A few years ago I submitted an essay to a Funds for Writers contest. The challenge was to plan an exciting year in the life of your project. I thought it would be fun to draft a dynamic marketing plan for Chasing Sylvia Beach. I figured if I had to do the work of promoting a book, I might as well make it as creative as possible.
With brio, I generated tons of ideas about how I would get the word out. It was fun to let my imagination run free. I didn’t win the contest, but I left with a larger-than-life vision for the promotion of my novel.
Over the years, I hyped up the project with the aim of hitting Amazon bestseller lists. Then social media marketing exploded, and so did the plans. Facebook! Twitter! I even conceived of a scintillating idea to give away a weekend trip to Paris.
My fun marketing plan was now a monster, and one I had no hope of controlling.
Owning my launch
For all creators, there’s this moment where the rubber meets the road. This is the place where we truly ‘get’ that there’s a real limit to what one can do with one’s time, energy and attention.
Sometimes when we’re daunted by the scope of our vision, we abandon it altogether. But learning how to scale back is vital. The dynamism of our ideas demands both structure and flexibility.
A few months out to launch, the more anxious I became. The more I realized I couldn’t possibly execute on all my great ideas.
A breakthrough session with my business mentor helped me see where I could scale back. With more attention to my own agenda and goals for the book (not someone else’s), I was able to focus on what was important in this launch.
It was important to me to enjoy the process as much as possible. My intention was to be focused and open to the wonderful surprises awaiting me on the other side of publication.
More relieved than disappointed, I started to embrace a sane book launch.
Ongoing calibration
Even with this new and liberating perspective, I struggled to keep my focus on my own agenda.
I was still spending too much time trying to follow others’ leads. Any time I needed to do something – write a press release, write back cover copy, come up with a blog tour plan – I’d do copious research about the ‘best’ way to do it.
Every time, I’d spend 20 minutes researching and then abandoning the thread. Overwhelmed, confused, disheartened, I’d not only lose the connection to my own original impulse, I felt incapable of doing it the way I was supposed to.
A call with my mastermind partner helped re-orient me. She advised me to unplug, step away from all the advice and how-tos, and get clear on what was meaningful for me.
Relief washed over me. Within an hour of our call, I found a solution to a challenge I’d been stumped by, and it wasn’t about Facebook at all.
Finally in the groove
At a party the other night, sipping a Fat Tire and munching on tapas. Conversation turned toward me when someone asked, “What are you up to?”
“I’m launching my novel this summer!” I replied with enthusiasm. We talked about it for a little while and then the conversation moved on. A friend turned to me and said “You seem so calm, so Zen!”
I thought about how stressed out I had been in recent months. How much emotional churn I had gone through as the launch date approached. How twice a day unbidden, this thought lurches its way into my consciousness, “OH MY GOD IT’S X WEEKS AWAY!”
This is a visceral thought/fear/impulse that rises up and passes away. If I jump on it, I’ll start squirreling away with all the details. And then I’ll spend my time feeling fearful and stressed.
When I am anxious, my mind is desperate for control. I start sending up thought flares, ordering to-dos and schedules. But the more I fuel the emotional churn with mental churn, the more miserable I am. This is the ever-faster treadmill feeling of overwhelm we know all too well.
This was when I realized, at that well-earned Sunday evening party that this is the moment I’ve been building toward since I started writing this book in 1999.
This is the time of my life. I get to see the fruits of my creative labor meet my audience and have an impact.
This is it.
I’m not going to blow this precious time by making myself insane. I’m not gunning for the best-seller list. I’m not pushing to promote my book like mad in the first three months of its life. I’m not attached to how people will receive this book. (I will keep telling myself that until I believe it!)
My focus now is to enjoy the process of preparing my work for its debut. I consider it a gift I sincerely give to the world.
Chasing Sylvia Beach officially launches on June 22nd, 2012. The pre-sale Limited Edition is available from June 11th – 21st. Get your copy from the author here.
I highly recommend Why we Suffer by Peter Michaelson. He deals directly with the angst you describe. His insights have helped me enourmously. And I have nothing to gain by saying so.
Thanks, Ann!
