The Purpose of IWSG is to share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
To join IWSG visit Ninja Captain Alex J. Cavanaugh here.
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This is my final IWSG post before the release of A Twist of Hate, so I’m going to take advantage. I realize we’re all insecure on the eve of a book release, but I’ve been insecure about this novel from the day I put pen to paper (fingers to keys?). Along with all the usual insecurities associated with a release, I have a whole other set of insecurities unique to this project.
Insecurity #1
This is not the story I intended to tell. I was tremendously naïve when I started writing A Twist of Hate—then called Art and Ashes. When an agent at a conference told me Nazi stolen art was considered a cliché in the publishing world, I believed him. I trashed the two-hundred pages I’d written, started with an entirely new premise while trying to salvage something of the story I wanted to tell.
Insecurity #2
This is the second book in what was meant to be a trilogy about three college friends. I never wanted to write a series, but because it was expected, I played the game. Didn’t take me long to discover I not only disliked reading series, I disliked writing them even more. Though A Twist of Hate functions as a standalone, the fact remains, it is a sequel. It’s unfortunate the first book exists nowhere but my computer.
Insecurity #3
Because A Twist of Hate was cobbled from another storyline, it went from being contemporary fiction to mystery. The mystery genre is all about rules, and I’m not so good with rules. Will sex, profanity, a dearth of procedural detail, and no murder until two-thirds of the way through the book disappoint mystery readers?
Insecurity #4
A Twist of Hate will be available hardback-only, which means it’s out of the price range of many readers (me, for example).
I could go on, but to keep this post the proper length, I’ll leave you with this important reminder instead:
One of the greatest journeys in life is overcoming insecurity and learning to truly not give a shit.
― J.A. Konrath
VR BARKOWSKI 
That stinks on the first book, I’d have put it out anyway, cliche or not lol sequels can be daunting though, sometimes one book is better.
Who knows, Pat, I may still write the first story one day!
I never say never. That just sets you up to break your own rules. I didn’t think I wanted to write a series, but I did. However, each book stands alone, just the characters are the same. There are no hooks at the end to artificially lead the reader to the next book. The covers don’t match, nor do the titles. I actually like my characters, and the third book might be better than the first two–I’m not good at judging, but others are.
You’ve learned one thing by this. Follow your own path and don’t listen to what others tell you is the right and only way. Of course I’m self published, and I can do whatever the hell I want, which is why I love the path I’ve taken. But then no one wanted to publish my books way back in 2011, even with an agent. So that path forced on me turned out to be the right one.
Sometimes the path we choose turns out to be self-defeating. Best of luck with your book. The theme interests me, and I look forward to reading it. Will it be out in an e-book?
I’ve learned a lot along the way, Polly. Mostly lessons not taught in classes or books. It was only in attempting a series I discovered what I really love about writing is getting into different characters’ heads. Dealing with the same characters for more than one book bored me. Totally unexpected. While I prefer standalones, there are still series I enjoy, so I apparently dislike writing series more than reading them. I could see myself writing series if it took more than one book to tell the story I wanted to tell.
I retained the digital rights to A Twist of Hate, which I can’t exercise until six months after the hardcover release. I hope there will be an e-book eventually, but there will be no e-book with the initial release.
This seems to be a study on following your heart vs agent’s advice. I’m very curious where this will take you because both choices seem equally important. 🙂
Anna from Elements of Writing
Here’s what I’ve learned, Anna. It’s important not to see agents as gods. They fallible humans, they make mistakes, and they’re no better at predicting the future of publishing than you or I. If they’re good agents, they’ll admit this. If you’re approached by an agent who is sure he or she knows what lies ahead in publishing, run the other way. No one knows—not even Amazon.
Thanks for this. I’ve always liked following my heart. But when someone is so convinced they are right, I tend to second guess myself. Your words made this so much easier. 🙂
While you can probably be too certain about following your heart too, 🙂 as a writers our hearts are all we can depend on. Definitely trust yourself, Anna. You have great instincts!
Thanks for the laugh, VI… I needed it.. That quote is HYSTERICAL….
