pub authors must also do their own marketing. Best of luck with your queries!
I’ve heard the same, but at least the publisher does the cover and artwork.