For those of you not a part of the Insecure Writers Group, please stop by, it's beneficial for all!
The first of every month you're able to post your thoughts and struggles you have as a writer. Whatever is on your mind is what you write... so here we go.
My confession (aka insecurity): I'm a scared writer.
You know the ones, they start writing something and afraid people will hate it so they toss it in the dumpster? In a day, week, month, I probably rewrite the same words over and over again. I've written several novels and yet the minute their finished I'm no longer confident that it's any good.
The solution I've found? Critique partners and beta readers.
I've realized the more I write the more I need a system. With each obstacle I come across I work hard to find a solution so I can get back in the game. I'll probably always be a scared writer... it's not easy putting your work out there to be judged so many times. It's hard to remember that agents base their thoughts on taste and it's not that your book sucks. You want the agent to fall in love with your book, you characters, the works. You want them to pass on it if they don't feel connected, the novel is what connects you to the agent and the reader.
I've been blessed to become a part of team Still Moments Publishing. They're an e-publisher and so far they've helped me perfect three beautiful short stories.
It's the small steps towards the big goal that keep me as a writer going. I'm not sure what my path will be, but isn't that half the fun?
Writers were born to be adventurous... even during those scared bouts. Do you ever find yourself to be a scared writer? How do you come out of your shell?
29 comments:
I don't ususally show my work to anyone until I have a nearly-polished first draft. The first draft is MINE- totally writing for me and me only. If, at the end, I don't love it. I don't share it. But that hasn't happened yet:)
Welcome to the group! I was not born to be adventurous, lol. I'm a scared writer too, so I feel your pain! I'm insecure too...and forgot that today was that blogfest, but I think my post kinda sorta goes along with it anyway...okay, I'm hijacking your blog!
It sounds like you're getting there, sweetie! I know I love your blog, so you've got me hooked for awhile now!
Rocketship undies - that gave me a laugh this morning!
I started with test readers for my first book, incorporated critique partners for the second, and for the third, I even sent my outline to my partners before writing. They have made a world of difference!
Totally a scared writer. I cringe every time I send something out, but I know in the end it will only help me.
The more I write the more I need a system - so true!! CPs and betas are so important. I have a few I can rely on, and hopefully they can rely on me. :)
Crit partners and beta readers are amazing. I know I wouldn't be nearly as good without them.
Oh yes, I'm a very scared writer sometimes. It's perfectly natural, I'm sure.
"Writers were born to be adventurous"--I LOVE that. It's so true. And thank goodness for critique partners and betas! They really do make all the difference.
I love it that you say writers are born to be adventurous. And, yes, we need that creative team to keep us going.
I'm always a scared writer lol!
I agree, CPs are the best thing any writer can have!
Welcome to the group! And I know exactly what you mean. I think I always write a bit scared of what people will think of it. Reading Stephen King's ON WRITING helped when he said to write with the door closed for first drafts and door open on second drafts. Still, it's hard to overcome the doubts. Critique partners and the like are so helpful, though. I don't know what I would do without mine.
I'm in two crit groups and they help a ton! But I try to polish it before I send it out, but still...I love those crit groups.
Hi, Sweets,
How are you? IT's been soooo long.
I love your rocket undies... lol.
I think we are all "scared" writers. We must pick ourselves up and walk that trail. As you said the journey is half the fun.
CP's and Betas are our best friend. PLUS the support of our amazing community is always available for a push in the right direction...
Facing our fears is the first step to overcoming them. Your post shows you've done this. Congrats, and stay positive.
I'm scared all the time, Jen! When I'm writing. When I'm revising. When my editor reads it. When it's published. And on and on and on! I force myself to keep going. The only way is forward!
Yes, such a scaredy cat. When I first announced I was writing I likened it to coming out of the closet...except as far as I know there are no hate crimes against writers.
I'm not a scared writer, per-se. But I do overanalyze the crap out of everything, lol.
Uh, yeah. Fear is a big part of this business. I'm glad you've found a system that works for you!
Nice to have you in this group. Don't be scared. ;)
Heck, I even have to take a deep breath before I publish a post on my blog. Welcome to the ISWG!
Yup - I'm a big ole chicken - nothing much brave going on here *sigh*
One thing that writers need is a support system because writing is a lonely job! I'm glad you have a good support system, Jen.
As for me, I don't have much of a shell. I just write but every once in a while I have my doubts. Then I go to my buds and they talk me through it. Helps a lot.
Jai
Just call me scaredy cat. But I've a story to tell, even if only a few people like it - oh dear I hope more than a few like it when it eventually makes it's way into the world via some pubbing route.
Beta readers and crit partners help in dealing with the fear.
I'm ALWAYS scared, but I try to press through and keep on writing. This business is so subjective, so you never know who's gonna love your stuff and who's gonna hate it. Heck, my friend and I, who write in the dame genre and generally read the same, as well, hardly ever agree on which books are good and which are not. It's every bit as subjective as music. So while I am afraid there are many who might not like my work, I know there are just as many who will. It's a trade-off. All we can do is write the best story we can, something we ourselves want to read and would enjoy, and trust others will follow.
Bravery is doing something even though it scares you. You're not a scared writer, you're a brave writer.
Oh yes, my critiquers and beta readers are so valuable. I love how much they have helped me. Great post.
I've been staring at the last 1/3 of my revisions FOR-EV-ER. All I need to do is finish them and we'll be out on subs. BUT I haven't finished them because I'm afraid of re-doing the ending. It needs to be awesome. Too dang scary!
Welcome aboard Jen! A sounding board of CP's and Beta's is essential to calming those fears!! Good ones are a godsend!
Welcome to the group! I can't believe you haven't been part of this all along. :)
I'm not a scared writer. I'm more of a terrified-out-of-my-skin-ready-to-vomit-at-the-mere-thought-of-sharing-my-work writer. It's a little more intense than I care to be.
That's great that you have such a support system. It's so important to have people willing to make you the best writer you can be, and who always have your best interests in mind. :)
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