When I originally started writing, I would often get overwhelmed. Not as much from the writing aspect of it, but from everything AFTER the writing process. Editing. Publication. Marketing. Presenting.
I like my downtime and wrote most of Becoming American during the night hours when I couldn’t sleep. I worked out plot lines in my head while sitting in the canopy of Oaks and Pines in my bow hunting stand. Writing is a solitary endeavor, but it gives me time to slip out of reality and get lost in my own kind of movie.
However, everything after the writing is a team sport. There’s collaboration with an editor (God bless them) and often times more than one, with a cover designer etc. It is vital to surround yourself with a great team so choose your team mates wisely, realizing that it’s not a cookie cutter one size fits all situation.
Find a mentor.
I did this early on. I reached out to a couple of fellow authors I knew and were humbled by their willingness to help. Jacqueline West, bestselling author of the Elsewhere Series took much time to answer my questions and share with me her query and synopsis for her books. Another successful author I know, Robert Crane, self-publishes and has been extremely successful in the marketing of his series and has lent advice. I took a long shot and reached out to the famous Graham Salisbury, author of several books, but most notably, Under the Blood Red Sun, and guess what? HE REPLIED! Not only did he reply, he sent me a review of my book, with permission to place it on the cover. I could never thank him enough. I also have a great friend, Thekla Madsen, who is an extremely talented crime novelist (Angry Nurse, Bad Juju) who lends her ear and suggestions when we get together.
But remember that not all associations are positive associations. Choose your team wisely. They should be people who will push you and give you constructive criticism, but have a genuine interest in wanting to help you succeed.
List your resources.
What are your strengths?
Social media? Communication skills? Persistence? Work ethic?
List them and understand the list will grow as you do. Lean on them.
Keep your “why” in front of you!
The critics can often be louder than your supporters. Thank them for your success. They will fuel your fire and keep you going when you want to quit. Post your positive reviews/ pictures of your “why” in front of you. You can have several reasons why you love to do what you do. Don’t let a critic overshadow them.
Remain humble and help others in the climb.
Put simply: don’t be an arrogant jerk. Remember where you came from and help others achieve their goals. Never forget one of the best sayings ever:
“A trickle of encouragement from one, can be a river of hope to another.”