I am SOOOOO excited for you and your release. The cover is AWESOME! As for you insecurities… keep breathing. I honestly feel that the “FIRST” book will come out after the success of this one. There are many authors who have “prequels” published after the success of their current book.
You STORY will be read…. As intended, but not just yet…
Funny how the opinion of ONE critic changes the WHOLE POV of our original story. It happens ALL The time. Sadly. But we as writers sometimes must say NO if we can.
I know my editor wanted me to change the personality of one characters in my second novel. It would have KILLED the comedic relief in the story which was very much needed … (as you know.. my editor wanted Mandy(the general’s daughter) played as a smart, nerdy type girl…I don’t think so. LOL. Mandy is one of my favorite characters.)
I am looking forward to READING your book…. At some point, I’ll need it signed. I have quite the collection of my blogger friends’ works. And yours needs to be added to my collection.
ALL the best…
I’m much better at saying NO these days, Michael, but I sure wish it would have come earlier. LOL!
I think Mandy is one of your best characters. I’m so glad you didn’t change her into a “type.” You’d have lost everything that makes her special. Although, now that I think about it, I’m probably the last person you should listen to.
Are you kidding? I’d ALWAYS listen to you! I value your opinion more than most! You know we always see things MUCH clearer for other people than what we can for ourselves…
*hugs* I understand. It’s hard when you feel like the final product was based more on what other people expected than what you wanted to share. Here’s hoping all goes well, and I agree. You should still write and tell the story YOU want to tell. Otherwise, why do we write?
Good luck!
Absolutely, Charity. What happened in my early days would never happen to me today. If we can’t tell our story, there really is no point.
I think mystery readers want different stories…stories that don’t follow the rules so strictly. Where’s the fun in that? Many mysteries are the same and you can figure out the ending so easily. I think your book would be different in a good way and refreshing.
Since the first book isn’t published, I wouldn’t be worried about this one being a sequel. Technically, now, it’s the first. 😉
You’re going to do great. I know it! 🙂
Thanks, Chrys! You’re right. Mystery readers, all readers really, want in some degree to be surprised. I sometimes wonder if publishers understand this.
Congratulations on your upcoming release!
I think what’s so challenging as a new writer, is we don’t always know what advice is bad. An industry pro tells us something, we are tempted to believe it. Over time, this gets a little more clear, though I hear all the time these hang-ups writers have based on one line of advice they heard years ago.
You’re publishing a book. Congrats!
Thank you, Stephanie! I agree. Especially with genre writing, it’s so easy for writers to get caught up with rules and formula, they forget the importance of story.
Why not self-publish the first book as a more affordable paperback? It could whet the appetite for others to buy the hardcover. Just a thought.
Who knows what will appeal to readers? Conventional wisdom just leads to boring reading! 🙂
I will be saying big prayers for the success of A TWIST OF HATE. 🙂
I think it’s an excellent idea, Roland. In fact, I was intending to self-publish the first book as an e-book. This is probably one of those times I should have trusted my instincts, gone forward, and not listened to expert advice. But in this case I was looking for a way out because I know how much work is involved in self-publishing. It was my decision not to go forward, and I’ve no one to blame but myself.
Oh, good luck, VC. I completely understand the insecurities and fears, as my book launched last month.
My advice is to stay busy with anything you can, preferably writing, so you can’t dwell on it. I wish you lots of sales!
Thanks, JH! It is a very scary thing to send one’s work out into the world, isn’t it? Fortunately I have another draft manuscript to distract me. Sometimes it even works. 🙂
Cool to have a book in hard cover. Wishing you all success on the new book. You piqued my curiosity to read it. http://mpaxauthor.com
Thank you, Mary, and thanks for swinging by!
You know what? This book is going to find its readers and its market. It will be epic, even if it’s not what you initially intended. It’s still yours and amazing.
Well said, Crystal. I’m trying to get all the insecurities out of my system before the book launches. I’m not sure it’s working, but my intentions are good. 🙂
Rules, especially in writing, are made to be broken.
I agree, Allison. While we all need to learn the rules, until a writer is secure enough to break those rules, s/he will never find their true voice.
