So. You finished your manuscript. You've polished it, then polished it again. You've sent it out to the critique group. And a couple of writer friends. Then you polished it some more.
You already know where you want to submit your book and now it's ready.
Oh. My. God. It's ready.
Butterflies take over your stomach. Not just sweet little fluttery things. We're talking monster butterflies from hell. And as cold as your feet are, you might as well have them implanted in a block of ice. Little voices in your brain are whispering evil things like "you're a hack", "you can't write", "what makes you think anyone in the world--much less *insert publisher/editor/agent name here*--would want your silly little book!
Guess what? It happens to us all. In varying degrees, it continues to happen.
Each time I submit, I get nauseous. I'm positive this book will be rejected. Worst yet, I fear my editor will send me an email telling me I'm a hack, I can't write and never to darken her doorway again.
Sometimes, the book is rejected. But then, sometimes it's not. The only way to find out what will happen with your book is to submit. Get some anti-nausea meds. A tranquilizer. A good stiff drink. Or a pot of chocolate. Whatever calms your nerves. Then hit send or drop that box in the mail.
Then start to work on the next book. Because even if this one doesn't make it, your next one might just be the next big "thing"!
For most writers, procrastination usually has a basis in something other than just laziness. My number one reason for crying procrastination is writer's block--which is another way of saying I've written myself into a corner and I can't get out!
Brainstorming usually works to plot your way out of the hole but how do you brainstorm? You can ask ten different writers and get ten different methods. Like writing methods, brainstorming can be a personal decision.
I have several methods, some of which include contacting author friends, chatting online. But other authors have deadlines and scheduling issues and can't be at my beck and call. So who is more than willing to listen to me ramble as I talk my way out of a corner?
My momma. *cackle* Turns out my mother is my best sounding board for plotting. Not because she's a writer in waiting. Not because she has great suggestions. But because she just sits there and listens.
No, she doesn't offer suggestions. Some times she doesn't say more than "hmmm" or "uh huh". But because I'm trying to make another human understand what my story is about, I find a way out of my plothole.
This method doesn't seem to work as well if I'm just talking to myself. Or to the cats--with them, I might as well be talking to myself. The act of trying to make sense of the story to another person is what does the trick for me.
Of course, as with all advice, your mileage may vary. And if your mother doesn't know what kind of kinky stuff you write, she might not be the one to try out this method. *cackle* But rather than blame your lack of progress on procrastination, find the underlying reason and move on.
Shayla
http://www.shaylakersten.com/
