Wednesday, August 7, 2013

SOMETIMES WE JUST HAVE TO TAKE A LEAP OF FAITH ...

Hi, All,

Well it's the first Wednesday of the month and most of us know what that means.... The Insecure Writer's Support Group!

I must admit my nerves were on high alert last Wednesday. Most of you know I began to offer service a new service to help all of you with covers, blurbs, or editing for polish and atmosphere. It all began just before the A-Z challenge when I had featured a few cover reveals creating unusual introductions for them. Then, Nicki Elson asked me to do an exclusive cover reveal for her newest novel, Divine Temptation... of course I was thrilled and honored. I had spend days mulling over how I wanted to create this intro. Thankfully she was thrilled and the reveal was very successful

A few weeks later, I had decided to do INTROS for my A-Z challenge theme. I put the word out and the response was explosive. For 26 posts I had new and original intros featuring many of you. Emails flooded my inbox on how I should do these for hire. I had thought about it, but I didn't know how all of you would feel about it. I became anxious. Should I, shouldn't I? Am I a talented enough writer to be hired? For weeks I worried about it. Several closer blogger friends pushed me on.

Then, about a month ago, my cyber sister, SIv Ottem, sent me out an SOS. She needed and illustration for her cover... and fast! Her daughter, who was supposed to create the image couldn't do it. SO in a few days I sent the basic sketch.

After a bit a tweaking, inking, and coloring, the cover was done. Siv and I were both thrilled! She then asked me to do the back cover as well. We had the cover reveal last week and it was WILDLY successful. I had the confidence now to go to the next level and announce my service.

I was still TERRIFIED. But I posted the news last Wednesday. By Friday I had my first BLURB and TAGLINE client! Yolanda Renee! 

By Monday morning I had the work complete. I was a wreck again... What if she didn't like it? What if I was way off base? What if I could never make her happy? All this was running through my head when I pushed the send button. Yolanda was a DREAM client. We had corresponded a bit before when she had reservations about her cover. She asked me to take a look and offer my opinion and if there was something that could be done to fix it. INSTANTLY, I knew the problem and informed her. We just received the proof and it GORGEOUS now. Yolanda is really thrilled with her cover ... as she should be.

As for the blurb and tagline... a few hours dragged by, and I had no response. I was a bit worried. I reread the blurb and I really liked it. I just hoped she would. Finally I saw a note from her in my inbox...

Is the suspense killing you?

It had almost killed me! With a trembling finger I clicked onto the email. The first words were ...

"I LOVE IT!!!"

I breathed again. Only one or two things needed to be changed, mainly for story content. Since I hadn't read the book I guessed at a few things which didn't match the story. The final blurb is amazing! If you'd like to check it out, I have it on my service page.

Yesterday was an amazing day... After I had written back to Yolanda, thanking her, another message popped up in my inbox. A not so frequent blogger contacted me. She had just visited my blog after months of absence and freaked over my illustrations. She and another blogger plan to create their own publishing company... She asked me to illustrate their logo! My second job in less than a week! Can it get any better than that?!!! I can't wait to find out! So stay tuned everyone! More info on this new publisher who will be looking for manuscripts ... so GET BUSY!!!!!!!!

My point to today's post is we all must TRUST in our talents and overcome our insecurity that we may not be good enough. Not only am I happy for the work, but mostly I am happy to help others with their problems. The joy from Yolanda sparkled with every word she wrote to me. She is even doing a full post about our experience at her blog on Friday. I hope you all can drop by and show her some blog love. Her book is amazing! So much intrigue. I can't wait to read it!

I realize one thing from this experience... If I didn't take that leap of faith, I would have different post today.

Thank you all for stopping by. It's ALWAYS a pleasure to see you. Don't forget to visit the other IWSG bloggers. WE are all so lucky to be a part of such a wonderful community!

Have a great day everyone!


39 comments:

Laura Clipson said...

I'm so glad you took the leap and that it's working out for you! It sounds like it's going great :)

Suzanne Furness said...

A leap of faith is sometimes all we need to take. So pleased for you Michael, I'm sure your new venture will go from strength to strength.

Mark Koopmans said...

Jumps.... wheeeeeee :)

S.P. Bowers said...

I'm so glad things are working out! Those leaps can be terrifying, but they are also extremely rewarding when we learn how to fly.

shelly said...

This is great news. Good for you!

Hugs and chocolate,
Shelly

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Knew it would be a big success! And now you have clients. With more to come.
Never worry about the intros. They have always rocked.

Stina said...

OMG! I knew you designed the cover, Michael. I didn't realize you had drawn it, too. I guess I'm so used to stock photo. I assumed there were also stock artwork sites.

Yolanda Renée said...

And I still love it! You gave me the confidence to move forward! The cover change was subtle but the impact 'AWESOME' check it out Friday - I'll show the difference. And when Michael suggested we concentrate the blurb on the villain! Again, so insightful - perfect!

Michael Rocks - his skills - his insight - his MAGIC!

Thank you, Michael!

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Michael, that is wonderful! Soon you'll have so many clients you won't know what to do.

Thank you for stepping out there. You prodded me to do the same.

jaybird said...

Wonderful, up-lifting post Michael. I'm so happy to see you just going for it! Best of luck to you as I'm sure you will be enjoying many more successes in the future!!

Rachna Chhabria said...

These leaps of faith can be quite anxiety ridden times. But glad that your work was liked.

btw..I mentioned your new venture in my last post :)

Susan Oloier said...

