the Bene Gesserit Litany Against Fear from Frank Herbert’s brilliant Dune:
“I must not fear.
Fear is the mind-killer.
Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration.
I will face my fear.
I will permit it to pass over me and through me.
And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path.
Where the fear has gone there will be nothing….only I will remain”
I’m not sure if Frank Herbert is brilliant, but I do know that fear is real.
There are many things we fear, out of a need to survive, to keep the race intact, to protect our homes and families. For writers, we use fear to keep the ever fragile ego safe in its soap bubble. Yes, that is correct, creative people, especially writers, have extremely fragile egos.
I’ve finally decided to give up my fears and take the proverbial leap of faith.
That is correct. I am working on a novel that will be self published later this summer. I’m working hard, but having fun. Writing every day and making the story shine so that you can join me in my little make believe world and have some fun with the people who tell me their stories every day.
I am so looking forward to hitting the “GO” button on this that I need to remember not to get ahead of myself.
- write the best story possible. Check
- edit, proof, and correct copy. Check
- get input from impartial readers. Check
- hire professional editor. Check
- Have professional cover done. Check
- make list and check it twice. Check
There may be a few other things I need to do, such as –promote on social media, up the buzz about the book, and let’s see where did I put that list?!