Insecure Writer's Support Group: A Short (Story) Apology

Please click here for a list to visit the other insecure writers. Yes, we need your love. Insecure Writer's Support Group was created by the awesome ninja Alex J. Cavanaugh.

As a writer, it's thrilling to be a published author. It really is. It seems like all the hard work and rejection is worth it when you finally sign that contract and see your name on the cover. Whether it is a short story in a magazine or anthology or to an ebook or print book, the thrill is there. You accomplished something.

Then, why do I feel so apologetic about it?

I don't make it secret that I'm a writer. If people ask what I do, I'll tell them, "I'm a library assistant, but I'm also a writer and an editor."

"Oh, what do you write?" They ask, snatching hold of the really cool part of what I do.

"Young adult, some fantasy, horror, mystery. This and that."

"Do you have anything published?" Of course, that's what everyone wants to know.

"Yes, I have some short stories in magazines and anthologies. Oh, and I have an ebook out," I say.

"An ebook. Cool. What's it about?"

So I proceed to tell them about Once Upon a December Nightmare. Then, my voice lowers, and I explain it's not a full-lenth novel, more a short story or a novelette. I'm not ashamed of my novelette. I worked hard on it. Once Upon a December Nightmare saw around twelve edits from start to finish with seven pairs of eyes looking over it. Yet because it isn't a novel, I feel bad. Like a novelette isn't worth as much as a full-length work. Like it is unworthy.

I am unworthy.

I have my new novelette Defying Gravity coming out this month. I worked hard on it too. I'm very proud of it. Yet, I worry I'll feel the same thing. It's just a novelette. Nothing special. It's not like it's a real novel or anything.

I'm trying not to go down that road. So what if I've just published shorter works? I have novels too. They need work, but they'll be out there one day. I'm certain of it.

As writers, we should celebrate every victory, large and small. Got a flash fiction piece published in a magazine or anthology, celebrate it. Novel coming out, yay! Novella, novelette, short story, it doesn't matter. They're all worth something. It took work, perseverance, creation.

So, if you see me saying, "Oh, it's just a novelette." Stop me. Please. Every writer accomplishment--even a nice note on a rejection letter--is worth it. 

Also, Defying Gravity is now up on Goodreads. Click the picture to add it to your lists.