A Writer’s Senses Working Overtime
By Vaughn Roycroft | September 20, 2021 |
I had a powerful dream about a week ago that’s stayed with me. In it, I receive confirmation that my debut is locked and loaded, ready to be published. In the dream I’m fully aware that it’s being self-published (as I intend in waking life). And this dream version of me is thrilled about it. The excitement was palpable, memorable.
I must admit, the reaction of the dream version of me was notably different than how the (slightly grumpier) waking version of me has been feeling about my impending publication. The difference was so stark that it spurred the awareness that I was experiencing a dream as it occurred. Friends, this is where the dream gets strange. Here was this clueless but excited, about-to-be-published me being observed by another, more-tempered and cognizant version of me. On top of that, I became aware of a third presence. This–shall I call it a dreamworld being? (my subconscious, maybe?)–wrapped an arm around the observational version of me and said, “That’s actually how you should be feeling, you know.”
Yes, that’s three versions of me. Or is it two versions and… something else?
Still with me? I find it telling that the more aware (and slightly grumpy) version of me was able to acknowledge the wisdom of the knock from the dreamworld being. The observation that I should be excited broke through my (very realistic) sense that there’s so much to do, so much to learn, so many obstacles. It forced me to look beyond the wall my waking self has built—a wall constructed from an appreciation of a cluttered and extremely competitive book market. It’s a wall built to protect the low expectations I’ve set. The dream made me realize that there are people who are rooting for me, people who have supported me throughout this long journey. Of course they will join me in celebrating this long-sought milestone. And the size of the group doesn’t matter because the individuals within it do.
See why the dream stuck with me? I sense that the dream’s message is one I’d do well to heed. It reminds me to strive on with a glad and grateful heart. Which has made me more aware of the other senses I have been experiencing of late. With apologies to Andy Partridge and XTC, in the days since the dream, this writer has been feeling like…
“…All the world is biscuit-shaped
It’s just for me to feed my face
And I can see, hear, smell, touch, taste
That I’ve got one, two, three, four, five
Senses working overtime…”
Please forgive the outburst of song and allow me to enumerate, won’t you?
One: Sense of Wonder
Not long after the dream, in the midst of revision work, I came to a fairly pivotal scene, in which a POV character first meets my primary protagonist—a meeting she has literally been waiting for all her life. As I started rereading, I thought of a way to ramp up the stakes. I was pumped, anticipating an opportunity to enhance the story, when I came across my idea, already on the page. Turns out I’d previously had the same idea and executed it.
I could perfectly see the scene, feel the atmosphere of it. Finding that I’d already added this element of tension hit me in a surprising way. I got choked up. My eyes stung and I had to get up and walk it off, gulping for air. I like to believe it’s a powerful scene, but I know this reaction stemmed from something deeper.
I’m sure we all have these moments where we’re able to step outside of our day-to-day and see a bigger picture. If you’re like me, you spend most of your writing time focused on the details—scene mechanics, character dynamics, setting. Not to mention sentence structure, pace, and grammar. Every so often I find myself looking beyond all of that.
Every so often I am shaken awake, nudged to step back and appraise a broader scope. In those moments I realize anew that these characters have become, at least to me, fully realized people. I’m profoundly struck by how intricate and complex their world and its politics and history have become. And each time I am newly astounded by it.
Occasionally such moments are so overwhelming that even after fifteen years, I find myself truly wondering where it all came from, and what it’s all for. I consider that sense of wonder a gift.
Two: Sense of Purpose
I’m at an age where many of my friends and contemporaries are beginning to plan for their retirement, or perhaps a strategy for slowing down. A few have wondered aloud how they might occupy themselves as they ease away from, in some cases, lifelong vocations. I have no such questions. I know exactly what I must do.
After my current trilogy is published, regardless of the outcome, I will be rewriting and striving for the publication of the first trilogy I drafted—the story of the children of my current WIP. And I have an outline for the one after that, in a subsequent timeframe in the same world. That third series culminates in the sack of Rome by the Goths (finally!). Since the real-world story of Alaric and the sack of Rome was one of the initial inspirations for my writing journey, it would be a fitting finale. My goal is to have all three done before I even begin to consider when to hang up my quill and tablet.
In short, I’ve got a long way to go and a lot of work to do. Knowing this, I wake each day with a sense of purpose. I feel my best at night when I’ve taken solid, measurable steps toward fulfilling that purpose.
