Deadlines make me angsty




Y'know, it's pretty darn stressful trying to birth a book amid global and national chaos. 

Since Finishing Line Press is a small operation, they have a pre-sales quota that authors must meet in order for them to publish the book, and to be honest, that is the most stressful part of the whole process. I'm trying not to panic; there's still a month until the deadline. And likely, I'll just buy copies to fill out the quota, and sell them locally. But still. It's one little nagging thing, right? Sales are a lot slower this time around, and I hope that people are not just sick of my little poems and they are only clapping politely. (Imposter syndrome rears its ugly head.)

And I *hate* reminding folks about the deadline, even though people are so kind and they will probably order a copy-- but sigh, the deadline. Sigh again. (It's April 3)

Anyhow, maybe the press release I sent to the papers will get published. And maybe people will listen to the chat on the North Country Community Radio on Saturday. It's livestreamed online, so if you haven't anything else to listen to at noon on Saturday, tune in!

And maybe the world will not resemble a kerosene-doused dumpster fire. I'm sure that's part of the problem. If people are like me at all, they are likely paralyzed with anxiety about, well, every damned thing. 

I have to believe that good will eventually prevail, and that good words will help us forge a path ahead. 

Maybe my words will be some of them. I sure hope so. 

Thanks for listening to me stress. And if you know anyone who likes to read poetry, send 'em my way. =)

Take care, hold onto your loved ones for dear life-- yours and theirs. 

C

Comments

Post a Comment

Thanks for stopping by!

Popular posts from this blog

I've had a bellyfull of privileged statements lately--

Image
 It's cold again. Very. And I can't help but think of those who are living rough, who are unhoused or are "couch surfing" from patient friend to patient friend. Most of us are just a paycheck or two away from making those same hard choices.  The overnight shelter in Littleton is open, and there is a giving tree at the Coop with needs tags for them. There is an ongoing collection for basic necessities to benefit those who are having a rough time. There are several "little free pantry" sites. But it's not enough, and the need is growing.  When I hear from certain pundits that prices are down all over, that gas is about 2.00 a gallon, that an extra dollar or two won't break anyone... I get steamed. Seriously angry. How dare they spout such fallacies? I've read "so what if beef is a dollar or two more a pound" too many times lately. When hamburger is a luxury item, there is something radically wrong.  Health care costs are already spiking, ...
Read more

End of the semester: has it/is it worth the time we have spent? Maybe?

Image
We have one week left of this fall semester; it's been pretty good, most of the time. A lot of work, mostly mental, some self-imposed, but good. My overwhelming sense of responsibility for whether my juniors will do well on the AP test in May is eating at me, though. I know it's just a test. I know that it's only a snapshot of what they can/cannot do in an artificial environment (online, 2.5 hours, and the beastly multiple choice part). They are good humans. They are interested and interesting. They have questions. They have the ability to search out answers and make a pretty cogent argument for why they think as they do. So wtf with this stupid test? The anxiety they feel is made even more so for me. We've practiced a ton of stuff, and it's frankly not felt like a lot of fun most of the time. I don't like this way of teaching composition. I will give it a lot of reflection and see if there's anything I can do to make this less boring/rote/miserable. Snacks ...
Read more

Bob Dylan and praying for help for us all...

Image
" Masters of War "-- Bob Dylan Let me ask you one question, is your money that good? Will it buy you forgiveness? Do you think that it could? I think you will find when your death takes its toll All the money you made will never buy back your soul... Please pray for the dead children, the horrified and hurt people who are affected by war.  Please pray for those of us who are scared witless about the future for our own children. Please insist on and act for justice, for rational thought, for humane behavior, for compassion. God help us all. We sure need it. With love to all, but in anger over the situations... C
Read more