I’m deep in the throes of imposter syndrome. I know novelists who make their living from the sales of their books, so who am I to write one?
I’m finding myself diminishing the accomplishment of finishing my first novel. When I talk to someone about it, I temper my excitement with a soft put-down. It feels unjustified to say I’ve written a novel. I’m self-publishing and I know that’s legitimate now. It’s not like the old days when self-publishing meant lower quality writing, printing, graphics, etc. Now it means entrepreneurship and moxie.
So, I have to stop doing the self-deprecation thing. BTW, this feels like therapy. Feel free to bill me.
Mark Manson dealt with this common phenomenon recently. And by writing about it here, I’m simply following his best advice:
Try to develop positive meta-emotions around your feelings of inadequacy. Accept that this is a part of you. Instead of dreading it or wishing it wasn’t there, develop a playful attitude around it. “Oh, there’s my inadequacy again, always showing up just when I need it.”
Feelings of inadequacy can actually be incredibly productive, if you consciously channel them in a healthy way. Ask yourself, ‘What can I do with this feeling that will leave me better off?’ Maybe that’s some extra work. Maybe that’s reaching out to a friend and saying nice things. Maybe that’s simply connecting with a partner or family member and letting them know how you feel.
Keeping Tradition Alive
My late brother-in-law Dave created the artwork for my books The Naked Truth and Venus Rising. I would have hired him to do the same for the novel. So, my sister-in-law Barb and I sifted through his archives to see whether there was something appropriate. We found silly cartoons and hundreds of sketches – all pure Dave. And then we found a theme: trees. Nature is part of the story. The first book is icier with some trauma and sadness. The first tree image depicts it perfectly. And this is Barb’s beautiful work to put it together.
I already know which trees of Dave’s I’ll use for the second and third books. It feels so good to have him involved, even posthumously. Because as you know, just because someone is no longer with you, doesn’t mean the love goes away.
Publication date for Pieces of Us is still to come. And I have a question for you first.
This novel is the darkest of the three in the series. The story includes a sexual assault and a suicide attempt. Do you, as a reader, need a warning that these things are coming? Back in the old days, stories unfolded and characters experienced unpleasant incidents without the reader’s prior knowledge. Both traumatic instances are in the backstory of the main character (but they’re not both about the main character).
Times change. Trigger and content warnings are becoming more common. I’m not going to slap yellow caution tape around the book. But I am interested in knowing whether you think it’s worth mentioning before someone purchases the novel. Please have your say below. There’s no right answer, I’m simply looking for feedback. Thank you!
I feel for some a warning night be needed, while sexual assault and suicide are real life issues they may trigger certain people. Again though it may be a help to some knowing they are not alone in a similar situation. A difficult decision for you Lisa, but I know you will find the right answer.
Thank you, Pauline! Much appreciated.
I am not noticing trigger warnings on books (maybe I don’t read enough!). I would say no. I think in this day and age, the vast majority of us knows to proceed with caution when it comes to movies, books etc.
Can’t wait to read your novel!
Okay, thank you, Patricia!
Celebrate your accomplishment, Lisa! There are so many people who talk about writing a novel and never do it. They make excuses about time or some probably even get into their heads too much. That is the path for killing creativity! Thing is we all have the same amount of time to work with. The fact you managed yours to see this dream through is praiseworthy. I am not saying to ignore your feelings though. They do arrise for a reason and I agree with Mark. Use these productively or give them the boot… blessing them with love before you release them. And, please, when you tell people with excitement that you wrote a book wear that pride gladly. Us women tend to deflect compliments. We work to just say “thank you” without getting into “oh, this old thing.” I suppose it’s similar here. But, please, never dampen your full expression of joy. The world needs your enthusiasm and your inspiration. ❤️ And if the people you’re talking to don’t get the importance of what writing a book means to you, you might be around the wrong people.
Thank you, Carolyn. You and George have been so encouraging and supportive. I can’t thank you enough. I will do my best to replace self-deprecation with joy.
First of all, I want to say that the title, description and artwork on the cover instantly caught my attention.
Reading the words “sisters, secrets and sacrifices” tells me there are some hardships in the lives of the Griffin women. Now I’m curious and want to read what happened to them. For me personally, I would buy the book right there. I wouldn’t want to know about the sexual assault or attempted suicide…yet. It might make me question wanting to read it. I’m thinking that by the time that chapter is revealed in the book, I’ve already been eased into knowing the characters and where their path in life has taken them. So, I guess my answer to your question is that I do not need a warning.
