Irrational Fears #IWSG

Welcome, Insecure Writer's Support Group!

Do you have fears? Would someone else say your fears are irrational? Sometimes we can recognize that our own fears don't make sense. Like, when I was young and had Shaun Cassidy's album on display (showing my age) I feared he was watching me. Totally irrational.

But what if we have real fears--situations that truly scare us--but most people think they're irrational? How do we reconcile reality vs. perception?

For instance, I have a real fear of writing conferences. Is it the large group of people? After all, I have no problem going to a concert in the park or a football game. But lots of writers in a ginormous setting? Scary as heck for me.

Maybe it's the "club" vibe. Like, everyone is in the exclusive club and I'm on the outside trying to gain membership. Silly, I know, because SCBWI is an open and warm environment where everyone is welcomed and appreciated.

Last weekend was the annual SCBWI summer conference. Like last year, I didn't register for the event. I live within driving distance, so I buzzed down for my agency cocktail party and also had dinner with my lovely friend, Leslie Rose. Leslie introduced me to other super sweet writers, and I realized they weren't clubbish at all.

So...reality vs. perception? I need to get it through my thick head that this crowd of people isn't scary. This isn't a shi shi club I need to worm my way into. I'm a part of it already...everyone is. I can be a bit thickheaded, even slow when it comes to overcoming irrational fears. But I'm working on it. I promise. Even if Shaun Cassidy's watching me.

Here are a few quotes that help me when I'm feeling fearful:

"Many of our fears are tissue-paper-thin, and a single courageous step would carry us clear through them." -- Brendan Francis

"There are very few monsters who warrant the fear we have of them." -- Andre Gide

"To fear is one thing. To let fear grab you by the tail and swing you around is another." -- Katherine Paterson, Jacob Have I Loved

Have you attended a writer's conference? Are you comfortable with them? Inspired? Do you have other fears that may seem irrational?

(Me and my super sweet agent, Karen Grencik)

(Those super sweet writers: Leslie Rose, Monica Bustamonte Wagner, Evelyn Ehrlich, and Anna Shinoda)

I...have...an...AGENT!

I'm thrilled to announce that I've signed with the amazing Karen Grencik from The Karen Grencik Literary Agency.

My fabulous critique partners, Lisa Green and Leslie Rose, met Karen at a writing retreat and thought we'd hit it off. I included Karen in my first batch of queries, and a short time later, we signed a contract.

Karen is a lovely person and a talented editor. I'm working through her in-depth notes on my YA novel right now, and man, she's good (I have so much to learn).

I realize this is the beginning of a long and winding road (insert Beatles music). Representation offers no guarantee of publication. There will be disappointments along the way, but hopefully, HOPEFULLY, positive news will come my way. I'm honored to be taking this next step with Karen.

For you queriers out there, remember, it only takes one YES.

For those of you out on submission, I wish you GOOD LUCK.

For those of you with books out or soon to be out, CONGRATULATIONS.

Taking this journey with all of you is PRICELESS.

photo credit