Thursday, October 3, 2013

Questions and Confusion - it's all good


First edits, so exciting, so confusing. For those of you who are writers, can you remember feeling overwhelmed the first time you published? I got my first edits on Cassie’s Space the other day. This was the first time I’d even seen track editing (is that what it’s called, I’m not even sure.)

And what did I do, the moment I saw it I began pestering people for help, before I’d even looked closely to see if I could do it myself. As an educator, this is something I always caution my students to avoid. Read it, I tell them. Look it over carefully before asking for help, I say. But I’m no different than them. I see something different and immediately feel – dumb. I reached out for reassurance before I'd even tried.

Several of you were so kind to offer to help me with questions. It’s hard to ask those you really don’t know yet, for help, so hard to expose your ignorance. I believe I need to start seeing other writers here as real live people who really don’t mind helping out a newcomer. I think we tend to come into a new group feeling everyone else is an expert.

So don’t mind me – if I asked a silly question, feel free to laugh, and then answer me, please. I’m going to try to stop seeing everyone as unapproachable experts and you all please don’t view me as the dunce, just as a beginner.

14 comments:

  1. Hi PK, it must be so exciting getting first edits!

    Of course, I'm not an author, but if there is one thing I know about this community, it is how wonderfully supportive everyone is of each other and willing to help.

    Hugs,
    Roz

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    1. Roz,
      I know it's always been that way and I do love it.

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  2. I think the first time for anything is always scary, it's human nature. It is what makes life exciting though isn't. Trying and succeeding at new things.
    As I said before, you had already done the hard part, the rest was easy.

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    1. Sunny,
      I really hope you're right. But sometimes I think the writing is by far the easiest part.

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  3. PK, we all start somewhere.and many of us are only one or two books down, so we're still learning. Never be afraid to ask, even if you think you're being silly, chances are the rest of us are also asking something equally silly. Good luck.

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    1. Tara,
      I thanks you and I know you're right. Everything has to be learned and everyone has been very supportive. I'm just going to jump in and go for it.

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  4. Newcomer, beginner, novice... ignorance, silly, dumb, dunce... Say what?! Stop!

    You are writing. You are writing really good material. You've been writing good stories for years. You are moving into becoming a published author. You are learning those ropes. Most importantly, you are doing something creative and courageous with your talent. That is impressive. That is awesome.

    Hugs and hurrahs!

    Irishey

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    1. Thanks Irishey,
      That sure sounds good. The writing seems so easy, I just let Cassie talk. But she has dumped all the finding out about publishing to me I'm not sure this is a fair distribution of labor. Sometimes I feel I've reached the age where I shouldn't have to learn new things. I'm so glad life keeps proving me wrong.

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    2. I think we all knew Cassie would leave the mundane chores part of this to you. That's only fair, though. She is much too busy living the next stories. Writing them down and figuring out how to publish them - that is drudge work for her minions, namely you and your friends! ;-)

      Actually, I think she is generously giving you a brand new adventure to live for yourself. You're so right about life proving you wrong about learning new things - at any age.

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    3. True, I did know Cassie would leave the drudgery to me and you're also right that I'm loving the adventure.

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  5. How wonderful this all looks! What a fabulous blog you have here!

    I am in awe of you and what you have achieved. You are doing so well. And you seem to calm and in command of it all! Well done!

    I am so looking forward to having Cassie on my Kindle!

    Hugs

    Ami

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    1. Ami, you are sweet. I feel neither calm nor in command, but I'm glad it seems that way. I do love the idea of Cassie being out there for all.

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  6. Nothing is ever ridiculous to ask...Right? We all help. Even if I am not an author...I can empathize dear. You will succeed! Yay Cassie, never stop talking!!!!!!!! I just cannot believe I have been reading all these years....mostly in secret and NOW>>>>>TA DA!!!!!!!! Complete!

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    1. Minelle,
      It's all been such fun. When the book finally comes out I'll be over the moon!

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