Just One Click!
I’m sitting in my office procrastinating, yet I’m not usually a procrastinator. That’s really not the right word. Pondering why I was pausing and reorganizing my books for the umpteenth time inspired this week’s SOUL STORY.
I’ve had several stimulating, collaborative conversations in the last few weeks with extraordinary authors. Multi-published, indie, debut, hybrid, best selling…the whole gamut. And I took time to reflect, process, and digest each morsel. I’m grateful for fellow writers who have been candid and authentic — both on and offline. First of all, thanks so much–I appreciate YOU!
So why did I grab my phone and speak aloud? (VIDEO BELOW). Believe it or not, this computer mouse symbolizes a moment. I’m one click away from doing something brave. I was chatting with a new-ish friend–we bonded instantly. We are both querying our fiction manuscripts right now, which means seeking a literary agent. (And also consuming copious amounts of dark chocolate and coffee).
She texted me a few days ago.
“Did you hit send yet?”
I gnawed on the cap of my purple pen. Then I wrote back.
“No. I want my letter to be perfect.”
Frankly, I’ve revised it a gazillion times. I love writing. I love editing just as much, actually, sometimes more! But I can become immersed in the revision process. Long story short, my friend messaged me again this morning.
“Did you send it?”
You can guess the answer. I told her Mercury is still in retrograde; next week is better. She didn’t buy it. (Side note: tech and communication has definitely been wonky. Though it may be “woo woo,” I DO believe it!)
Something else she said reverberated in my mind after I shared that I don’t fear rejection. I truly believe wherever we are is where we (or, in this case, my book!) are supposed to be. And I’m one of those people that just goes for it. That’s how I have always lived.
So she wrote back, “I’ll challenge you. Isn’t being a perfectionist sort of a fear of rejection?”
Whoa. WOW. A kindred spirit who digs deep. What a fascinating question. My synapses started firing rapidly as I muddled it over.
While I don’t fully agree with my friend, I considered and appreciated her provocative perspective. Tweaking, trimming, and revising fuels me. Seriously. Just ask my husband and kids.
Confession: When I first started Every Soul Has A Story, which began as a weekly blog, I’d revise it at least eight times before sending to you. Once I noticed that I’d edited a message thirteen times! Some call it perfectionistic. Others (ahem, moi!) call it pride in one’s work and striving for excellence.
Besides timing and listening to my gut, what was stopping me from hitting the button? Just one quick tap and my words would rocket into cyberspace. No biggie, right?
Our banter prompted infinite questions. Here are a few:
Do you relate to any of the above?
What prompts you to pause in your tracks?
What stops you from clicking the button?
Think about it and let me know. I would love to hear from you.
And please CLICK on the video below to hear the rest of my brief rambling!