So I was reading a book a little while ago and the author shared in the notes at the end of the book where this story was birthed. She was sitting with some relatives and she started sharing the current story I’m in the middle of reading.
Suddenly I got really scared! Why? Because it dawned on me that this author was sharing the beginnings of characters and plots with people! Yes, I know that this is normal practice for writers. However, I still struggle to share with my husband the stuff that goes on in my brain and this man hasn’t yet thought I was crazy.
The idea of sharing with people (even open, friendly trusting people) about the stories and characters in my head is very, very scary. It almost paralyses me with fear.
The following thoughts run through my head either before sharing or when I start:
“Wow, they are going to think I’m nuts.”
“They’re looking at me weird…time to stop sharing.”
“How can I tell someone that I’m not crazy, but I do have people inside my head that I know very well!”
“I’m not homicidal, I want to know about ways people die…its research for my story…oh no they’re looking funny at me again…”
All this and more runs through my brain when I think about sharing what’s inside my head. People know I’m writing a book, but people have not read one word of it. About 2 people have read anything of my current work in progress. That will remain that way until it is finished.
Fear of what people will think is driving me.I have quite a ways to go in conquering this fear!
She is currently writing her first novel, a contemporary women’s fiction/romance set in a small country town.
Jess is a mum of two children and married to the calmest man alive. She loves to bake and go for walks. A writer of contemporary romance, Jess write stories about the heart and where love is worth the journey.