Letting go of fear...

Thought for today - The man who believes he can do something is probably right, and so is the man who believes he can't.




It's January for those of you that haven't noticed. And for me, that means letting go of some of my private fears and getting the two manuscripts that I have been working on for the last few months off my desk and out the door.

Submitting your manuscript. Is there any other single step in the writing process that can stir up so many conflicting emotions? Excitement at the potential for success; fear at the possibility of rejection. Wonder at having finally completed that story; worry over whether it is "good enough." The need to have others read your work; the fear of others reading your work.

Last May, when I was fortunate enough to win the year of being mentored by Brenda Novak as part of the Junvenile Diabetes Research Foundation auction she hosts, I was aware that I was doing something important for my writing career, but not truly aware of how important. We’re just a bit past the half way mark of our year together, and from my perspective, each month that we’ve worked together has clearly advanced my writing career beyond anything I might have imagined. Brenda has been a wonderful, positive, patient, and determined coach in helping me improve my writing, pushing me ever closer to my goal of publication.

But now it's time to push out of the nest and see how much I have actually learned and grown as a writer. Time to get those manuscripts off my desk and out into the real world. Through Brenda's efforts, both directly by introducing me to individuals, and indirectly in giving me advice, guidance, and coaching, this month - January - has become “submission month.” The manuscripts that we have been working with have been requested by four different editors and five different agents, with several interested in seeing both. What a marvelous, if not slightly overwhemlimg way to ring in the new year!

Keep your fingers crossed for me!

Carpe diem,
Kellie