I guess it doesn't matter. What's more important is how the word applies to you (and me) as a writer.
Once I put the finishing touches on The Mine, a different kind of thriller, I set it aside for years. It had been gone over by an editor who enthusiastically recommended some changes and polishing, which I attended to -- before storing it on a floppy disk, a CD, and a backup drive. Storage and backup had nothing to do with doubt, understand. I just didn't want to face the arduous task of looking for an agent. Something to do with rejection, I'm sure.
As I began working on other projects, I allowed this manuscript to linger until finally, I decided to put it in eBook format.
It was well after submitting the work in kindle and smashwords format that the doubt set in. Was it good enough? Would anyone buy it? Did I have what it takes to promote the book myself? Was it priced right?
Months and months later, I decided to look for answers to some of these questions, and to do that, I pulled up my final draft and read the novel again.
I think overall it's good enough. In fact, it's pretty darn good -- except. I think it starts too slowly. After the prolog, the pace could use a little help. However, about half way through, the plot gets more involved and eventually, it turns into a rather exciting finish. People have purchased it, although not as many as I'd like. As for self-promotion, I'm working on that. But, even at the bargain price of $2.99, only one person reviewed the book on Amazon.
I hate to tell you how I feel about my second novel, the start of a detective series, but I will. It, too, starts slowly. I think the twists and turns of the plot are good enough and the ending is great, if I say so myself.
I'm just wondering ... how does doubt fit into your work? Do you ever wish you could have a do-over? More importantly, do you make amends for your doubts in your next work?