Three: Sense of Duty
“The world says
Put the message in the box
Put the box into the car
Drive the car around the world
Until you get heard
The world says
Give a little bit of your love to me
‘Cause I’m waiting right here with my open arms…”—Karl Wallinger (World Party)
Yes, it’s mind-blowing to retain a sense of wonder and gratifying to have a sense of purpose. When I think about those two senses together, I’m struck by a sense of duty. Those of you who’ve been reading my essays here (if you have, thank you!) won’t be too shocked if I get a little woo-woo as I explain.
If you’re at all like me, you’ve asked yourself those same questions: Where is this stuff coming from, and why is it coming to me?
As fiction writers, we all come to a place where our study of our characters demands a deeper study of ourselves. For my part, I’ve confronted themes and delved issues that in my prior life I had never been remotely inclined to explore.
Are they merely themes and issues I’ve resisted consciously facing? Have they sprung from my subconscious unbidden? Are they mechanisms for coping? Are my characters, who feel so real, so fully-formed to me, mere amalgams of people I have known or observed? Are they conjured meat-puppets, supplied by my subconscious to fill the roles required for the exploration?
Or is it something deeper—something beyond my comprehension? Are there other forces at work? Is it coming from beyond an unperceived veil? Is it supplied by a supernatural force? The gift of a religious god? Or are these things simply coded into my DNA at some cellular level?
It really doesn’t matter whether I believe there is a spiritual aspect to all of this or that it’s derived from an unrecognized capacity of the subconscious mind. If I truly believe that my exploration has provided any semblance of greater understanding, some illumination of what it means to be human, then my labor has borne fruit.
And if I believe that’s true, then isn’t it my duty to share it? I’ve come to believe it’s so. And my sense of duty has only continued to grow.
Four: Sense of Freedom
There is a benefit to having committed to self-publishing. Freedom.
I have the freedom to make each and every choice. That may sound obvious. I know it would’ve to me before I fully committed to self-publication and started the process. In hindsight, the weird thing isn’t that I didn’t fully comprehend or appreciate the freedom this route would provide before now. The weird thing is that I really didn’t want it. The desire for freedom simply wasn’t a part of my mindset. I think I wanted somebody else to decide things for me, to hold my hand, to tell me what others will or won’t like.
It wasn’t the best path to the sort of authenticity I now crave. I can see now that I’ve grown beyond that sort of compromise.
Every aspect of how this book will look, feel, and arrive at market will be mine alone to make. More importantly, every aspect of the storytelling is mine alone, as well. But there’s a level of freedom that’s beyond those things—one that I’m only now discovering. I can see that my gauge for success has been utterly transformed. I can see beyond my need for validation. I’m breaking free from my desire for the externals that would’ve fed my ego.
As with my sense of wonder, this newfound sense of freedom feels like a gift, and I consider it born of my dedication.
Five: Sense of Trust
As I say, I don’t think I really wanted freedom as much as I wanted someone else’s idea of success. I didn’t quite trust that my stories were good enough. I didn’t trust that what came to me, and then from me, was worthy. No matter how irrational it is, I felt that rejection was equivalent to unworthiness.
I didn’t trust myself to be my own final arbiter.
I’ve come to better appreciate a sense of wonder that remains undiminished. I’m grateful for the sense of purpose it’s bestowed, and I’ve grown an appreciation for the benefits of honing it. Even if I’m unsure of my stories’ origin, I’m convinced that I’m the recipient of something very special, and I’ve come to feel it’s my duty to honor that gift.
After fifteen years, I’ve come to trust that my stories deserve to be shared. I’ve finally achieved a sense of trust that I am a worthy storyteller.
What about you, WU? Are you sensing anything new these days? Are you willing to get all woo-woo to explain your sense of wonder? Do you trust yourself as a storyteller?
Vaughn Roycroft’s (he/him) teacher gave him a copy of The Hobbit in the 6th grade, sparking a lifelong passion for reading and history. After college, life intervened, and Vaughn spent twenty years building a successful business. During those years, he and his wife built a getaway cottage near their favorite shoreline, in a fashion that would make the elves of Rivendell proud. After many milestone achievements, and with the mantra ‘life’s too short,’ they left their hectic lives in the business world, moved to their little cottage, and Vaughn finally returned to writing. Now he spends his days striving to finish his epic fantasy series.
You’ve got this, Vaughn! And, your epic stories deserve to be told and shared with the world. So excited for you!
Hey Brin! This comment is all the more special to me because you’re one of the ones in the group I mention in the post–who will be cheering at this (the first of many) finish-line.
