VICTORIA C. WOODHULL gave me a novel (or two) worth of inspiration

& I'm grateful for it

What are your current thoughts on the world of publishing?

Friends, I just signed a contract.

I have withdraws to make from agents. I have another book launch to prepare myself for mentally. I have one more book to write that tapped me on the shoulder a few weeks ago. Things are flowing.

This manuscript is being published by a midlist publisher with large distribution (Simon and Schuster). Me being a small presser to the core (as both an author with a variety of contest wins at small presses and editor at Unleash), this is a different ride with the promise of more reach.

And if anyone deserves it, it’s not me. It’s the afflatus.

That is, the woman who inspired me. My ghost, my muse, the whisper in my ear this past year and a half. Victoria C. Woodhull (who I first wrote about at the automatic writing post below).

On automatic writing, the subconscious & week 49 of 52

I ADORE writing and credit the practice with saving my life in many ways, but in the past, publishing has been rather less inspirational, mostly due to the misalignment of expectations and reality, which is something I coach clients to look out for.

This time, I feel more resolved. I don’t know if it’s age. Recent health scares. I don’t know if it’s just confidence. Or just knowing my role (writer) and accepting it. But whatever it is…

I’m all in, and I’m also letting go.

Two books with some version of my name will be landing on shelves in 2027. I will continue to do my work. I can’t wait to tell the world about my muse, this book’s journey, and more. I’m also keen to discuss my book of essays because they’re so wild.

But, I have little control over the final product’s date, reach, and whether or not people will like it.

I can control my own quality, but I can’t control the quality of an editor. I can control my own efforts, but I can’t control the public perception. I can control …

Wait a minute, honestly, the more I write this, the more I remember: I can’t control anything. And as I was recently reminded, I can’t even control if I’ll feel good enough to complete this next book.

This process is a dance, ever-changing, ever-wild, ever-instructional.

Look out for a personal memoir recounting my work experiences in 2027 with an academic press I am thrilled to work with (Cornerstone Press), and, possibly before that, look out for a novel based on the life of VICTORIA C. WOODHULL tentatively titled RADICALS.

I’ll discuss the unique challenges of the genre more soon.

I can’t wait to tell you more, but once again, with less attachment and more love/joy/excitement than ever before. I’m letting go as this new adventure begins.

Thank you for celebrating with me!!

Prompt: Let go.

xo

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