I am so, so happy you pursued your business idea! My son and I may hire you for help illustrating a joke book he is writing. I'm so in the dark about how to handle the publication of it. He still has a little ways to go before completion, though.
You're such an inspiration to me, Michael. Thanks for that!

Suzanne said...

I can just 'hear' your excitement in your post - hope it goes from strength to strength :)
Suzanne @ Suzannes-Tribe

Roland D. Yeomans said...

Take all that nervousness and doubt you felt at the beginning, freeze it in your mind, and then use it in your own prose. No emotion is wasted for us writers! :-)

Unknown said...

I couldn't be more happy for you Bro! Just wait until you hold the book with your Cover illustration in your hands...It is AMAZAZING! I just recieved the proofs yesterday. I am so happy that things are working out for you and that your leap of faith was successful!

Karen Jones Gowen said...

That leap of faith can be the hardest step anyone takes but nothing happens without it! Way to go, Michael!

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Congrats on the business. I expect you'll be very successful with your talent.

Julie Flanders said...

Oh, Yolanda sent me her blurb yesterday because she is going to be on my blog next week and I thought to myself how much I loved the blurb. Had no idea you had written it! It's awesome, and now that I know I can see your style all over it. I've no doubt your business will be a HUGE success. :)

Natalie Aguirre said...

Such a great post, Michael. I'm so happy it worked out for you. And thanks for reminding the rest of us to take our leaps of faith too.

~Sia McKye~ said...

Way to go Michael!!!

I think any creative endeavor come with nerves and worries like yours. When we create, it's something that comes from inside our inner self or soul or whatever you wish to name it. It feels fragile and needs some validation that it's worthy.

The important thing is, you did believe in your abilities. You have a knack (and if you didn't believe in that ability you couldn't see it much less create) and you've learned how to play to that skill. Congratulations.

Sia McKye OVER COFFEE

Johanna Garth said...

It makes me so proud of you that you have owned your talents and figured out ways to use them. Plus I love the results!!

Jack said...

Starting something like that is terrifying, but I think it is great you are doing it now!!!! I'm going to keep you in mind actually, for things like this, especially blurbs, I am so bad at those.

Nicki Elson said...

I have the biggest smile on my face right now. YaHOO for an excellent start to this unique and wonderful business of yours. You put your heart into everything you do, and it shows -- which is why you're sure to succeed.

VR Barkowski said...

Inspiring post, Michael. If we don't leap, we stay right where we are. Change and growth will always be scary, but the alternative is even scarier.

Do you know how many books are on the shelves whose covers have no relationship to the story inside, and how many publishers didn't care one bit when the authors cried foul? That you care and want to please your clients ensures your success.

This is just the beginning!

VR Barkowski

The Words Crafter said...

Yay, CLIENTS!!! Wow, Michael, you've really put yourself out there and it's paying off. Bravo and thanks for the inspiration!

I really love that tree :)

Susan Flett Swiderski said...

Good for you! It's difficult to get over a river of doubt without taking a leap of faith. Here's to even more clients for you.

Melissa said...

Aw. I'm not surprised, Michael. You're very talented. ;)

Great post! :)
August co-host and IWSG #110

Denise Covey said...

Michael, this community is lucky to have YOU! So excited that Yolanda contracted you - she is such a wonderful person you're a match made in business heaven. And the publishing company sounds so cool! Your creative wings are spreading. How could you ever be insecure??

Ella said...

Michael I am sooo happy for you! YOUR advice is so honorable and kind!
It is a leap of faith-I thank you for sharing yourself and how it all worked out for you~ I have never filled my store with my art-always fearful. Time to leap-still trying to figure out my style. Romantic and eco friendly-maybe?!

Yolanda is a great lady-I can see you two getting along fabulously~

ATB (hugs)
Oh, can't wait to hear more about the publishing company!!

Megan Bostic said...

So much of this business is about taking leaps of faith. If we don't, we'd never get any where. Good job and congrats.

Elizabeth Seckman said...

Michael!! How wonderful! It couldn't happen to a nicer guy!

Tammy Theriault said...

i shall send you a whole batch of awesome sauce!! it's spicy, manly, and full of muscle!

Michelle Wallace said...

I hear you, loud and clear!
Congrats Michael, you are super-talented!
Writer In Transit

Jemi Fraser said...

I'm so proud of you! Taking a leap of faith is one of the most terrifying things we can do. And to have it work out so well is awesome! Congrats and good luck on moving forward with it - you'll be great!!

Arlee Bird said...

Great job you're doing there! You're so right about that leap of faith. Better to go ahead with a dream and fail than to fail by not doing anything at all. Glad your story is one of success.


Lee
Tossing It Out

Charmaine Clancy said...

Get your sunglasses on Michael, 'cause that future's lookin' bright!

You'll do very well at this, you are extremely talented (don't let it hold up that gorgeous steamy noir novel you're working on, I'm a waitin' on that baby!).

Unknown said...

Way to take that leap of faith! :D

Chancelet said...

You are an amazing guy with an amazing talent. I'm happy you took that leap of faith in your abilities, and I wish you the best of success with your new business. Congrats big time!

I may be looking to you (once I finally complete my WIP) if I can't come up with a good pitch..., or maybe for the synopsis, which I've never learned to do. You would definitely be at the top of the many folks offering similar services. Writer’s Mark

Deanie Humphrys-Dunne said...

You're doing a great job using your talents! So glad you took the big leap. Best wishes.