Thanks so much for always being there for me, my friend!
Vaughn, this is such an extraordinary post. You write about everything that matters.
The sense of “duty” or “being of service” (to the characters, the themes, the necessity) is especially striking to me, as it’s something I feel very strongly, yet it’s something that’s rarely articulated. And yes: awe and duty and freedom are bona fide “senses”—sensations of the heart and being, just as touching and tasting are sensations of the body.
And I love, love, love this: “But there’s a level of freedom that’s beyond those things—one that I’m only now discovering. I can see that my gauge for success has been utterly transformed. I can see beyond my need for validation. I’m breaking free from my desire for the externals that would’ve fed my ego.” A gift, indeed. The gift of letting-go, instead of trying to acquire.
Thank you for putting all this so beautifully.
Hi Barbara–I’m honored by your generous praise. You’re right in observing something I didn’t quite spell out–that the duty is in the service to others. All of this exploration can feel sort of self-indulgent. It’s in the sharing of what we find that we find the true meaning and its reward.
I also love your way of phrasing it: “The gift of letting-go, instead of trying to acquire.” Yes!
Thanks so much for your lovely and kind addition to the conversation.
Vaughn, I love every bit of this post! And I’m SO EXCITED that you’re self-publishing. Your journey sounds very similar to mine–choosing myself, choosing not to wait for the powers-that-be to approve, and indie publishing was freeing. And daunting. The sheer number of decisions to be made! But I’m so glad to hear that I’ll get to read these stories. Since you’re no longer on FB, please please let me know when I can order them. I’m also very excited that I’m writing this comment while on a writing retreat of my own, to start whipping my next 2 books into shape :-)
Hey Natalie! Gosh, am I ever beginning to appreciate the sheer number of decisions. But so many aspects of this are fun, too–that’s something that I hadn’t anticipated.
Woo-hoo! So great to hear about the retreat! Hope you’re somewhere that inspires your brain and feeds your soul, with fellows who get the sparks flying. As I said after you’re last post, I’m so excited for you and inspired by you. Of course I’ll be sure to let you know. After all, you’re part of the group who’ll share in the celebration. :)
Thanks much for your support. Wishing you a fulfilling retreat!
Vaughn, this is extraordinary! Your persistence and devotion to your craft is inspiring. We so often have to put off our creative pursuits because they can’t financially support us. You’ve still got time! There is no rush, your dream is halfway realized, my friend. So so proud of you!
xo
Hey Lara! So great to hear from you. Your boundless and undaunted creativity have always been an inspiration to me, Wonder Woman. You’re right, we’ve got to appreciate the journey. Right back at you–I’m incredibly proud of you.
Thanks for always believing and for always being there, my friend.
Vaughn, as one of the herd who has been hoping for you, rooting for you and (a bit) nudging you, this piece reveals more clearly the intuition that created my support.
You’ve got this. Now go get it!
Hey Cordia–I hope you realize how much I appreciate your occasional nudges–the offers to help, the supportive at-a-boys, and writerly high-fives. I would’ve guesses that you would find some soul-level synchronicity here. :)
Thanks so much for the fuel you provide, in the past and here today.
Utterly, Vaughn. I trust my instincts. After reading you for the first time on WUB, went: this guy’s got it all going on & I want him to make it to the light (of being published.)
Breath baited!
I’m still on the road, so am only typing on an iPad, but I just had to say how much I love this light and hope filled post. I’m so excited for your debut!
Also, this “ And if I believe that’s true, then isn’t it my duty to share it? I’ve come to believe it’s so. And my sense of duty has only continued to grow.”
I believe this completely. As Madeline L’Engle says, when a work comes to you and says, “enflesh me,” our duty is to do it.
Aw shucks, Barbara–having you take the time out from your celebratory trip means the world to me. I am utterly honored by your praise and support.
Wow, the L’Engle quote gives me goosebumps. It really does feel like providing flesh to voices that call out to be heard. That’s an honor, too.
Thank you! Wishing you a lovely trip, full memories and moments that’ll last a lifetime.
Vaughn, thanks for sharing such an intimate view of the newfound clarity you’re achieving. There are some major questions being explored here, my favorite of which is this pair:
”Where is this stuff coming from, and why is it coming to me?”
I am both awed and frightened by the occasional moments of objective distance I gain from my own work, where I find myself thinking, “Wait – you mean *I* wrote that? Where the hell did THAT come from?” Sounds like you’ve become familiar with that thrilling and confusing sensation as well.
