Self-sabotage

[Missy Vixen]

Hi everyone,

Question: Do you ever fear the outcome so much that you self-sabotage? I realize this must be my subconscious, but sheesh.

I sent off three of my four requested submissions this morning. The first one was a query letter; I managed to handle that. (LOL) The second two? OMG. The first one, I called Chapter One "Chapter Two". I managed to fix it for the second one, but forgot the agent in question wanted attachments instead of text inside the e-mail. I resent, then realized that only a dork would send attachments, despite the fact I believed I heard she wanted them when she made the request.

I have another requested submission to send off. This one's snail mail. I'll do my best to proofread, etcetera. Let's face it, if they want it, a typo is not going to matter, will it?

Please reassure me that I am not the only person on the planet to do this!

MV/Julie

[kimmerspixelated]

1. You are not alone.

What kind of writing do you do?

[Missy Vixen]

2. I'm a romance author

I write romantic comedy.

One of my girlfriends got a rejection this morning. She was told her writing is "too comedic for the market". The best part of this? Editors and agents were BEGGING for romantic comedy as little as a year ago; it sells well in a recession.

It's a huge numbers game, and one must have a spine of steel to endure till you get published.

-MV/Julie

[MorningGlow]

4. Aw geez don't tell me THAT!

I'm writing romantic comedy too. WTF!!! This business is insane. :grr:

[Kind of Blue]

3. Aww, I don't think it was literally

self-sabotage. I think that you were really excited, anxious to be sending off your work, focused on outcome and not the task at hand. I do it quite often and have to remind myself to step out of the way!

Hey, I read somewhere that the author of the Twilight books was just awful - still is by some people's measure - but the story captivated the agent :hug: It may be the typos will matter but I bet not the right agent for you, but rather a Hugh reminder that the big one is coming, so watch-out, sister!

[Missy Vixen]

6. Most of the people that dislike "Twilight"

are adults. The books are written for 12-17 year olds. After all, they're a subset of romance called "young adults".

Someone else I know that is a client of the same agent says the typo won't matter. She's looking for writing.

I'm crossing my fingers. LOL
-MV

[MorningGlow]

5. I agree with KoB--I think it's more a case of nerves

When I'm anxious about sending off my stuff, I have a tendency to make mistakes and yet not notice until just after it's gone. At that point I can only hope that the recipient is a compassionate person.

[Fire Walk With Me]

7. "Self-sabotage"

No thanks, I've already got some.

:rofl::hi:

This can happen if you are vulnerable to rejection or even disapproval and do not wish to repeat any old experiences along those lines. It's especially bad for those of us who spend 95% of our time on our work privately, and then in a single shot, drop it upon the world for response. It's not "easy" for any creative person, but it's a shock to so, at least in my experience. And having done so several times in my own way, find it easier and easier.

A teacher of mine has suggestions for creative people, to look in the mirror once genuine eye contact has been made, to say to yourSelf, "I'm sorry I believed them and not you. I'm sorry I thought you were the problem and not their attitude." There's more, but he makes a living through sales, so if that grabs anyone's gut, PM me and I'll link you to it. I'm sharing something that has worked for me, if it might work for another.

Best :hug:

[get the red out]

8. Oh yes

I am very good at it!

[liberalmuse]

9. I do it all the time...

and am my own worst enemy. I must've been someone really horrible in a past life, because I feel as if I have to apologize incessantly for my very existence.

[I Have A Dream]

10. That's too bad, because you're a lovely person.

:(

:hug:

[OneGrassRoot]

11. ...

:hug: :hug: :hug:

Bless you, liberalmuse. I honor your existence.

[Howler]

12. LOL! Are you kidding missy Vixen.

I just royally sabotaged myself this last week.
Howlerville is facing another departure of one of our pups (Igore) this time.(Do NOT want to talk about it!)
Anyways I was shaking my fist at the sky and asking why the universe hated me so much and my blasted lower back gave out!
You know the one that "Supports" the whole body. sigh....I'm not even Christan and I'm having an intense "Job" moment.
Now I'm confined to the couch on a heaty pad with PLENTY of time to think and watch my house go to hell unable to bend to pick up anything.


must be in the atmosphere.