Not quitting yet, although putting this MS to one side
My psychotherapist once told me I see everything in black and white. The world is either coming to an end or it’s fantastic – there’s nothing in between. Unfortunately, true as it is, she didn’t give me a way to tackle it.
I have become better at keeping perspective, finding the positive, crawling away from the pit of despair (with a little medicinal assistance). But when I’m sleep-deprived and premenstrual all bets are off, drugs or no drugs. Then, a day or so later, I look back and roll my eyes. Get a grip.
And so it is this morning. When I think about my point of nadir yesterday – triggered by thinking I can’t write – I realise what went wrong. I took someone’s judgement of my first ever children’s book – and an early draft at that – as an indictment against ALL my writing.
Who did I think I was? Did I really think I could work on a novel for a couple of months – in a new genre – and it be anything other than pants? Particularly a novel written for a reason, rather than because the story demanded to be captured. My other novels took months, often with a big gap between first and second draft. The characters lived with me and demanded a voice.
So, I’ve eaten a snickers and stopped being a Diva. I got my first short but charming comment on Class Act today (“A very engaging romance”) after offering it free for a few weeks to get reviews. Phew! And I’ve come up with a new plan to fill my time until the end of term. It’s a crazy plan, but it’ll keep me busy.
I just wish I hadn’t involved the editor in my should I/shouldn’t I dramatics. I doubt she’ll ever work with me again, and she was really very good. I’m trying to remind myself of the phrase What someone else thinks of you is none of your business.
Hmmm. That one might need some work.
writermummy 
Good to see you are feeling more positive!
Just wanted to let you know that you’re definitely not alone on this one. I often feel the same way. Either everything is great and wonderful and I’m in an outstanding mood, or the world sucks and everything is out to get me and oh my god do I ever hate myself. I regularly do the same thing that you described…I look back at myself later and think, “Geez, kid, grow up.” It’s a rough go, but it’s good to hear that you’re feeling on the upside of things right now. 🙂
It’s a great support to know a fellow HSP… 🙂
Agreed. 🙂 Honestly, sometimes the only thing that keeps me from losing my mind is knowing that I have access to the thoughts (i.e. blogs, Facebook statuses, etc) of people who have the same problems as I do. o.O
Here I get more opinionated than usual. Take back your investment. This lady may be fantastic, But you have to let her know that although you agree with some of the things she says, you have to let her know you are not dependent on her opinion somehow. That way you will feel better.
As in “I might have some sort of arrangement elsewhere…” (I don’t know your business well enough, but you get the idea), and “your opinion matters a great deal to me…”, “but I think I have to use my time elsewhere.”
Amanda. This will sound very crazy. And I am taking a risk here, but it usually reels people in. Like that! Hollis x
🙂 I hadn’t actually signed an agreement and actually she gave me so much for free I feel I want to work with her someday. But not now.
Pingback: Blogging 101, Day Twelve: Be Inspired By the Community | No Page Left Blank