Talking About the Work-in-Progress
Do you find you enjoy talking about your writing while not getting a great deal more written?
I am too often aware that I engage my efforts in:
- acts of self-promotion which are in danger of being more like arrogance
- appealing to social media’s attractive opportunities
- grasping the buzz of the feel good factor
Let’s Look Closer at Each Distraction
#1 arrogance
Every time I talk or write about my novel writing, however fleeting or minute the mention, am I not really engaging in misplaced self-promotion?
As far as a novel goes, I haven’t had one published yet. So, I’m a writer, but I am not a published author/novelist. I know that’s the case, but am I secretly hoping the listener or reader won’t know The Truth of the Matter? It does make me feel uncomfortable afterwards. Surely the family and friends who know I write should be enough for me!
#2 social media
If/when my novel is published, it will be time to tie myself to every social media outlet where I feel welcome. Currently, my role there is to let folks know this blog exists, new post by post, and to read the news of established and debut authors. Make connections, just being Me.
I could, however, be giving the appearance I’ve already achieved my aim. I may not mean to brag, but that nagging self-doubt is real, it’s there to remind me I am Just Me.
Plus, the authors I most admire know how to be on the Web without telling too many home truths and family tales. I might know they have a child – do I need that child’s name? Of course I don’t.
I am a writer but the present product is not fully created – if I try and talk it into being, might it not disappear from view before you’ve seen it?
#3 feel good factor
Any venture is more easily gained with the aid of emotional interaction. The authors I follow on social media enjoy connecting with their readers. I’m sure that there are other authors who have stayed beyond the reaches of the electronic limelight. Perhaps they prefer more traditional media – the press, TV, radio.
The ultimate aim for all authors is the sell books, increase library loans, get on the bestseller lists, to be noticed for their writing efforts.
Right, that’s me told
Write first, then I can be bold!
