It appears that with any maiden voyage unexpected twists are par for the course —and the process of publishing a book, no less so.
As a budding author, I recently found myself observing my own thoughts and emotions as I transitioned through two very different states of mind regarding my book, ‘Landing Home’.After the excitement of knowing ‘Landing Home’ had been printed, I eagerly anticipated its arrival back on Australian shores. However, as days turned into weeks, and there was no sign of the shipment, I realised that I had unconsciously placed myself in a familiar emotional loop: swinging from elation to frustration, a common experience for many navigating the publishing process.
The Pendulum of Expectation and Disappointment
Initially, I was filled with excitement at the thought of holding ‘Landing Home’ in my hands, but as the days passed, disappointment crept in. I noticed how quickly my emotions shifted based on the simple fact that my expectations were not being met. Instead of recognising this as a natural part of the publishing journey, I became the passive victim of the situation—unconsciously reacting to the delays as if they defined the success of the project.
The Trap of Powerlessness
In my frustration, I felt compelled to repeatedly contact my publishing agent, demanding updates. I rationalised this behaviour by telling myself that I needed to 'be the squeaky wheel,' convinced that pushing harder would somehow speed up the process. In hindsight, I see how this approach placed me in a victim orientation, giving power to external circumstances beyond my control—shipping logistics, material availability, and even old narratives of not being seen or valued during the publishing process.
Photo by Craig Goddard
The Inner Critic’s Voice
As I became more aware of this internal dynamic, I recognised another familiar voice—the voice of my inner critic. It whispered fears of failure: 'Your wife, clients, family, and anyone following your publishing journey will see how you’re falling short.' It was a stark reminder of how easily I could slip into the assumption that I’m not enough, a narrative I’ve struggled with in the past.
From Problems to Opportunities
Thankfully, using one of the very processes I teach, I was able to step back and observe the situation from a higher perspective. Rising above the moment, I saw how I had been searching for problems instead of recognising the opportunities that were equally present. I had handed over my power to conditions beyond my control, allowing my ego to stir up frustration and delay. This is a common pitfall when navigating the publishing process, where delays and setbacks can easily become emotional triggers.
Focusing on What Matters
In this state of awareness, I could also see how my ego was attempting to sabotage my progress. It suggested I should halt work on my next book until the shipment of ‘Landing Home’ arrived—an excuse to procrastinate and avoid the discomfort. But I saw through this. Acknowledging this counterproductive advice, I chose instead to continue writing, staying aligned with my passion.
This experience has reminded me to check in with myself whenever I feel emotionally charged about a situation. It’s never about the external event; it’s about the old, wounded stories that are being triggered within me. The real opportunity lies in recognising these stories and consciously choosing to act in alignment with what I truly desire in my publishing journey.
Thanks for reading my reflections on publishing and my experience with ‘Landing Home’. I hope they resonate with those of you on your own creative journeys.
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