stonedlikeicheckedoutmedusa
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I’ve spent the last year working my ass off on a children’s book about a jumping spider and a little girl going through chemotherapy. I’m really proud of it! But the closer I get to having a physical copy in my hand, the more nervous I get. What if it’s a total flop?? What if I actually suck at writing? What if my whole uni education was for nothing?
Imposter syndrome be syndroming
Clayman8
Think of it this way, even of the wprse happens, ypu STILL made a book! How many people can say that?
Everything will be fine, dont you worry about that. Focus on trying to get it everywhere you can and where its needed, the rest will fall into place on its own
tankygirl049
Your whole uni education was for nothing. You had and HAVE the whole skill and talent with you all along. It's going to be amazing and you should be proud!
Dannoboyo
You are a good person trying to do a good thing. That counts for a lot in my book. It's never all or nothing, but you are always gifted with waking up every morning, and getting to choose who you want to be today. The world needs people who choose to try to make it a better place. I don't know who you see when you look in the mirror, but I see someone who cares enough to try. Someone needs your book. Do it for them.
ButeoTags
Even if
TohmaytohTohmahtoh
Deep calming breaths. You got this, You did a good job. Let it happen and see where it leads.
The What Ifs can be rough, but try not to let the intruive thoughts get you down. I know it easier said than done, but you have to be in the moment and not let the worries freak you out.
Instead ask yourself, "What if it's a huge success?" and "What if everyone loves it?"
agagle
As long as its not a live action about good bye moon... you'll be fine.
stonedlikeicheckedoutmedusa
Lmao indeed it is not
LurkingSarcasm
You got this.
stonedlikeicheckedoutmedusa
Thanks!!
LilyBellGiantess
I want to read it!
EmilyPseu
How do you define “flop?” It may not sell millions of copies, but if you put it out into the world, someone will find it and it will resonate with them.
You mentioned that it’s about a kiddo going through chemotherapy. I recommend donating a few copies to some children’s hospitals. Assuming of course that the story has a happy ending or an empowering message.
stonedlikeicheckedoutmedusa
It does! Lol no Old Yeller situations here. I definitely want to donate some copies!
DanCodyComics
Oh my God I am in a very similar boat. If you ever want to complain about it to someone, please message me; cause I could use the same.
stonedlikeicheckedoutmedusa
Just DMed you
CodyBurkett
I want a copy! That's one sale!
stonedlikeicheckedoutmedusa
Here’s a link to the Kickstarter if you want extra goodies with your book! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/maevia/maevia-a-charming-story-about-a-helpful-jumping-spider
itsthevoiceman
As my first acting teacher told me and my class, "if you're nervous, it means you care."
SonicTheBedhog
I was told recently that it’s normal to feel imposter syndrome when you do something new. Make something you are proud of. If it flops, that doesn’t mean it isn’t good.
filiuspelei
Dude, it might flop, but whatever. Then you try again!
stonedlikeicheckedoutmedusa
Good way to look at it!
stygimoIoch
Actual imposters don't get imposter syndrome, probably the best sentence of advice I've received. It's gonna be great.
stonedlikeicheckedoutmedusa
Thank you!!
Timetoupdatemyusername
Well, you spelled its right, so you are already ahead of at least 75% of the population. Jokes aside, imposter syndrome is a syndrome, you kNOW it's not real, and also, the people not suffering from it are usually the ones who shouldn't be doing the job, so there's that.
Timetoupdatemyusername
Ps. If you are looking for it to be translated to Dutch, I'd be happy to do so for you. It's a small market comparably, but it's a market. No charge.
radzombie85
I spent about a decade on a comic book. Publisher published (Blankslate owned by Forbidden Planet comic store), but then didn't attempt to distribute it. Never got paid. No idea what happened to the stock. I think there might be one or two shops where I was able to sell them my personal copies. https://iglootree.com/products/com100
TohmaytohTohmahtoh
Deep calming breaths. You got this, You did a good job. Let it happen and see where it leads.
The What Ifs can be rough, but try not to let the intruive thoughts get you down. I know it easier said than done, but you have to be in the moment and not let the worries freak you out.
Instead ask yourself, "What if it's a huge success?" and "What if everyone loves it?"
mothergrowsbest
it doesnt matter if its a flop!!! you made it!!!! you did the thing! incredible!
stonedlikeicheckedoutmedusa
Thank you!!
