Simple Pressure

One of my favorite quotes.

Every aspect of life has pressures. Some feel like an elephant resting on our shoulders and some are just a simple press on our chest. Writing does not escape this. Some folks (who are not writers) would probably disagree, but like with anything, you don't know till you walk in the other person's shoes.

Lately, a simple pressure is starting to grow. Parts of me are excited that I may actually finish this manuscript and send it off. The other parts (like many of you) have the heavy weight pressing on my head. It's that moment of the unknown and the what ifs.

What if I send this out and nothing happens?

What if all I get are rejections and no interest?

That last question is what's starting to haunt me. It's the part where I can't compare myself to others, and focus on believing in me. It may not happen this round and I've sort of tried to psych myself into thinking that. It doesn't mean it won't sting if no one even asks for a partial.

But what if they don't? Sure I will feel defeated and ashamed, maybe embarrassed to face my writer friends, but I have to hold my head up and deal. It's not failure (that's what I keep telling myself). It simply means it wasn't my time.

The part I have to remember is that I've tried and if nothing happens, I'll have to try again.

Of course, I have to try first. Can you tell I'm scared to death to step into the land of query? Sure I've said it before and I'm sorry I keep saying it, but it's what's on my mind today. I'm sure all you guys want is for me to query so I'll shut up about it. :)

What are your biggest fear/pressures in writing?

Have a great day!