Dancing with Doubt: The Scary Thrill of Putting My Book Out There
When I first started writing my books, I poured my heart into them, fueled by passion and a love for storytelling. But now that I’m stepping into the phase where I need to share my work with the world, a new emotion has settled in—self-doubt.
Will people like it? The thought of selling my first book is thrilling, but it’s also terrifying. What if no one reads it? Will they understand what I was trying to say? Will it get lost in the sea of other books out there? These questions swirl in my mind, a constant chorus of "what ifs." It’s vulnerable. It’s scary. And yet, it’s also part of the process.
The truth is, I’m still scared. But I’ve come to realize that fear doesn’t have to be the enemy. In fact, fear can be a sign that I’m doing something meaningful—something worth pursuing. Instead of letting it stop me, I’m learning to embrace it. But here's the thing: I'm choosing to embrace the fear. I'm choosing to dance with the doubt. Because I know that fear is often a sign that you're doing something meaningful, something that matters to you.
This book, this story, it's a part of me. It's a culmination of years of dreaming, writing, and revising. It's a testament to my passion, my perseverance, and my belief in the power of storytelling.
And so, I'm pushing through the fear. I'm sharing my book with the world, even with my heart pounding and my palms sweating. Because I know that the only way to overcome fear is to face it head-on.
I'm reminding myself that not everyone will love my book, and that's okay. Not every story is meant for every reader. But for those who do connect with it, for those who find solace or inspiration or escape within its pages, that's what makes it all worthwhile.
So, to my fellow creatives, I say this: embrace your fear. Dance with your doubt. Put your work out there, even if it scares you. Because the world needs your stories. It needs your voice. And you deserve to be heard.
Here are a few things that help me navigate self-doubt:
Remembering my "why": Reconnecting with the reasons why I wrote the book in the first place.
Focusing on the process: Celebrating the small victories and acknowledging the effort I've put in.
Practicing self-compassion: Being kind to myself and recognizing that self-doubt is a normal part of the process.
So here I am—scared but determined, nervous but hopeful, embracing the fear and trusting the process. Selling my first book might not be easy, but I know it’s worth it.