But in addition to asking the big questions, you’re finding some big answers, including one that I think pertains to SO many people, whether they are writers or not: realizing that what they’d been seeking was actually “someone else’s idea of success.”
A lesson I’ve learned – ridiculously slowly and at great emotional expense – is that we each have to define what success is for ourselves, and that this definition can change, based on our honest evaluation of our values and our circumstances.
Good luck on your publication journey – may it be long and rewarding.
Hey Keith! Thrilling and confusing is a good way to put it. And that whole “defining our own version of success” thing was something I have had zero success doing prior to now. Which makes me feel like it’s sort of an earned realization.
I always imagined that opting for self-pub would be “settling” for me. And, truth-be-told, it’s partly that. I wouldn’t have gone this route without failing to find a traditional publisher. But I’m finding so many rewards and facets I hadn’t imagined. It’s sort of like I’ve been in a contest where the reward would’ve been a full-time chauffer, and once I realized I’d lost, someone tossed me a set of keys and said, “You know, you could learn to drive yourself. There’s already a car in the driveway.” Lol.
Thanks for your support, today over the years, my friend. You’ve always been an inspiration for me.
Wonderful news, Vaughn. Your journey has been so powerful in your life, that yes, you would be dreaming of its progress and how it will live in the world. And I echo the sentiments of others, take your time, enjoy the process, though I honor your choices in the studious and creative approach this work has received. I trust the publishing part will be equally polished and right. Beth
Gosh, thanks, Beth! You’re trust feels like a gift today. I’m honored. I have been enjoying aspects of this. Just my interaction with my cover artist, for example, has been so incredible. He’s filled my heart right up to brimming with his grasp of the soul of the work, followed by his talent in imbuing his creation with that grasp.
Thanks so much, for your kind words (and trust!) today, and your ongoing support. I can feel it all the way across the big lake!
Bravo, Vaughn! I can’t wait to read your stories–it’s about dang time–and I wish you the best of luck in the upcoming leg of your journey!! ❤️
Hi Dee! See you today makes me realize I should’ve taken off my socks and donned my flip-flops to follow your brilliant example years ago.
Thanks for always being there, my friend! You’re one of the ones that I realized will celebrate with me. :)
I loved this post Vaughn. All of it. Just this morning’s readings from Luke confirmed it too. “To anyone who has, more will be given,
and from the one who has not, even what he seems to have will be taken away.” Sobering, no? We develop and use or gifts or lose them. It is wonderful you will release your story into the world and get busy on the next ones. I also trust that it is the right time.
Hi Vijaya – Wow, I was just telling Beth what a gift that trust feels like, and now you’ve gone and bestowed the gift as well. I’m honored and touched.
Yes, sobering! I’m finally coming to accept that so much of the gift of writing lies in the labor itself. It’s been a long lesson not just to learn, but to fully appreciate. I’m truly blessed, by the work and by this community. Thank you!
Vaughn, there’s such a stirring measure of head and heart here–so good that you have them waltzing together rather than eyeing each other suspiciously across the room.
Much of what you reveal here is telling of the inner and outer journeys—with some trips over unseen rocks and some hypnotic vistas from mountains—of many writers. But you have touched those journeys with that Roycroft pixie dust that is all its own.
(Oh, I also loved that XTC song and album too.)
Looking forward to seeing your work, but to me, you are, really, already a success.
Damn, Tom–must’ve got some of that pixie dust in my eyes. You’ve gone and gotten my head and heart waltzing on thin air.
Maybe it’s just a pixie dust overload. Sort of like I’ve just finished one those giant pixie sticks, as long as your arm. Better put on XTC’s King for a Day and dance it out, lol.
Seriously, I’m touched and very grateful, my friend. You’ve provided some high-grade jet fuel for the next leg of the journey.
Vaughn, you know I’m down with the woo-wooo. I’ve come recently to a place where I don’t need to understand the origins or meaning of things for them to be valid. I’ve been learning to trust my gut. A thing either lifts me, or drops me. It has become that uncomplicated, maybe in response to a complicated world. But so far, it’s working. I love “I feel my best at night when I’ve taken sold measurable steps toward s fulfilling that purpose”. This resonates with me because it speaks to the goal I set each morning. Map out the way, and then take it. I’m thrilled for you that you’ve found your road and are walking it in total trust with your story-teller self. To quote another song, “May the road go ever on and on…”
Hi Susan! Ah, you’re spot on, as usual. Learning to trust our guts is like finding a shortcut to what’s meaningful, isn’t it? And because of it, we can better focus on what matters, and celebrate those aspects of the journey.
