On display and feeling nervous.
A couple of months ago, I put up the first 20 pages to Mallory’s WIP. It was a PDF file and I thought it would be helpful to let more people read it and use their feedback to start the new beta process.
WELL… I took it down. I actually DID get good feedback and I eventually figured out that my book started at the wrong place. But those 20 pages no longer exist in the WIP. My new Writing tab above is my second attempt at posting a part of my WIP.
I felt okay about that tab when I created it. I wanted a place to get feedback and to show an example of my character’s voice. I also thought it would be a place to point potential beta readers and others interested in seeing what I’m doing for hours a day.
The problem now is that I’m very nervous about it. Though I don’t fully dislike Mallory’s first page, I know it still needs work. I’ve already deviated from the posted version, but I’d rather keep up the previous draft version until I’ve had more beta feedback for the next polished version. Why do I dislike parts of that first page? Well, I think I was SO concerned with what authors are supposed to do in the first 5 pages that I lost some of her voice. It just feels a little off from the voice throughout the rest of the book.
Not a big deal, but that makes me feel odd in showing my work to you all. And then there is Hayes’ story! It’s purely first draft! What am I thinking?
I’m thinking it scares me to post my writing and that’s why I need to do it. I can’t hide my stuff just because it’s not perfect. It’s never going to be perfect. But why not take you along on my journey to BETTER? It pushes my boundaries and I think that’s a good thing.
I was TERRIFIED to post my first chapter. But I had a blog with lots of readers, who I neglected to begin writing fiction. Some of them seemed to accept the idea that I disappeared but wanted to read what I wrote. It’s both exciting and daunting to have people ask to read your work. The chapter i posted has been in that finished state since a few days after Christmas and I FINALLY got the nerve to post it this past weekend. I have a feeling that the more positive feedback you get, the easier it gets. At least I hope so!
Off to read!
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That completely makes sense.
And I’m glad you posted it! I liked it! You’re good at keeping up the tension. 
Thanks for reading!
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It’s a small step compared to getting a book out there on the market and having who knows how many strange people reading it. At least this is a little bit more controlled, and will ultimately prime you for when the day will come that you have to give up control of what you’ve created to the popular will of the people. It sucks, but we all deal with it. You’ll survive.
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Both stories sound really great. I know what you mean about putting it out there – that can be hard, but we hope that someday it will all be out there – this is the first step – and you’ve taken it! be proud. Those are great openings!
Can’t wait to read both. Hayes is calling my name, I can hear him – he’s a bit impatient… LOL
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Yup…I always thought I was a tough guy with thick skin until I started writing and SHARING.
I tell people that all the nervousness I experienced while rock climbing, competing in gymnastics, or surfing doesn’t come close to what I experience when I share my writing. It’s getting better but it’s still nerve wracking especially since all my stuff to date is personal essay/memoir.
I’ll have my wife, Lori, read your excerpts. I might lose more of my tough guy if I start reading romance!
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Hey, I found your blog (cuz I guess, it is a blog?xD), while I was looking for some photos of Jared Padalecki (he’s so cute and sexy!). I don’t really know why, but I decided to write to You. I’m from Poland and I’d like to improve my english, so if you don’t mind, we could talk about something on ICQ or by e-mails
I’m looking forward to hearing from You, by e-mail or in comment here
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Whatever works for you is great! You may still be figuring that out. As for myself, I wouldn’t dream of showing my work to people until I felt it was done. By the time I edit and rewrite and rewrite and rewrite, my book is so far from where it started as to not even be nearly the same book!
Best of luck, never surrender.
Greg Gutierrez
http://www.greggutierrez.com
Zen and the Art of Surfing
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Don’t feel like that! Yours is a MILLION times better than what I put on mine, so that should be some comfort.
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I have written my the first two books of a planned trilogy this year. It is the first serious writing I have done in over a decade. When I started it was mostly to get my legs under me and writing again.
When I finished the first book I decided I needed to start letting people read it. I figured what the hell I wrote it as practice if people don’t like it so what. It was still nerve wracking. It is what I am worst at, letting my words out into the real world.
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Do you have a critique group? They’re the best things ever! You can find a local one and great online ones that let you critique behind closed doors. That way you won’t lose first publishing rights.
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Chris- Exactly.
Erica- Hayes loves you now. *heart*
Ryan- Good to know how normal the terror happens to be.
Martyna- Haha, that’s funny that you found me that way.
I don’t really chat like that, but feel free to keep stopping by and leaving comments!
Greg- I really like your website. Do you have a blog? Didn’t see a link for one. Thanks for the comment!
Amanda- Pfftt…. All. I’m. Sayin’.
Christopher- *Whispers* I have a trilogy up my sleeves, too. Not sayin’ anything more, but Erica knows the details.
Mercedes- I don’t.
I think I’d feel more comfortable doing one online. How do I go about finding a good one?
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You’ve got a great site! Good job on putting yourself out there.
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