You Will Never Feel Ready.

I have a rather short post today, but the sentiments are so important.

You see, for years I put off writing until I had more time, until I knew more, until I felt inspired enough. Then I finally began to take it seriously and make time. But after that I did something just as stifling to my progress as a writer: I put off publishing because I had no idea what I was doing. I wasn’t ready.

I can’t express how many times I’ve heard people, including myself, say they’ll do something later. They want to wait until they have more time or life slows down a little or, and this the big one (and today’s focus), they feel like they’re ready.

But here’s a hint: you will never feel ready.

And if you wait until you do, you will be putting off your dreams until the day you die.

Here’s the thing. In writing, as in life, it’s easier to learn to do something by actually doing it. In fact, even the “masters” don’t feel like they know what they’re doing. Here’s a quote for you:

“We are all apprentices in a craft where no one ever becomes a master.” ~Ernest Hemingway

No one ever feels ready when they do something for the first time (okay, maybe not ever, but it’s highly common). But you know what? After they do the thing once, it’s easier the next time.

Publishing my book independently was a scary thing for me. It involves a lot of expense and a steep learning curve for everything from hiring professionals for various stages of the process to learning how to upload files and make the thing to even the actual business of being an author selling books. It was super intimidating. It still is.

But it was my dream to share stories with the world, to be able to hold my book baby in print.

In truth, I don’t feel ready. I don’t feel nearly ready. But I’m moving forward anyway.

I hope you do, too.

~~~

Your turn! What authorly things have you been putting off just because you don’t feel ready? Tell me in the comments, and let’s talk!

Also, speaking of publishing, I finally got the final cover from my cover designer! Mark your calendar for February 8th… the cover reveal for This Cursed Flame is coming soon!