Finale Jitters Anyone?

[Addison]

Hi guys. I'm in the last leg of my novel "Chronicles of a Caster" and am both surprised and then not that it's taking so long.

At first my reasons were valid; full time job plus online classes plus renovating plus normal family chaos. But then I realized that's not quite true. The time I usually wrote in I now spend either listening to music on YouTube of letting my IQ slip as I watch my kid siblings' favorite TV shows.So I asked myself why I'm not getting it done. The answers were easy.
1. The story would be done. Finished. Ready for eager readers. The story's my baby so it's scary.
2. The promotional site. I barely have time to post here on a somewhat regular basis and an actual site will need more than the occasional post.
3. A lot of self publishing books and authors say an amount of face time, talking at classes, events and such is needed, or at least good for, getting your name out. I am not a talker. Just last night talking to my dad about the site and life I was tripping over my own words. How the heck can I speak clearly in front of strangers when I can't do so with my own friend and father?

So basically I'm scared. You could call me terrified. If anyone, ANYONE has remedies for this, please post. It could be you, your cat, the crazy voice in your head. All are welcome. I want to accomplish my dream but I don't know how to conquer these fears.

Thanks in advance. Happy writing.

 

[Ryan_Crown]

As someone who shares your fears, I'd love to hear what others have to say as well. One thing I would say, though, is as best you can, put #2 and #3 out of your mind. Finishing your story, publishing your story, and promoting your story are three very different things. Focus first on writing a story that's the best you can make it. Push through to the end of the first draft, then edit, edit, edit. Next, of course, is the tough part -- putting your story out there for others to read.

My plan (once I get that elusive first novel finished) is to start here. I figure if anyone can give me an honest, critical appraisal of my writing, while at the same time being respectful and helpful with their criticism, it's the people I've encountered here at Mythic Scribes. And once I've gotten feedback from here, and used it as best I can to improve my story, then (hopefully) I'll be ready for the slings and arrows of the Internet.

As far as the promotion goes, I'm planning to worry about that once I've got the story published. My first and foremost goal is to have as quality a product as I can get, with a good, professional cover, that if nothing else I'll be proud to have my friends and family read. Then I'll worry about how I'm going to let the rest of the world know I've got something they really need to read.

 

[Penpilot]

I haven't been where you're at now, but one thing I try to do when I'm in a stressful spot is to take a step back, take a deep breath, and try to find some perspective. Easier said than done, but as an outsider looking in, I ask you what's the worse that can happen?

When you get your book out there, there will be people who love it, and there will be people who hate it. Nothing you can do about that but write the story to the best of your abilities. Let's look at the absolutely worst case, everyone hates it. Is that going to make you stop writing or will it make you more determined to do better next time? Regardless, the world will still go around, and you'll live to write another day.

As for not being a talker, I'm like that, but the best thing I found when talking to a big crowd is just be prepared. Make notes on what you want to talk about, go over the notes over and over memorizing what your points are, and carry a few index cards to remind you of those points to keep you on track. I find that knowledge = confidence at these times. And above all, relax and be prepared to chuckle at yourself if you make an error. Correct the error and move on.

If you keep on fumbling, smile, take a deep breath, and start over. Remember the people listening won't eat you up. Most of them have been in your spot at some point in their lives. As long as you don't freak out and start shouting profanity, you'll be in a good spot. One thing I do is I look through the crowd, not at anyone in particular. That way it's like I'm doing my practice run at home. I've heard that other people focus on one person and pretend like they're the only person in the room and have everything addressed to them.

Again, you can only control what you can. Everything else, you can't worry about that. It'll just take focus away on the things you can control. Remember, what's the worst that can happen? You're not going to war. You're not having to deal with a family tragedy. You're dealing with a novel launch, and if that's your biggest problem for the day or month, it's not too bad is it? There are many people in really tight spots who would switch places with you in a heartbeat.

And if you think about it, no matter what happens, this will be a great experience to draw upon for a story someday.

 

[Chessie]

Inhale...exhale, let the stress go. Focus on finishing your story. Remember why you're doing this: because you love to write. You are in love with your characters, your world, your message. Prioritize ending the book, then worry about everything else. Yes, its scary but also exciting! And after you're done, put it away and write the second book. That's my suggestion. Best wishes to you!