Jenn: Tsunami – They’ve Got Nothing to do with Tides
The rough draft of Chapter 9 – Tsunami is done. I had an out of town visitor Fri/Sat, which chipped away at time I would have spent working, but it was nice to have a break. I just wrote to my friend Sue, “I think I keep myself on this rigid schedule because otherwise inertia would set in and I’d throw in the towel. Right now it’s a coin toss as to which is going to win.” My goal was to get the first nine chapters, the solid earth disasters, finished, then switch gears and polish them, add figures, tables, and photos, and get them to my editor. So this week and next, I’ll begin these arduous tasks as I switch caps from writer to critical editor.
Now the fear is creeping in.
What if my editor reads my sample chapter and says, “I’m sorry, this just isn’t what we’re looking for?” My dad is drawing figures, my students are working fast and furious. My mom has done SO much babysitting. I’ve, as they say, made my intentions VERY public. I’ve asked high-profile colleagues to write the foreword and introduction, and they’ve agreed. Am I up to this? Am I crazy for thinking I’m competent enough to do this? I’m not saying this at ALL to solicit “you can do it’s.” That is lovely and reassuring and all, but in the end, it’s the editor’s choice as to whether or not I can “do it.”
I’m PETRIFIED to turn the sample chapter in. What if it’s rejected? They have no money into me yet, so they could easily walk away. I’ve never published a book before. Ahhh! I guess i just fling myself in and see.
Anyway, mission accomplished so far, so that’s something?
Studio Mothers: Life & Art 
Just remember that if they do walk away, it will just make room for a bigger and better opportunity. Meanwhile, use the fear to propel you forward, make you a better writer. Good luck!
Oh Jenn! This post is so timely. I just sent out sample chapters and a proposal to an agent (at her request). Then I made the mistake of re-reading them last night (for the millionth time). And those creeping feelings of dread, or I CAN’T DO THIS, of AM I REALLY A WRITER OR FAKING IT…
Yeah. I have those too. All the time. But you know what? You made it this far, you’re a writer and CAN do it. You already have. Sample chapters are Samples. And can be reworking if they have to be. 😉 We know you’ll do just fine!
And can I borrow a babysitter? 😉 Congrats on accomplishing mission 1. Can’t beat that with a dead horse!
While you’re right, it’s not worth second guessing what your editor will like, it seems to me that you’re writing something really fresh–you’re writing what YOU’D want to be reading if you were on the other side of the lectern. You have a special ability to connect with your students, I surmise, so what you’ve created may truly beat the pants off of any competition. If your editor doesn’t get that, another one will.