I know it’s easier said than done, but relax! Your story is excellent, and well-told. You’ll be fine. I sure hope it’ll be available in e-version, too, so it can reach a larger audience.
Thank you, Susan. I retained the digital rights, but I can’t exercise them for six months after the hardcover release. Maybe at that time I can release both the first book and A Twist of Hate in e-book format. Or maybe I’ll just fly to the moon or become a thoracic surgeon instead. 😀
Love the Konrath quote! Yep!
Interested to read the twists and turns of this book. Why only hard back? Not only are they expensive, they’re too heavy to read propped up in bed at night, my preferred reading position! I want to read this, as it sounds well-researched and intriguing. Paperback sometime?
I can only imagine the insecurity just before a novel comes out. But relax!!
Denise 🙂
My IWSG post on Mindfulness
The publisher bought bought the hardback & large type rights, Denise. I chose to retain the digital, etc. Now I wish I hadn’t, but as they say, hindsight is 20/20.
I feel your pain, even though someone else said that already. Did they buy your ebook rights but aren’t going to put it out that way? Mostly library market, right? If you still have your electronic rights, how long before you can put that out yourself? Sometimes there’s more than one way. Sometimes not. That really bites but it’s a really good way to get your name out there. Don’t fret. It will work out the way it’s supposed to. No matter how much screaming and hair pulling you do.
Thank you, Carol, I needed to hear (read) that. Yes, Five Star is primarily book club/library market. I have six months before I can exercise digital rights. While at present, that sounds like a lifetime, I know it will go by fast. As slow as I work, maybe I should start formatting now. 🙂
I’m not wired right to do my own formatting. That kind of thing makes me crazy. Will they let you use the hardback cover or do you have to get your own? Email me if you need names or suggestions for either of these.
Thanks so much, Carol. I suspect Five Star won’t let me use the cover, a shame because it’s perfect. They asked for my input, which I assumed they’d ignore. I nearly fainted with joy when I saw the cover for the first time.
I suspect you’re correct about the cover.
Hi, VI,
Glad I dropped down to read this. Let me know when you’re ready for a cover design, if you need one… I’d LOVE to create something amazing for you… I have worked on many covers over the past few years. Keep me posted…
Awesome, Michael. Thank you!
Once upon a time, I read a piece of writing advice that I think applies. It had to do with a novel that wasn’t quite working. The advice was to write the sequel to it. Then toss the first novel. So, I wouldn’t worry too much about the first novel unless someday you want to put it out as a prequel.
And libraries love hardbacks. Get it into libraries and build your fan base that way.
Exactly the plan, Liz. A Twist of Hate will be marketed primarily to libraries. I’m not worried about the first book other than, in my opinion, it is the better of the two novels. Darker, better written, more original, definitely quirkier. Unfortunately, publishers are afraid of anything out of the norm, at least anything written by a debut writer. Not that I blame them! Didn’t even matter the manuscript won awards.
Poor VR, this novel has had a long, insecure journey. But it is out there (almost) and you have overcome lots to get it here. Many people out there still prefer hardback books to paper or e-book. The book will do well, I am sure.
Good point, Donna. At least it will be out there. If only that were the end of it. Ha! Publishing is hard road for those who like to move forward. I wrote this book five years, three states, and four houses ago. I’m ready to move on.
Ouch! This book is out there now (well almost) and that’s a good thing! When do hardbacks turn to paperbacks? Or does it vary?
It depends on the publisher, Holly. In Five Star’s case, they only do paperback in large print. Because their focus is libraries, they specialize in hardback, although in most cases they do an ebook release as well.
Hey, you’re getting a book published the traditional way. Congratulations! Promote the heck out of it. Get busy on the next one. Enjoy the ride.
Play off the Page
Thanks, Mary. My plans exactly! I just set aside this one day to be get the insecurities out of my system. 🙂
Everything we go through is meant to teach us something. In this case, it sounds like it taught you quite a bit. And, you ended up with a book (a beautiful one, by the way) in the end. Not bad. Wishing you much success on your new release.
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