D. Moonfire14h ago

I think it's awesome that they are doing an Itch bundle for the SPFBO submissions but I'm also a sad that I got a DNF on my entry. :( That still guts me that I tried so hard on it and got a "well, it sucked."

https://writing.exchange/@skaeth/116274595657006417

S. Kaeth (@[email protected])

Attached: 1 image Looking for something to read? I've joined up with a bunch of other authors from this year's #SPFBO to offer our books as a bundle. Get 25 books from 25 authors for $25!! Includes #FantasyBooks from sub-genres like: #LowFantasy #HighFantasy #UrbanFantasy #EpicFantasy #DarkFantasy #SwordAndSorcery #Romantasy & #Horror https://itch.io/b/3592/spfbo-2026 Only available until the end of the month! @[email protected] @[email protected] #IndieBooks #IndieAuthors #Bookstodon #SelfPromo #BookSale #SFFBookClub #SFFBooks #books

Writing Exchange
Show threadS. Kaeth
@dmoonfire I was my judge's first read--and first cut. The competition can definitely be emotionally difficult, but it's even more difficult I think when it's a DNF. It's hard to remember that these are opinions and not everyone will view your book the same way! Hopefully you find more readers who love your book anyway.
8:11pmWeb
Show threadD. Moonfire14h ago

@skaeth Yeah, my first entry (for the first SFPBO) almost made it to the preliminaries. It was down to mine and the book that would eventually win it (The Thief Who Pulled on Trouble's Braids). I mean, that was pretty good but when I was told why mine was ultimately rejected, it seemed like a trivial and nitpicky justification so I figured I'm a good enough writer, just had serious competition. Then it took me almost a decade to get another "book one" I could submit.

There are folk that like Flight, but between that DNF, Covid, end of the 300 week sprint, self-doubt, and a pitiful self-esteem... I basically gave up on Flight after that. And I've been slow walking Allegro for the same reason. Same with Nor Curse.

It's an irrational response, I know, but it's really hard to get past the "everything you write sucks" that constantly echoes in the back of my head. Coupled with the burnout from the 300 week, I've been unable to write anything new. :(

Show threadD. Moonfire14h ago
@skaeth I really crave validation but I have Obfuscate ◉◉◉○○, one makes the other difficult. :D
Show threadS. Kaeth13h ago
@dmoonfire lol! Maybe you need to have friends scan your reviews for you and send you all the glowing ones!