As a writer, negativity, depression, and self-doubt are feelings I experience on a regular basis, but thankfully not on a daily basis.
There’s highs and lows. Sometimes it’s hard to notice the progress I make. I divide my day between writing and promotion. The writing has measurable progress. Tracking promotion is much more nebulous. Defining a target audience for my first book, Tied, is proving to be a tough nut to crack.
I’m surrounded by authors writing in the romance, fantasy and sci-fi spaces. So many of them have success stories to tell, how they grew their mailing lists exponentially, how they sold or gave away thousands of books. Here I am with a book that I know is a good read, and people have told me is a good read, but I have a hard time even giving it away.
It can be a little dispiriting, but I know this is a matter of the right people not finding the book, as opposed to lack of interest. I know I’ll find that sweet promotion spot with a little thought, planning, trial and error.
In the meantime, to combat the negativity, depression and self-doubt, I remind myself that today I’m 1,000 words closer to finishing my next book, Vermin. I remind myself that the alternative I left behind almost a month ago pales in comparison to my situation now.
Photo by simpleinsomnia
