And so it became time to submit.
I currently subscribe to several publications aimed at writers, one of which has a contest. One doesn’t win large contracts or sums of money. One earns the knowledge of the appreciation and perhaps a lit smidgeon of respect from other highly talented writers-plenty of winnings for me.
With that being said, I would have thought submission to the contest would have been simple. A few weeks working on a story. Writing. Cutting excessive words. Correcting poorly written sections (more than I like to admit to, but one has to start somewhere.) The process was relatively painless. However, submission time and the mouth is stuffed with every intangible reason to delay, forgo this contest.
So what is it, a fear of rejection? Doubtful, I did spend four years in a public high school in band and theater. Rejection was rather commonplace. So what? The usual fear of failure? Perhaps. Sometimes I wonder more so if it’s the fear of success?
Sure, most authors may dream big, but what entirely does that mean? Success is great on paper, but how many of us are grounded enough to retain the spirit of what makes our writing magical? Will our next project be as positive as our last? Can we hold onto the passion amongst the business.
I certainly am on board the train for a big successful future, but I do so after pulling out of my mouth chunks of business and reality. If I’m going to gag myself I intend it to be for some other reason.
I guess time will tell whether or not my latest piece is a success, but one does have to wonder what’s next if it is. I already know what’s next if it isn’t. More.
Hopefully soon I can report a positive response to my contest submission. If not I’ll at least have a story to share and get feedback.