Wednesday 1 July 2015

IWSG (July)

It's time for another gathering of the Insecure Writer's Support Group. The place where writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

I am not so much feeling insecure this month as despondent; disheartened by my seeming lack of progress. Submissions are out, some feedback has been positive - encouraging even. And yet I still seem to be treading water. I am working on new things but I can't stop the niggling self doubt that is currently perching on my shoulder. Am I good enough? Will I realise my dreams?

I know these feelings are all part of being a writer and there is no magic answer. The despondency will clear, but it is good to talk about it here and feel a little less alone!



Brain child of Alex J. Cavanaugh ably assisted this month by:

http://tamaranarayan.com/ Tamara Narayan
http://eclecticali.wordpress.com/ Allison Gammons
http://tanyamiranda.com/ Tanya Miranda


36 comments:

  1. Hi Suzanne! There are many bloggers and writers who are describing the same thing you are. Despondent seems to be rampant. Is there something in the air?

    Why not discuss it here? And why not put on some music and let it send you on a journey of words, (smile).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Maybe there is! A journey of words sounds like a fun ride. Thanks Dixie.

      Delete
  2. Take a pair of scissors and stab the self doubt on your shoulder, then poof, all better lol

    ReplyDelete
  3. Just keep learning and perfecting the craft of writing. Query writing is an art form!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is indeed, Jennifer. Thanks for the visit today.

      Delete
  4. And reading in the meantime is a great way to ignoring the ticking hands of the clock. =)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh yes, another excuse (if one needs one!) to buy new books!

      Delete
  5. Of course you're good enough! You'll realise your dreams one day, I have no doubt :). Just sit down with a well earned cup of tea (or possibly an iced drink - why is England so hot today??) and relax - you deserve it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's muggy here. Sat with a glass of soda water at the minute! Thanks for the encouragement, Rachel :)

      Delete
  6. Keep your head up, Suzanne! You'll get there. Just focus on other things to distract you and keep sending out queries.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Yes, you're good enough! Just keep sending queries and writing. The only way you can fail is if you stop doing those things.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That is very true Alex. Thanks for the encouragement.

      Delete
  8. I feel totally insecure with my latest problem but I think I have my fighting spirit back. I do hope things turn out ok for you Suzanne, Good luck.
    Yvonne.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I hope you are feeling better now, Yvonne. Thanks for the encouragement, I appreciate it.

      Delete
  9. You'll get there! Those nagging insecurities can be so frustrating, but we're lucky we have IWSG to talk about them. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yay for IWSG, always feel better when you guys stop by. Thanks, Emma.

      Delete
  10. Being able to shut out all those nagging voices is part of being a writer. As soon as something good happens, those voices will disappear... for a while at least.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That is very true Ken, thank you for stopping by.

      Delete
  11. I don't think a single writer can say they don't experience periods of self-doubt every so often. As long as you keep believing in yourself and submitting your work, you'll be fine. The wait must be so frustrating, but you mentioned getting good feedback so far. Enjoy THOSE feelings while you work on something else as a distraction.

    ReplyDelete
  12. In my case, a little time helps to shut up the doubt for a while. Distractions help too.

    Leaving you with hugs.

    God, Entertainment, & Annoying Things

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Time and distractions are the answer. Thank you for dropping by.

      Delete
  13. We all have these feelings at one point or another, we just need to remember the reason we began writing in the first place - because we love it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I do love it, which is the most important thing :)

      Delete
  14. I'm working my way through similar feelings at the moment. Nothing I'm writing seems right. Just remember, it's a phase - and hopefully it'll be a quick and easy phase and you'll be happy with your writing again soon. Read back over the positive feedback you've got - that's a really huge boost when you need it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sorry to hear you are in the same phase, I guess it goes with the life of a writer! Thanks, Annalisa :)

      Delete
  15. The little demon in me is screaming 'Nope, we won't make it! Bwhahahaha!' But then, he never really goes away just gets dimmed down at times. I keep telling myself that there's no time pressure, that I can still publish when I'm ninety, and if not, would I have stopped writing anyway? We'll make it in good time. :)

    ReplyDelete
  16. Writing is hard, and publishing is crazy. Put them together, mix in some hopes and dreams, and anyone would be feeling it. Chin up, and carry on. You'll get there.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Rena - it's quite an equation isn't it!

      Delete
  17. You are NOT alone. We're all in it with you. At least you're trying- some of us (myself included) haven't even stepped past those niggling doubts enough to try publishing. So focus on what you have done, and try to trust the universe for the rest.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hi Suzanne,

    I have a positive hunch that you will realise your dreams. Indeed, the verbalisation you share displays your determination and your continued passion for the written word.

    Have a peaceful weekend, my friend.

    Gary :)

    ReplyDelete
  19. We all have those days. The good news is that they pass.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Writing is hard work, and most people don't understand that vision, only other writer's. It can be frightening to put ourselves out there and get rejected, which makes us depressed time and again. But it's all a matter of opinion. It only takes one yes. In the meantime work on another project and enjoy the summer!!! (I know how you feel)

    ReplyDelete

I love reading your comments, thank you for taking the time to visit and interact but please note I have disabled anonymous comments due to too much spam!