Ego-death
This is a paragraph from The Comic Toolbox: How to be Funny Even if You’re Not by John Vorhaus—
You open your mouth to tell a joke, but a little voice says, “Hang on, that might not work.” Then another little voice answers, “Of course it won’t work, and when it doesn’t work, you’ll look like a failure, a fool.” And a third voice chimes in, “If you’re a fool to them, you’re a fool to you, too.” And finally, “Your ego will die; then you will die.” That’s a big burden for one poor little joke to carry, is it not?
It’s also a big burden for one poor little book to carry. 
The monkeys have been chattering away like 33rpm records set on 45 the last couple of weeks.
I don’t worry about everybody liking my book. Not everybody is going to like it. That whole cuppa tea thing. (And,umm…if you are or are related to a narcoleptic sheriff who heads up one of those animal lodge thingies, I should just apologize right now.) Worrying about public reaction is ridiculously premature at this stage, and yet it colors every word on the page. Puce, even!
So how can I feel mentally prepared and scared to death at the same time? And does it get better, or should I just start figuring out what my drink of choice will be now?
April 6th, 2005 at 2:55 am
No clue. I’m thin skinned, so I’m a bit terrified. If you figure out a way to let it go, please share.
April 6th, 2005 at 8:34 am
the skin does thicken after awhile hon. Don’t sweat it…people will love your book. From what I’ve read of it, I love it. It makes me howl (in a good way!)
Smooches!
*kicks the doubt monkey on the way out*
April 6th, 2005 at 10:15 am
It gets better. Or else you don’t notice because you’ve become a bitter old hag. Like me!
April 6th, 2005 at 10:53 am
Oh Shannon Shannon Shannon, let me help ease your mind. Not only will some people not like your book, but after it releases some people won’t like you anymore since you’re writing porn. That doesn’t seem to bother Jaci (she mean and had no friends anyway) but it has cost me all my friends and all I did was co-author one little bitty book. Oh, but I’m real popular in pervert circles
See, now don’t you feel better already.
April 6th, 2005 at 11:37 am
It gets better, then it gets worse, and then it gets better and then, the day before release, you need to make sure you have drink of choice AT your desk cuz OMG…. but then it gets better.
:P real clear, eh?
You’ll be fine. I know it’ll be a smash hit! :)
April 6th, 2005 at 11:46 am
Just focus on your story, because that’s all that matters. Everything else will sort itself out! Here are two of my favorite quotes: “It’s only a book” - Lawrence Block. And “If you’re blocked, lower your sites.” - Lawrence Block.
If you still can’t shut up the critical voices, get out your timer, set it for 10 minutes, and WRITE until it goes off as fast as you can. Works for me!
April 6th, 2005 at 4:03 pm
What kind of cocktail would you like? I’ve got my shaker out.
April 6th, 2005 at 7:44 pm
TGIF makes this premixed mudslide that totally rocks. My neighbor and I shared a big bottle while camping, and…let’s just say we had a blast trying to find the bathhouse in the dark.
I’ve had the day from hell.
April 6th, 2005 at 10:23 pm
Some people will read your book and
Some people will read your book and
Some people will read your book and
Some people will read your book and
And as long as nobody reads your book and :snore: then you should be happy.
April 7th, 2005 at 1:16 pm
Hopefully more people will
than :rant:!