Where did you find the courage to submit your first story?

[PennameWombat]

Dear Penthouse Author Hangout,

There's no way my story is unique. Writing as a hobby since I could hold a pencil. Took an online writing class during COVID. Shared a few speculative fiction pieces with the other members of my writing class and learned how to hear their feedback. I wanted to try my hand at something erotic because I have a longtime kink that's very strong, but most of what I've encountered while exploring that kink was defined by men and I wanted my perspective to also be included in the conversation. So I have a reason for wanting to write, and hopefully that can give me the fortitude to withstand some of the inevitable hits my ego will take along the way.

<snip>

I'd always had a handful of plots and characters in mind. For decades. They weren't based on personal sexual experiences, but did have a few kernels of fleeting encounters. And a vivid dream. But no real understanding of how to start. I'd written plenty of software and technical docs, but that didn't easily translate to fiction.

Similar path to yours, but mine was just before Covid. I was in the throes of a "too young to retire, too old to be unemployed" job hunt that was exceptionally frustrating. So I splurged on a couple of writing workshops to engage my brain. Which told me how to 'start.'

I knew I wasn't ready to go for KDP and such self-publishing, but it took me a while to find platforms. Finally, in 2018, I discovered this site. I spent some time on this Forum.

But the first key for me was one day I had the brainstorm of how many of my separate stories could fit into a larger, overall theme. The second key, in one of the workshops (focused on speculative fiction), we were supposed to write a short story. During the workshop as everyone was describing their story, I started with "I finished---," and another participant said "You FINISHED a story? Wow!" A couple of others nodded to that. Which surprised me.

So the fact I finished a couple of stories, and had more ideas, meant posting here wasn't a hard decision.

Unfortunately, I can't offer more or better advice than is reflected here.

 

[TheRedLantern]

Thank you everyone for sharing your stories and encouragement. It has been really touching to hear that I'm not alone, as well as get a few tips on how to frame this in my mind. I got tears in my eyes reading some of your accounts of going through the same thing, and often of continuing to experience the same fears each time you publish yet here you are.

And it was especially helpful to the many people who said some form of "I did it and am very happy that I did" as well as "I was more scared to NOT publish than to publish," Those were the carrots and sticks I think my brain was looking for.

 

[MiaBabe23]

I wrote mine on impulse, letting exploration be the focus, rather than an editor voice, and submitted it within a day of starting it
I don’t recommend that, for obvious reasons, but it did give me a sense of freedom
I’ve been much more cautious with my second/ current attempt, so it’s probably been counterproductive, but I guess finding a way to really take the pressure off yourself might help