This post made me cry. I’ve found myself in the same place and thoughts as you. Wanting to do things the “right” way and following so many different leads and then getting frustrated. And all along my heart, like yours, does not care about best seller lists, or promoting like crazy that I wipe myself out. I want to make a difference, leave a legacy and live as balanced life as possible… and most importantly enjoy the journey.
You made me cry in your realization that this is indeed the time of your life and that you will not make yourself insane.
I find myself wanting this very much with my next book I’m currently working on and this post helped me to know that I too can do this the way that feels right to my heart. Thank you.
Your work is a gift to the world, Cynthia- I know I feel very blessed to have discovered you and be connected with you. I have no doubt “Chasing Sylvia Beach” is going to be a beautiful extension of your gifts.
Barb,
Thank you for this comment! I’m so glad that I moved you and that you recognize even more what’s true for you.
The publishing world now has more room for authors to do things their way, and to relish the efforts and rewards on their terms.
I’m grateful for it all and especially for you, my #1 fan! Thank you!
Cynthia
Next book: The Sane Book Launch. I think you really have something here. It’s been inspiration to watch your emphasis on laughter, self-care, and play during this whole crazy time. I’ve learned from it and from you.
I like it, Alyson! I have more to say about this and I am bringing this kind of sanity to my clients. Actually, I’ve always been an advocate for self-kindness but this brings it to a whole new level.
I’ve never been happier and I’m just grateful that I feel that more than fear or nervousness.
Thanks for this post, Cynthia. Did I ever identify! Especially the part about doing all that research so I can do it (whatever it is) “right,” but instead, feeling overwhelmed, inferior and stuck. There’s so much about the cyber world and social media I don’t know and it moves faster than I can learn it. Thanks to you and Alyson and The Blog Triage course, I made a commitment to having fun with all this. I appreciate all I’m learning from you.
Wow, Judy, that means a lot to me. I love your books and am glad you did what you did to get them out!
It’s a great treat that my work can help you, too, since your writers’ guides have helped me. My favorite is A Writer’s Book of Days.
May the learning continue for all of us as we bring our projects to the world in our own unique ways.
What a gift you’ve given yourself, to be able to step back and claim that right now is the time of your life and you’re going to relish it. When I read that I immediately thought of William Saroyan’s quote: “In the time of your life, live.” This is such a beautiful post about how to do that. Thank you!
Patty,
Thank you! You’re right – this is a gift for me, and also for others. I am fortunate that I’ve been surrounded by people who have helped me find my own unique path.
Thank you for your kind words!
If anyone can reach Zen in the midst of craziness, it’s you.
From my perspective, your book launch is well organized, planned, and executed. I’m enjoying watching you bring your dream to the world. Still not had a chance to savor the preview you are sharing…but maybe I’ll just wait until my Limited Edition arrives!
I had to re-read this post…you lost me at Fat Tire. We can’t get that wonderful liquid in Florida. Is one of my only favorite beers (since wine is so much better, LOL).
Thanks, AM! I don’t know about being all that Zen but I have had a lot of practice – my excursions are great opportunities to stay calm amidst chaos!
I love Fat Tire, too! As part of my Sane Book Launch, I’ve given up beer. (I want to look my best now!) It’s been over a month and it has helped me lose a little weight. 🙂
Thanks for ordering the limited edition!
LOVE this!
Congratutlations –and I can’t wait to get my special edition copy!
Thank you, Katherine! I can’t wait for you to get it, either! I’m torn between wanting to fast forward to the day this is all over and between wanting to relish it and never have it end.
“This is IT.” So true, Cynthia! So glad you are enjoying the ride as you follow your creative dream, doing enough to “do it right” and pausing to soak it all in!
Thanks, Shelly!
Wow…great advice! I wish you’d written this earlier in the year, but I can still make use of it. Because I’m finding book launches to be incredibly stressful events, with to-do lists as long as my arm. I like the way you are doing it much better. Cut the list down and enjoy the ride. 🙂
Kristy,
I know, the list is endless. I still have the long list, I am just spreading it out over time so I don’t have to do it all at once. Which is impossible anyway!
Glad you launched a book! Congratulations!