In Lewis Caroll’s Phantasmagoria, there is a poem about writing poetry, titled Poeta Fit, Non Nascitur.

It begins with the simple questions – “How shall I be a poet? How shall I write in rhyme?”– and continues through 17 stanzas with the teacher explaining the tricks and twists of writing poetry. It’s a humorous poem, and a bit hard to understand because it’s written in Caroll’s very formal, odd old English. But the last stanza actually has the best bit in it…

That’s kind of how I feel. I write about writing. I talk about writing. I read about writing. I actually write. But when I think of publishing, my face grows stern and sad.

I’ve written about facing our fears. I’ve written about going against the advice of experts. But I have NOT written about the thing that bothers me the most.

What if my story’s really not that good?

I’ve written short stories, poems, and essays and received awards for them. So I know I’m capable of telling a tale. I’ve done a bit of limited edition self publishing, and that was well-received. I started this blog, thinking that I would gain confidence by sharing what I’ve learned with others and inviting you down the road with me.

So what’s the big deal?

I’m my worst critic, I think. I keep finding fault. I keep saying to myself this could be better. I search for grammar flaws, and bad punctuation. I discover flaws in continuity and flow. I re-structure the plot, and give the characters more, well, character. I actually think I’ve written several books in the process of turning out one – and it’s nowhere near done, because I keep going back to the beginning and rebuilding it.

I’ve shared with all of you advice from others that say at some point I’m going to have to put down the keyboard and call it done. But how can I do that when it’s half-baked?

You, too?

Okay, all you already-published people. Step up and share with us what made you take the leap. WHEN did you feel it was finished and ready to share with the world? And, does it get easier after the first one?

Comment below, or e-mail me at gayle.glass@ymail.com  (yes, ymail) and I’ll put it in a post.