Confessions of a Chronic Procrastinator: My Publishing Journey

Have you ever found yourself doing anything but the task you're supposed to be focusing on? That's my daily reality as an author. Despite having written multiple books, I find myself trapped in a cycle of procrastination, leaving five completed manuscripts gathering digital dust on my hard drive.

The Marketing Meeting Anxiety

So, I am on my way to meet with somebody to help me with the marketing. When my new book comes out, I want to be well-informed when the publishers speak with me, so I can follow through on all the other books I have. That way, I know what I'm doing, or I will pretend I know what I'm doing.

But I am rather anxious because, as with all the things that I do, this is my least favorite, and I spend most of my time procrastinating and avoiding it.

The Digital Distraction Cycle

Whenever I get near my computer, my focus scatters like leaves in the wind. I check something, then I check something else, and then—finally—I write.

This constant battle with distractions explains why I have approximately five unpublished books. Five complete stories that could be in readers' hands, if only I could master the business side of being an author.

Moving Beyond Procrastination

This marketing meeting represents my attempt to break the cycle. By learning the ropes of book promotion, I'm hoping to overcome the paralysis that keeps my work hidden away.

Perhaps acknowledging my procrastination publicly is the first step toward conquering it. After all, knowing your enemy is half the battle—even when that enemy is your own tendency to check email one more time before getting down to business.

Have you struggled with procrastination in your creative pursuits? I'd love to hear how you've overcome it in the comments below.