Writing is fun. Publishing is scary. You’re putting yourself out there! You’re being judged! Not everyone will like your book and the fear can be overwhelming.
No one is ever a success overnight. Behind every success and every accomplishment is years of experience and practice.
If you’re new to writing, expect to fail and to make mistakes. Virtually everyone wants to write a book, but those who move beyond writing and actually publish take a risk.
Take enough risks and you start to see your potential as a writer.
Maria Rocamora said, “Shame is the leading cause of death of the potential for actualizing giftedness.”
Never be ashamed as a new writer. Be prepared to make mistakes and jump right in putting yourself out there.
One trick for fiction writers is to use pen names to start, so that you can disassociate your future writing fame from your practice books.