Your timing with this post is sooo exactly what I needed today! I've paid my dues as a writer, but not at getting published. Now self-publishing is accessible to anyone with a pc and I have no excuses, and someone today told me to get off the pot if I'm not going to p^ss into it and nobody encouraged him (i.e., so I should quit looking for mentors, editors, and tech-help, and fly solo?). You've published an anthology of your freewrites - you are a REAL writer and I'm the wannabe, by this guy's logic. And I should put myself out there. Get those novels pared down and polished. Get them self-published. Don't look at sales, don't count up the reviews, don't read the one-star slams. Just do it.
So many days, I'd rather just collect a paycheck and not look back. But you remind me today: It's not like I'll quit writing just because you don't understand the way I feel and how much work it is and how much it means to me.
But some kid out there might. Because all his life, he's been told that writing isn't a real job. Neither is painting. Neither is acting. Neither is playing guitar.
Much better to just be a doctor or a lawyer - something your parents can brag to the neighbors about, right?
Thank you for this @honeydue!
Ha I'm so glad my words could help you a little :) I agree with this friend of yours - if you wait for someone to push you, you'll wait your whole life. I know it's hard and how much more convenient it would be if there was some third party to make you do it and give you drive and courage and all, but the truth is, that comes all from within.
You should publish those novels, why not? As you said on another post of mine, take advantage of all this technological progress. I think self-publishing is great for so many reasons and it's a truly empowering experience, so really, go out there and do it. Nothing's stopping you :) And I'm here if you have any questions or if there's anything I can help you with, Carol <3
Thank you!