My first mystery novel, Swift Horses Racing, is now out.
Putting yourself out there is scary. I’ve been writing for years—blog posts, songs, short stories and even a novel previous to this one.
It was hard for me to release Swift Horses Racing into the world. I had lots of reasons why I wasn’t ready to do this. Why I needed more time to work on it.
Fear is persuasive—and kind of a bully.
One day I realized that the comfort zone I was keeping myself in was no longer comfortable.
I’ve been writing stories since I was eight years old. I love holing myself up in my room to write. But at some point, you want to “complete the handshake,” as writer Michael Chabon says. Let what you’ve written connect with another person.
Last month, when I was still having minor panic attacks about putting my book out there, I was driving and a song came on at the end of my Spotify list. It sounded vaguely familiar. It was Curtis Mayfield’s 1970 vintage soul song, “Move on Up.”
Bite your lip. And take the trip
It was like the voice of God to me, the final word capping the thoughts I’d had the past few months. Even though you’re afraid, do it. Fear is not a sign you shouldn’t do it. You just have to bite your lip and keep going. Take the trip.
Fear is not a sign you shouldn’t do it. You just have to bite your lip and keep going. Take the trip.
Now that I made the decision, the fear has backed off—like a bully often does when challenged. I’ve learned so much during this process. I’m excited to hear what people think of the story I’ve put out there. Meanwhile, I’m hard at work on the follow up to this book.
Since I’m a music person, I’ve created a Spotify playlist for the characters in this book—including Curtis Mayfield’s “Move on Up.” You can find it at: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2gsXELvdvHD690yXetvFme?si=to0k3VfnQlyZpn1ImH1GWw
Enjoy the book, and let me know what you think with a comment—or better yet, a review on Amazon, Goodreads or the book review site of your choice.
You’re inspiring and someone for so writers to look up to. I can’t wait to read your book! Good for you for taking the trip!
Thank you so much, Patty! I hope you enjoy the book. Hope you and your family are doing well!
Congratulations! Well done–and a brilliant idea, the character playlist. I have been thinking about soundtracks for books, but I don’t know how to make it land with my work yet.
I love the idea of a soundtrack for a book, Brenton. When I did the playlist, it was simply because I knew my characters so well, I knew what they would listen to. But the idea of an overall soundtrack for a book is a very intriguing idea.