I think you’re on to something with your daily goal, too. I’ve never really formalized that goal-setting, but I’m sure it would serve me well. As to Tolkien’s brilliant song, amen. There’s a reason it has resonated through the ages, isn’t there?
Thank you–you’ve long been an inspiring and supportive fellow traveler. So grateful to have you alongside.
Vaughn,
I celebrate to read this and I know well the journey you’ve been making to come to this choice. Actually, it’s choices, because there are so many to be made. You outline the transition to self-published and all it entails beautifully. I am in awe of your view of art, artist and process.
I look forward to your work entering the sphere of being read. If you wanna cross-pollenate ideas or need some hints, I’ll be glad to share what I learned through hitting triples or striking out. Both experiences are teachers.
Hey Tom! Well, you’ve certainly been an inspiration and a trailblazer. I’m honored by your kind praise, as always.
It’s not only helpful, but delightful, to follow the path you’ve so brilliantly illuminated. I really am heartened by your example. I’ll stay in touch as I proceed.
Thank you! Wishing you continuing success!
Hey V: I’m also coming to this post from the road, but I wanted to chime in to say I’m so happy to hear that two parts of your brain have now outnumbered and convinced that other part to be joyful about your epic and wondrous and richly told tale. I cannot wait to celebrate with you and for readers to find your story. Congratulations, my friend!
Aw shucks, T–I’m always honored when you comment, but to do so on holiday is above and beyond. :)
As for the grumpy version of me finally getting it, it’s about time! I’ve had this cheerleader for years, you see. This person is an inspiration, who has encouraged and supported me so often, and in more ways than I could possibly articulate or ever repay. Certainly more ways than she can imagine. Anyway, ole’ grumpy will remain forever grateful.
Safe travels! Enjoy the trip!
Hello Vaughn. Like so many others who have commented, I am sitting in my study, wishing the best for you and your ambitious project. In my view, the key now in all book publishing–of whatever kind–is marketing. If you know your audience (I’m sure you do), know how to write well (also something true of you), and figure out how to reach that audience with effective messaging and promotion, the odds in your favor. Go get ’em!
Hi Barry–I know you well enough that I don’t take your very kind praise lightly. I think your advice to know your audience is spot-on, so I won’t ever take that lightly, either.
Thanks much for the encouragement. It means a lot.
I’m late to the party, but have been cheering with the pieces of the journey you’ve shared and look forward to hearing more. I’m woo-woo to the max, and glad you’re listening to/aware of the messages the Universe/subconscious/whatever is sending to you. Keith Cronin’s words struck a chord: “…we each have to define what success is for ourselves…” I’d offer one slight change: “…we each GET to define…” You got this, dude! Again, I’m eager to hear more about this ongoing journey and to reading the novels.
Hey Kathy! Always glad to have a fellow woo-woo writer in my corner. I’m definitely trying to tune in to what the Beyond is trying to convey to my stubborn head. So true, about “GETTING” to define ourselves. It’s a privilege and a gift–one I won’t take lightly.
Thanks so much for your support, today and over the years, my friend.
Love, love reading your entry this morning.
I have much to learn in my writing journey. I did write one novel in 2014. I must give credit to my characters. Never before or since have I had such great fun writing as I did that novel. Each time my mind went to “Oh, I could do this or that,” I would hear them telling me to stop. It’s their story. I never knew where or who was going to lead me. Twenty-six days later I had a completed manuscript.The book may not be perfect but it has all the fodder for an interesting story. I love my characters. I wish I could get back to that setting, that feeling of freedom.
Good luck on your writing journey. I believe you are being led. Step aside and be the messenger for your characters. Stay positive and know you have the skills. You have been given a gift. Please keep us posted. I’m excited for you.
Your words encourages me to my own possibilities. I will continue my writing daily.
Guess we’re even, Suzie, because I love, love reading your comment. Isn’t it spooky-cool, how a story and characters can demand that we follow, and then so easily lead us to The End? It sounds like that story was a special gift, too. I hope you go back to it one day. I’ll promise to keep you posted if you’ll do the same–deal?
I’m delighted and honored to have offered encouragement. Thanks much, and–yes–please keep writing!
Vaughn: after rereading your essay, I need to add something. What you say about purpose and freedom is so important. The two ideas fit together.
Most sports are better suited to the young, but some can be played for as long as people have reasonably good health. The same is true of writing: Now that I’m retired, my sense of freedom and purpose take on new meaning and value, even after my sport–tennis–is behind me.
