I have just had a very funny car ride conversation with the husband which any other author will definitely understand. He’s lovely, my husband, very proud of me and super excited about my first psych thriller I AM WATCHING YOU which is released very soon. Me? I’m ridiculously nervous to the point of embarrassment… Don’t get me wrong. I’m also excited and very proud of this book, too. My publisher, agent, editors and early readers have all loved it, but there is something weird in the psyche of the writer just before a new book is launched which turns us into mad people who suddenly panic at the thought of so many people reading our work… ‘But that’s why you write,’ my husband protests in the car – his expression all bafflement. ‘So that people will read your books.’ I know, I know. And I realise I sound insane; it’s a privilege and a joy to be an author. I worked for years and years to get here and I love it more than I can possibly say. So why the bonkers self-doubt and the (maybe just a little bit irritating?) attack of eleventh-hour nerves? I don’t know! I can only liken it to stage fright. The actor or actress loves what they do; they want to walk on stage and wow the world. They want to get better and better at their craft so that they win the next role…and the one after that, too. But they also get this uncontrollable surge of adrenalin and giant butterflies deep in their stomach just before they step out on stage. That’s where I’m at, lovely people…in the land of the giant butterflies! So if you happen to read and enjoy my new book, I will seriously love you forever if you will be kind enough to leave a review to steady my nerves. And if you are a new writer, wondering if it is normal to worry if your work will hit the spot? Please know that – yes; last-minute nerves and bonkers behaviour is entirely normal. It doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with the book or with you, apparently. It’s just something that happens. Every… single… time, alas. Wish me luck! Comments are closed.
|
AuthorTeresa Driscoll - journalist, author, mother of two and lover of great coffee. CATEGORIEsArchives
February 2024
|