Author Unfiltered: Embracing Our Imperfections in Words and Work

As authors, our failures and flaws fuel our best stories and strategies. ✒️

Welcome to Behind the Pseudonym, a newsletter where I share the journey of starting a new pen name—from the inception of a story idea to the book launch and beyond. If you'd like to embark on this adventure with me, I invite you to subscribe and join me on this writer's odyssey.

If you are a paid member, then you’ll get access to the behind-the-scenes intricacies, the challenges faced, and the victories earned along the way. If you are not a paid subscriber, then you can receive the upcoming week of posts with a 7-day free trial.

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Photo by Rachel McDermott on Unsplash

Hello readers! Starting from scratch may sound intimidating to many, especially when you've already carved out a successful niche. But, sometimes, the allure of a blank page is just too irresistible.

Let's dive into why venturing into uncharted territories, while leaving behind a well-established persona, doesn't faze me one bit and why the constant chase for perfection might not be the golden ticket we once believed it to be.

Why I'm Unfazed by Starting Over

You'd think, after establishing a successful pen name, the thought of starting anew might be a tad bit daunting, right? But here's the thing: I stumbled upon those artful book covers I’d forgotten about, tucked away in a digital corner, and something clicked. Each cover whispered potential stories and the more I thought about it, the clearer it became. It wasn’t about just using them; it was about respecting the art and my own storytelling passion.

The initial pen name? Sure, it was my proving ground. It was me saying, “Look, this method works!” But writing those short contemporary romances felt a bit like I was playing a character in someone else's script. They proved a point, but it wasn't MY point. Now, I'm itching to write stories infused with romance and magic - tales I can pour my heart into.

So, why am I not biting my nails about this fresh start?

• Been There, Done That: I’ve got this backpack of strategies that’s already traveled with me once. I know the route.

• Magic's in Demand: There's a massive crowd out there craving the enchanting blend of romance and magic. They're my people; I just have to wave my wand!

• Resilience is My Middle Name: Hey, challenges are like plot twists. You never see them coming, but they make the story better. If I hit a wall, I'm already thinking of three ways around it.

Cultivating an Empowered Author Mindset: Embracing Growth and Letting Go of Perfection

I “fail” all the time.

It’s a classic scenario: pouring over a manuscript, identifying every minor error, and drowning in the sea of “not good enough.” Sound familiar? But here's the thing: our mindset and how we perceive our journey can be the game-changer.

The Illusion of Perfection

For the longest time, I would find myself on the verge of completing a project, only to slam on the brakes. The work was there; the content was fleshed out. Yet, a nagging voice would always hold me back.

The realization struck hard—this wasn't about the manuscript or the plot; it was about me. An inherent fear loomed large: “If this isn't perfect, then I’ve failed.” (because that’s the way it is, right? One or the other)

This fear stems from a culture that equates perfection with worthiness. We’re subtly conditioned to believe that if our creations aren't flawless, they’re not worthy of appreciation or recognition. And by extension, neither are we.

This perfectionist mindset is a trap.

When we equate perfection with success, we set ourselves an impossible standard. This constant pursuit becomes an exhausting cycle. Every minor flaw feels like a colossal failure, and the weight of it can stifle creativity and innovation. The irony? Perfection, in its absolute form, doesn't exist. So, in essence, we’re chasing a mirage, running ourselves ragged for something that’s forever just out of reach.

More often than not, our fear of producing something 'imperfect' makes us procrastinate or even abandon projects mid-way. We end up missing out on opportunities and potential successes.

But here's the kicker: it's those very imperfections, those unique quirks and idiosyncrasies, that often resonate most deeply with readers. They bring authenticity, relatability, and a touch of humanity to our work.

“Understanding the difference between healthy striving and perfectionism is critical… Research shows that perfectionism hampers success. In fact, it’s often the path to depression, anxiety, addiction, and life paralysis.”― Brené Brown

After this profound insight, my perspective shifted. Rather than being paralyzed by fear, I began to see imperfections as opportunities—for growth, for learning, and for refining my craft. 

These days, I finish projects all the time, but I don’t necessarily consider them complete—they can still be updated or changed. (part of the beauty of being self-published, amiright?)

Embrace progress. Celebrate the little victories.

Remember, your first draft is just that—a draft. It’s meant to be refined, honed, and polished.

Moreover, just as a story draft undergoes numerous revisions, decisions related to marketing are malleable too. They're subject to refinement and change. Every edit, every revision, every re-strategizing in marketing is a step toward achieving your goals more effectively.

No Endings, Only Evolutions

Every step you take in your writing journey, every decision you make, isn’t set in stone. You have the freedom to revisit, revise, and rejuvenate. Encountered a plot hole? It’s an opportunity to weave a richer subplot. Received critical feedback? It’s a chance to view your work through a fresh lens and grow.

I've "failed" countless times. But each misstep was a lesson. Each stumbling block was a stepping stone leading to a richer narrative tapestry.

"You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it." - Maya Angelou

Embracing Imperfection: Harness Your 'Failures' and Unleash Your Author Potential

Break Free from the Chains of Perfection

Being a perfectionist can be a double-edged sword. While it drives you to produce quality content, it can also become an obstacle, making you hesitant to release your work to the world. The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown is a must-read if you find yourself in this dilemma. This book offers valuable insights into understanding that striving for perfection doesn’t always correlate with success or happiness. Letting go of the fear of imperfection can unlock a world of creativity and productivity.

Embrace and Learn from “Failures”

Every stumble or setback isn’t a failure; it's a lesson in disguise. We often dread the idea of failing because society, more often than not, portrays it negatively. But consider this: if we never fall, how will we learn to pick ourselves up?

• Redefine failure: Instead of viewing failures as endpoints, see them as checkpoints. They're moments to pause, reflect, and decide on the next direction.

• Celebrate small “failures”: Take risks in your writing or marketing strategies. If something doesn't work out, instead of feeling defeated, analyze why it didn't work and how you can improve.

• Grow through resilience: The most successful authors aren’t those who never faced setbacks but are those who, despite them, kept pushing forward. Every "failure" strengthens your resolve and teaches you something new.

Embracing Blank Pages

Stepping into this new pen name is kind of like getting a fresh journal—the pages are blank, but the possibilities? Endless. I’ve learned to embrace the twists and turns, the messy drafts, and those pesky doubts that like to pop up. Because, at the end of the day, it's not just about the finished book or the bestseller rank. It's about the wild, wonderful journey of getting there.

And hey, if I can swap out my successful pen name hat for a new one, and learn a thing or two about letting go of perfection along the way, then trust me, we've all got some epic stories in us just waiting to be told. So, cheers to the adventures ahead, to writing with heart, and to all of us finding our unique paths in this wild world of storytelling. ✨

Hugs & happy authoring,

Ella

Want more peeks behind the curtain? Join our author community, subscribe to the newsletter, and let's traverse this path together. And stay tuned! In our next edition, I'll be sharing more about my writing processes.

"Failures are finger posts on the road to achievement." - C.S. Lewis