As for duty, I would add something there as well. The more I read and write, the stronger is my sense of duty to language. Among other things, I define myself as a writer. That means I have what amounts to a moral obligation to make what I make as worthy of respect as I can. Not for the marketplace, but for me. By now, though, I know better than to trust myself alone. That’s why I rely on honest professional editorial guidance to keep me clear on purpose, so I don’t go wrong in using my freedom.
Terrific additions to this conversation, Barry. Glad you came back to make them. I particularly love your observation about language. There are times when I despair the state of written communication these days, especially when I’ve delved to long or deeply into social media. But there is sparkling wordplay out there. If we writers aren’t willing to accept a devotion to it as duty, who will?
Here’s to the freedom and purpose provided by our passion. Thanks again.
Hey! This is an exciting post and I’m terribly excited for you! I think the sense that is hardest to come by is that sense of trust. First we have to learn to trust ourselves when making story decisions, then we have to trust ourselves with when a story is “finished”, and then we have to trust ourselves about if/how we want to get our stories out to the masses. The nicest thing, though, is that there are choices, options that didn’t used to be there. There is a lot to be said about becoming secure in (our respective) selves and abilities. And sometimes we have to go through all that pre-stuff just to be situated in a better place to make better–or maybe more fulfilling?–choices now. I’m looking forward to your release date and can’t wait to (finally!) read your stories. :D
Hey Lara–You make such a wonderful point about how we have to go through “all the things” in order to truly land on secure ground. It’s only then that we can grasp the fulfillment we may or may not have realized we were lacking.
Here’s to finding trust in ourselves, to the choices available to us, and to the courage to strive on. I can’t thank you enough, my friend, for all of your support over the years (almost hate to mention, but can you believe how many?).
Thanks for the great insights, Vaughn. I command you for your decision to independently publish your work. I have struggled with this decision for years. I keep going back and forth. Many writers face the conflict between confidence in their abilities versus the nagging “imposter syndrome” voice. For that reason, I let other trusted critique partners be the judge as to whether I am a writer worthy of publication. The fact that you grapple with this question shows your deep commitment to the craft. I can’t wait to read your work, All the best to you.
Hey Chris! I know that you understand it’s something I didn’t take lightly. Not that I don’t continue to battle with the issues. Having made the decision certainly went a long way toward firming up my confidence. In fact, I have enough to share with you: I’m quite confident that you’re worthy, and I wish you the very best as you strive on.
Thanks so much for your support, today and over our many years of writerly fellowship, my friend!
Thank you for this insightful and inspirational post. I have been in that place where I think my work will receive more validity if I get an agent and go with traditional publishing for my debut novel, but I’m not good at waiting. Waiting to hear from agents. Waiting to see my book come out. The thought of learning all that I need to learn to self-publish is overwhelming. Learning to trust myself, even harder. Feeling confident to put myself out there. Learning to enjoy the process. Obviously from all the comments, your words have spoken to many of us.
Hi Penny – Man, I feel you. I spent far too many months waiting. They’re months we never get back. I think you’ve taken a huge first step–one that took me many years to take. You sound committed to determining your own definition of success.
As far as learning “all the things” about self-pub, there are some really great resources out there. Keep plugging away until you find the one that speaks your language. I feel heartened and empowered by a sharp young author (less than half my age–go figure) on AuthorTube named Bethany Atazadeh. She spells it all out in such a straightforward way.
I’m so delighted that the post spoke to you. I encourage you to keep striving to define your own version of success. And to keep writing, of course. Thank you!
If you’ll forgive a bastardization of the common saying, I’ll offer that with great responsibility comes great freedom, V. As you’ve ready discovered. ;-)
Congratulations on your upcoming debut. I’ll be there with bells on.
It may be a bastardization, but that doesn’t diminish its brilliance. :) Thanks, Jan, for lighting the way for me!
It’s lovely to read about your emotional journey and thought process with all these steps and decisions. I’m glad to see your enthusiasm and confidence. It also echoes what I’ve heard from other writer friends who have chosen to self-publish at various points in their careers (beginning or middle). I wish you the best of luck and the greatest of contentment! <3
Hi Kristan! I guess I’m glad that I come off sounding confident. Boy, that ebbs and flows, I’ll tell ya. The thing I fall back on is that it continues to feel rightful, putting it out there.
Thanks a million for the well-wishes! Your support has always meant so much to me. Onward!