So happy for you, Justin! Fear is just an acronym... F.E.A.R. - False Expectations Appearing Real. We all do it. Conjure up false thoughts that prevent us from doing things. Yet when we actually take that scary step, we discover that our fear was unfounded. Congratulations for taking that step!
Agreed, Patricia! It certainly seems to be the case. The same with writing. It’s maybe a little scary sending work out into the world at first, but over time it gets easier.
The worst thing that can happen is you hear a no. It stops stinging after a while. It is just like receiving rejection letters from publishers. After a while you just laugh and start using them as wallpaper.
Exactly, Sharron. I’ve racked up more rejection letters than I can count. I don’t think I was nervous about the outcome—more so the act of pitching my book in person! 😱
Hahaha. Thanks so much, man. I appreciate the vote of confidence. I’ve fallen behind with my Substack reading, but I hope to get caught up with it—and your letters!—this weekend. Looking forward to it. 😃
Justin, I am so excited about walking into Oblong and seeing your book on display!! Looking forward to doing that. Also, I have to comment on the photograph accompanying this post. Absolutely perfect about taking chances!!! Cooper is looking very brave with his dad behind him!!!!
Haha, thank you so much, Andrea! I figured the photo would be a good match, so I appreciate you mentioning it! I’m really excited about Oblong, too. Speaking of which…I should probably check in with Oblong to make sure they haven’t set it out already…if nothing more, I’d love to go in and see it displayed! 😃
If a person is pushing an excellent product, they will succeed. The only question is - When? I'm glad to see you just plugging along and "doing the work" to ensure that things happen sooner than later. Keep the chin up Justin.
PLEASE let us know how you do at Oblong. What an adventure! Congratulations on your new BOLDNESS. $8 is NOT too much. Not at all. I would pay twice that.
It’s really been so much fun. I have zero expectations, but maybe some local friends will pick up a copy. If nothing more, it will be neat to see the book in their new fiction display. I’ve learned a lot from you, Sharron. Thank you for your support along the way! 🙏
What a great true story!!! So glad you found the confidence to overcome your fear and now your book is selling in that bookstore she recommended you try !!! You are such a talented writer.Love you and keep doing what you are doing!!
So happy for you, Justin! Fear is just an acronym... F.E.A.R. - False Expectations Appearing Real. We all do it. Conjure up false thoughts that prevent us from doing things. Yet when we actually take that scary step, we discover that our fear was unfounded. Congratulations for taking that step!
Thank you so much, Heather. It’s so true. We can become our own worst enemies far too easily. And I love the acronym, by the way!
F.E.A.R. - that's a keeper
Now that you got the first hump out of the way, approaching other places will be a lot easier. =)
Agreed, Patricia! It certainly seems to be the case. The same with writing. It’s maybe a little scary sending work out into the world at first, but over time it gets easier.
The worst thing that can happen is you hear a no. It stops stinging after a while. It is just like receiving rejection letters from publishers. After a while you just laugh and start using them as wallpaper.
Luckily the world does not stop spinning just because someone tells us no.
Right you are! NO is not a criticism of the writing. It just means the right venue has not been found yet.
Exactly, Sharron. I’ve racked up more rejection letters than I can count. I don’t think I was nervous about the outcome—more so the act of pitching my book in person! 😱
This read like a victory lap, It's inspiring. Congrats on your newfound confidence.
Thank you, J.R.Q.! Life seems a tiny bit easier with a shred of it!
Congrats man. To do anything more after fathering and teaching feels like enough for a life. But to write and sell a book - we need to get you a cape!
Hahaha. Thanks so much, man. I appreciate the vote of confidence. I’ve fallen behind with my Substack reading, but I hope to get caught up with it—and your letters!—this weekend. Looking forward to it. 😃
They aren’t going anywhere- take your time. I appreciate you nevertheless ❤️
Justin, I am so excited about walking into Oblong and seeing your book on display!! Looking forward to doing that. Also, I have to comment on the photograph accompanying this post. Absolutely perfect about taking chances!!! Cooper is looking very brave with his dad behind him!!!!
Haha, thank you so much, Andrea! I figured the photo would be a good match, so I appreciate you mentioning it! I’m really excited about Oblong, too. Speaking of which…I should probably check in with Oblong to make sure they haven’t set it out already…if nothing more, I’d love to go in and see it displayed! 😃
If a person is pushing an excellent product, they will succeed. The only question is - When? I'm glad to see you just plugging along and "doing the work" to ensure that things happen sooner than later. Keep the chin up Justin.
I really appreciate the kind words and support, Mark. Thank you. We just have to keep trying and find a way forward!
Good on you, Justin! There is that place for you. Sometimes you shouldn't be, where you shouldn't be! --is ok!
Thank you, Ron! You make such a good point. It’s difficult to persist at times, but perhaps it’s worth it in the end!
PLEASE let us know how you do at Oblong. What an adventure! Congratulations on your new BOLDNESS. $8 is NOT too much. Not at all. I would pay twice that.
It’s really been so much fun. I have zero expectations, but maybe some local friends will pick up a copy. If nothing more, it will be neat to see the book in their new fiction display. I’ve learned a lot from you, Sharron. Thank you for your support along the way! 🙏
It will be easier with book 2, book 3, etc. etc.
Couldn’t agree more, Sharron. Everything about the process will be smoother!
What a great true story!!! So glad you found the confidence to overcome your fear and now your book is selling in that bookstore she recommended you try !!! You are such a talented writer.Love you and keep doing what you are doing!!
Love you, Mom! 💜