I admit it, I have an inferiority complex.

I did say this in my last post, and noted that my feelings of inadequacy are based on the genre in which I write.  I pen romantic suspense and young adult fiction, short stories and articles.

Every so often a glowing review of a new work of fiction makes me doubt myself.  How does one hope to make even a tiny mark beside writing that’s described as “…a brilliant, sophisticated piece of fiction…” or “A joy to read”?

So, I enjoy plotting my stories, and you can count on me for interesting characters and plot lines, but does that make me a writer of any note?

I’m very much aware that romance novels sell and that there are some talented writers who’ve stamped their names in this genre.  I can’t help having doubts and thinking that I might be getting ahead of myself by wanting to chart the same waters these talented people have navigated.

Sure, a publisher said yes, but that hasn’t silenced the doubts.  There’s that other little ocean called lack-of-self-confidence that makes me wonder - will the book sell?  When people buy it, will they think it’s drivel?  Will they want to read anything else I write?  How will I deal with bad reviews?  And there are a few more questions where those came from.

There are writers and friends whose judgement I trust and they’ve told me I’m a good storyteller.  I’m trying to take my own advice and remind myself that if people give me their opinion and enough individuals are saying the same thing independently of each other, then there must be some truth to their thinking.

My second book will be released in October and deals with a couple’s attempts to overcome adultery and a child born outside of their marriage.  Dissolution would have been a better project to launch my career as a writer, but Contraband (action/adventure/romance) got to the finish line first.

I suppose at this point on the road to publication, many first time authors get cold feet and start doubting themselves.  Other writers make no submissions, for fear of being told no.  At various stages in our lives, we all have to make crucial decisions.  A career in writing is no different.  Some tough questions to ask ourselves - Will I be a career author or a dilettante, dabbling in one project or another, but refusing to step into the world of publishing?  When I get a yes, am I prepared to do grunt work to sell copies of my book?  Can I cast off my hermit-like tendencies and get my feet wet, networking, arranging interviews, passing out flyers for my book, if necessary?

I spent a while at that busstop, swamped in negative thought.  It’s now time to focus less on my doubts and concentrate more on the projects I have saved on my thumb drive.  They need to make their way into the world and find homes.

My success as a writer depends on me.

Are you ready to step out on your journey to what you perceive as success?