I feel like I've reached a strange turning point. I am at the point where I can see the completion of two of my novels. I know I will finish them and that they will be polished by the end of the calendar year.
I accept my predilection for short novels and novellas - both writing and reading them. I move forward with perhaps just under or just over 50K words. I am unapologetic about it. I can think of no novel I love more than 'The Great Gatsby.' I can't count the number of times I've read it. It's under 50K words.
After reading your comments and blog posts about getting published, I accept the fact that I will need to work hard to market my work and perhaps change my internet presence a little, maybe a lot, before I publish even a short story. The cool thing is that I can see the path I need to take, and it actually sounds like it could be fun.
The tricky part I think is transitioning to the pseudonym I plan to use. My stories are not my life stories, but I admit some of my characters and plot points have at least a seed of truth from my real life. I don't like the spotlight on me - I never have. So I don't mind publishing my work without anyone knowing it's me. I don't need validation from my family. I was extremely successful in my first career and don't need to prove anything to anyone with my second one, writing. How lucky am I to be able to change careers at 40 and go for the kind of success I really wanted?
The project manager inside of me that worked very hard for the last twenty years is busy planning the route I will take - Twitter, Facebook, a new web site, book covers, etc. Luckily my daughter is fabulously artistic and can give some input on the visuals. And although I have lost my programming skills over the last 5 years, I can probably throw together a web site that doesn't look like I did it myself.
The tiny light in the far distance is much closer now. I can see more than just a glimmer of light this morning. I can see the horizon in the distance just enough to be excited about it.
Thanks to all of you who have pushed me along and shared your experiences - especially my writing partner who detailed through forty pages with me last night.
Good for you! Hugs and smiles, too!
ReplyDeleteFantastic News! I hope everything works out just like you want it. Fingers crossed.
ReplyDeleteI am so happy things are looking up for you.
This is great, Tonja! Happy for you.
ReplyDeleteAnd you are going the pseudonym route? Well, you KNOW my opinion on that. :)
All - Thanks! :)
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