Thanks so much, Claire. Sorry I revealed those details! 😉
Hi Lisa. I LOVE the cover. As for the warnings, I don’t know if it’s necessary. I always read what the book is about and then go for it. I tend to read a certain genre but if I stumble across something interesting, I will read it. Warnings don’t scare me away but they may sway my decision to read or not read the book. This may not be really helpful, BUT, again, I love the cover.
Thanks, Mary Ann. And I’m glad you like the cover! My SIL did an amazing job with her brothers art.
Well done you!! Writing a book is a major accomplish and you should never diminish that accomplishment. I have read many books and never have I seen a warning notice for what it may contain. Would you put a notice for what it doesn’t contain? I believe if you are interested in reading it you will see the story for what it is and the characters for who they are. Your cover is compelling and has me wanting to read the book(s). Looking forward to hearing of the publication date so I can purchase your book(s)
Thanks, KP! I appreciate this.
I appreciate trigger warnings and can see how they would have a place in books, movie, art, music…From there, readers etc can have the choice to watch or read depending on the trigger content. I see them more and more and they do help me make choices in what I watch or read. In my opinion, it is always better to err on caution than have someone have an unexpected reaction. An artist can’t anticipate everything, just do their best. Great question Lisa.
Thanks for weighing in, Mali.
Congrats on finishing and publishing your first novel, Lisa!! Having read at least one of your previous books, I KNOW the writing will be top-notch. Maybe that will help your feelings of imposter syndrome 🙂 I know those feelings; they can be difficult. Hope you can find a way to use them or, at least, quiet them. Regarding the trigger warning. Will you have a synopsis on the back cover? Maybe a mention of the “darkness” could be possible, there? I don’t think a full-on “yellow tape” statement is the way to go, as you indicated. My 2 cents 🙂 – Jane
I appreciate your input, Jane. It’s funny that you say you know those feelings as I just came from the room where your gorgeous painting graces a wall. It makes me happy every time I look at it. Thanks again!
Thank you, Dan!
If I had a dollar for every novel I started and never finished I’d be richer than if I’d actually written and sold a book. I love the cover. I think a trigger warning is a good idea but I wish it wasn’t necessary. Reading a book with the anticipation of what happens next is what makes it exciting. Anyway, congratulations on finishing a novel. I look forward to reading it, Lisa.
Thanks so much, Linda.
I don’t need a trigger warning. That’s all I know!
I can’t wait to read it. No trigger warning needed on books, I usually know the subject matter when I’m choosing what book to read. I’ll read anything you’ve written. I’ve just recently read and enjoyed and appreciated the knowledge from your two books, My Sepsis Story…. as well as the Naked Truth.
Thank you, Jenn. I’m grateful.
I’m glad I hopped on here to read your blog. I had no idea you have written so many books and that you survived sepsis. I’d really like to read about that. How scary. I love the cover and title of this recent book of yours. Congratulations!!
Thank you, Alida. 😉
First, let me say how PROUD I am of you for doing this….as well as in total AWE: all I know is writing from my own experiences as I realize what incredible imagination and perseverance it must take to put yourself into someone else’s life and then flesh it out with characters and a whole storyline, never mind THREE stories! Incredible!
As for the warnings, if, say, Jann Arden had warned readers about the things that would happen in her first fiction outing, many might have been turned off and not taken the journey. When we wrap our arms around a character, I think we’re in for the whole story. You will make us care for them and want to see how it all turns out. As someone said, the descriptor on the front cover tells us it’s not going to be without challenges. And if I know you, it’ll be written beautifully, handled with loving care and attention to detail. SO excited for you, my friend!!!!
Thank you! I hope I live up to this. 😉
Hey Lisa, I read your book The Naked Truth and the title immediately told me what to expect; adventure, drama, humour, and struggle to name a few reasons to dive in. Thanks for the experience. I have 80 years of life experiences and three sisters, so, the title and words on this cover adequately describe the complexity I can expect from your story. There will be many complicated pieces to interpret, many secrets to unravel, a lot of surprises and, because they are women, abundant sacrifices that are intended to be extremely loving for others and/or themselves. I fully expect to be surprised by impossible to imagine emotions and events. So, Go Lisa, no further warnings needed, I want to experience this book. Thanks again!
Thank you, Terry. 😊