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.