OtterlyMagnificent
Hey, if my mom can publish a children's book in spite of raising ME...you can definitely do it.
quaggie
Worrying about it won't change anything. Everything will likely be fine, and if it's not we can panic together at that point.
stonedlikeicheckedoutmedusa
Thank you <3
cryborg
I want to read a children's book about a jumping spider and a little girl going through chemotherapy.
stonedlikeicheckedoutmedusa
Here’s the Kickstarter! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/maevia/maevia-a-charming-story-about-a-helpful-jumping-spider
andydicktracymorganfairchild
Me too. Because when you're going through chemotherapy, the one thing you keep thinking is, "I just wish there was a way for spiders to be involved with this somehow. Especially jumping spiders."
cryborg
Andy Dick Tracy, shhh! You are going to make OP worry! Jumping spiders are our friends!
andydicktracymorganfairchild
Sorry couldn't help it. I'll leave an encouraging comment for them in a new thread now.
cryborg
I have a joke about this too, but, reading the room, I am going to tell it elsewhere...
SuicidalThots666
Even if your first try doesn't pan out, it doesn't mean your education and the attempt itself don't have value or meaning. Fingers-crosswd for you, @op!
stonedlikeicheckedoutmedusa
Thank you!!!
SuicidalThots666
BYW, I love your spider posts!
stonedlikeicheckedoutmedusa
Thank you!!
Nofoxlefttogive
You write for us children daily, silly goose. You have the talent, and the courage
stonedlikeicheckedoutmedusa
I really do write for you guys everyday! But it’s nonfiction and this book came from my imagination so I feel like it’s more intimate? Personal? Idk it’s scary lmao
Nofoxlefttogive
You strike me as the sort of person who will have the courage to try many calculated risks, and some will work and some won't. Your posts are appealing because they are creative, and clearly you live a creative life. It's an indelible part of you that shines through. You already achieved something by doing this, a so congratulations are already in order.
forelle
Just do it, you can worry about failure if it happens, worrying before is bullshit.
stonedlikeicheckedoutmedusa
Good point
ProfessorBanesworth
I think I remember hearing that first-time publishers face tough odds. Not saying that to be discouraging; I think it's better to be aware of the odds, rather than go in expecting the best and then feel crushed if it doesn't work out. That kind of disappointment can derail you and make it harder to try again, which would be a shame, because I want you to keep writing and publishing. You deserve the joy of achieving your goal! I'm hopeful this first book does take off for you, though!
ProfessorBanesworth
Also, how would you measure success here? Of course, you'll want a return on your investment - that only makes sense... But if you inspire or give hope to even one child? If this becomes one child's favourite book ever. Would it all be worth it?
stonedlikeicheckedoutmedusa
I’d like to break even on the project; I don’t mind things being “mediocre” as far as actual sales go (because you’re right, it’s pretty cut throat in the industry). But if I can help just one family, it’ll be worth it :) this has been a life long dream of mine so I guess I just want it to be perfect and do well because it’s like my baby you know??
ProfessorBanesworth
I do know. But one thought I forgot to put out there is that I'm insanely proud of you because you DID the thing. No matter how sales go, you published! And that alone is HARD. There are so many authors out there who have never been published. And while i'm not an author, I can tell you that the level of started but never finished projects that I personally have is fracking embarassing, lol. So it's already perfect, because it exists in a completed state.
stonedlikeicheckedoutmedusa
I think everyone has at least one really good story in the but you’re right: most people never take the plunge or even TRY! So I’m really proud of that :)
TheJuiceLoosener
Honestly, it probably will flop. That said, I hope you didn't go into children's books to get rich. If you're proud of it, and some kids like it, that's a good contribution to the world. Kids often form positive associations with books with little to no regard for the commercial viability or its spot on the NYT best-sellers list. I find that setting your expectations and goals appropriately helps neutralize nervousness, and in this case, that's relatively easy to do.
stonedlikeicheckedoutmedusa
Oh idc about the money or fame part at all. I just want it to go over well with the niche audience I already have
FormerlySable
I don’t have my own kids, but I know from my nieces & nephews that a lot of kids like what adults would term “creepy crawlies.” My great-nephew went to “bug camp” at the local zoo last summer and loved it.
Telemapus
Hey come on now. The Very Hungry Caterpillar has sold 50 million copies since 1969, which is approx one copy every 35 seconds. It's super unlikely, but it is possible. 😬
stonedlikeicheckedoutmedusa
I don’t care about the money or the fame part! Although that would be nice from a financial standpoint. I just want it to go over well within the niche group of people who it’s targeted at
DanielAsparagus
Are you even good enough to have imposter syndrome? I’m asking cuz you are. Go finish it.
stonedlikeicheckedoutmedusa
It’s completely done!! Just have to actually send it to the publisher!!
DanielAsparagus
Because you’re actually a gangster. you’re an imposter imposter syndrome haver.
stonedlikeicheckedoutmedusa
Thank you <3