Thoughts That Run Through Your Head Now You’re A Published Author

On By K.M. Allan

Being a writer comes with its own inner-critic, that little voice in your head that whispers plot plots, questions if you’re good enough, and also lets you know that you are.

I’ve found that when I reach a writing milestone, that little voice goes into overdrive and bombards me with new thoughts. It happened a few months ago when I read back through my debut novel for the first time in a year, as it was reaching its final stages before being published (Reading Your Book: Things That Run Through Your Head). Now, that same book is out, and my inner-critic and I bring you…

Thoughts That Run Through Your Head Now You’re A Published Author

  • My book is finally out in the world!
  • Other people will read this (subtle surprise).
  • Was I thorough enough on that final read-through? Did I miss anything?
  • I probably missed something. My book probably has a typo in it. (Which will haunt me every night when I’m trying to get to sleep, but I can’t check, because if I check, I’ll confirm that there’s a typo).
  • What if people don’t like it?
  • I hope the ebook layout looks okay for everyone. (I can’t control what setting people have on their devices, but I’ll think about it every second).
  • There’s a typo. There’s a typo. (I have no proof there’s a typo, but I’ll convince myself it’s true anyway).
  • Other people will read this (mild panic).
  • Man, I hope I got all the typos.
  • There are reviews. I now have reviews to read!
  • Wow, that review is great! It must be a lie.
  • Wow, this review points out every inner fear I have about myself as a writer. It must be true.
  • People are reading this (full-blown panic).
  • Is it too late to go back to my safety bubble where I’m the only one who’s read this book?
  • There’s a typo. There’s a typo. (Still haven’t checked to make sure, so I’ll continue panicking about it).
  • People I know are reading this! (panic level off the scale).
  • I have a book out. An. Actual. Book.
  • Am I forgetting something? I feel like I’m forgetting something?
  • Where is my chocolate?
  • Who ate all my chocolate?
  • It was me who ate all my chocolate.
  • What do I do now the book is actually done?
  • Okay, now it’s time to work on the next book.
  • How do you write again?
  • Typo.

What thoughts went through your head when your first book was published? Let me know in the comments. I’d love to know I’m not the only one who thinks these things, and/or has an irrational fear of typos!

— K.M. Allan

If you’d like to read my published book, you can find all the buy links here! And don’t forget to enter my release giveaway! There are only 4 days left before it’s drawn.

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Just go to one or all of my social media accounts and look for the pinned/win post and follow the steps to enter. It’s open internationally!

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40 thoughts on “Thoughts That Run Through Your Head Now You’re A Published Author”

  3. So many things I can relate to here. When Dempsey’s Grill came out I did like you, I read my book and tried to pretend I was just your average every day reader. Didn’t happen.

    I came upon a scene that my editor talked me into rewriting. I loved the original but her way made a lot of sense. As I read the scene I could see the resistance in each sentence. I asked some of the people who read the book what they thought about that scene and none of them complained but I could see it. Most of all I could feel my reluctance of rewriting it.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I totally understand that, Bryan. And for the record, I never noticed any resistance in Dempsey’s Grill, but like you said, you could because it didn’t feel as genuine to you.

      Like

  6. I’ve not had a book published. (Yet.) But judging by my reaction to having one single poem accepted and published in The Poet magazine in January… The first time I’d submitted a poem in about 10 years and the first time since I was at school that I’d been published. That treadmill you describe (including chocolate consumption) – it was 36 hours before I got off it. So goodness knows what I’ll be like if (when) I ever get a book published.

    Many congratulations!

    Liked by 1 person

  11. Haha this was hilarious! (especially the chocolate part…) I have yet to publish a book, but I’m afraid that once I do this will be my exact thought process 😂 Congratulations on your book though!

    Liked by 1 person

  12. I had a cover reveal for my first book in Ennlish on Wednesday , and my first thought was: have I really understood the difference between a harbour and a pier? Couldn’t sleep. And the book is actually not out until July, so nobody will know … 😀

    Liked by 1 person

  13. petespringerauthor

    I am relatively new to writing, but this is precisely the way I was as a teacher. We like to second-guess everything, we’re our own worst critics, and we beat ourselves up when we should be saying, “Job well done.”

    Liked by 1 person

  18. I’m loving all your promotion swag! You’re doing an amazing job, I’m so pleased for you, and incredibly proud, because I know how hard you’ve worked.
    I love your running commentary of thoughts; they’re humorous, and of course, real fears that will lesson as you move forward. 💜💜💜

    Liked by 1 person

  19. Pingback: Thoughts That Run Through My Brain Now That I’m Published – Today's Author

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