Saturday, August 21, 2010

Not the Usual Jitters


So I have a new book coming out on September 1st and usually at this point, I’m jittery, a wee bit nervous, starting to chew my fingernails down to nubs. The writer’s insecurity comes through and I start to stress that this time, I’ve let my readers down. They won’t like it. It has too much sex (strangely, yes, that is one of my most frequent concerns). There isn’t enough plot. Something will be wrong with it.

With this release, I’m feeling little of that. I love this story. I think it’s the best thing I’ve written in years. My editor loved it as well giving me another boost of confidence.

Now the concern is…what if I’m wrong? What if readers don’t love my baby as much as I do?

Usually when a reviewer or reader comments negatively about some aspect of my book, I shrug it off. When a reviewer commented that Marvin and the Three Bears was mostly sex and no story, I couldn’t help but agree (that was kind of the point of that story after all).

But with Shadow’s Embrace, because I love it so much, what will I do? Crash and burn? Wail? Okay, I know myself, I’ll whimper, have a glass of wine, declare the reviewer an illiterate hack (it’s just something I do to relieve the stress) and move on.

It’s strange to have the confidence in a book and still feel the release jitters. After more than 25 stories, you’d think I’d get used to it. I guess it doesn’t go away. I guess the only choice is to make it part of the adventure!

Shadow’s Embrace comes out from Ellora’s Cave, Wednesday, September 1st.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

I had no idea you've written 25 stories! Good going! I am sure that it's going to go over great.
Veronica

Anonymous said...

I'm sure SHADOW'S EMBRACE is awesome! (and I'm so glad to know I'm not the only one with these insecurities!) Congrats on the newest release!

Jackie Ivie

LizbethSelvig said...

We hear these tales are true and when you describe yours I can imagine how real the nerves are. I only hope to follow in your quaking footsteps one day :-) Congrats on the new release!
Liz

Lynn Lovegreen said...

It's kind of comforting that veterans of writing still get the jitters. I'm sure this book's run will be at least as good as the others, so hang in there and have a great release day!

Boone Brux said...

I love your cover. I'm not sure if it's good or bad to know that we never get over the jitter of pleasing everybody. If some hag doesn't like your book, what's the worst thing that can happen? I'm sure it's beyond incredible. Have faith little buckaroo!

boone

Juniper Bell said...

I think the jitters mean you still care, and that's a very good thing. Good luck with Shadow's Embrace, I don't think you have anything to worry about.