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!
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://charitywrites.blogspot.com/ Charity Bradford
http://salarsenbooks.com/ S.A. Larsen
http://tamaranarayan.com/ Tamara Narayan
http://tanyamiranda.com/ Tanya Miranda
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?
ReplyDeleteWhy not discuss it here? And why not put on some music and let it send you on a journey of words, (smile).
Maybe there is! A journey of words sounds like a fun ride. Thanks Dixie.
DeleteTake a pair of scissors and stab the self doubt on your shoulder, then poof, all better lol
ReplyDeleteBe gone self doubt!
DeleteJust keep learning and perfecting the craft of writing. Query writing is an art form!
ReplyDeleteIt is indeed, Jennifer. Thanks for the visit today.
DeleteAnd reading in the meantime is a great way to ignoring the ticking hands of the clock. =)
ReplyDeleteOh yes, another excuse (if one needs one!) to buy new books!
DeleteOf 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!
ReplyDeleteIt's muggy here. Sat with a glass of soda water at the minute! Thanks for the encouragement, Rachel :)
DeleteKeep your head up, Suzanne! You'll get there. Just focus on other things to distract you and keep sending out queries.
ReplyDeleteThanks Chrys, I don't intend giving up :)
DeleteYes, you're good enough! Just keep sending queries and writing. The only way you can fail is if you stop doing those things.
ReplyDeleteThat is very true Alex. Thanks for the encouragement.
DeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteYvonne.
I hope you are feeling better now, Yvonne. Thanks for the encouragement, I appreciate it.
DeleteYou'll get there! Those nagging insecurities can be so frustrating, but we're lucky we have IWSG to talk about them. :)
ReplyDeleteYay for IWSG, always feel better when you guys stop by. Thanks, Emma.
DeleteBeing 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.
ReplyDeleteThat is very true Ken, thank you for stopping by.
DeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteYou're so right, thank you.
DeleteIn my case, a little time helps to shut up the doubt for a while. Distractions help too.
ReplyDeleteLeaving you with hugs.
God, Entertainment, & Annoying Things
Time and distractions are the answer. Thank you for dropping by.
DeleteWe 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.
ReplyDeleteI do love it, which is the most important thing :)
DeleteI'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.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear you are in the same phase, I guess it goes with the life of a writer! Thanks, Annalisa :)
DeleteThe 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. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Tonja, we will :)
DeleteWriting 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.
ReplyDeleteThanks Rena - it's quite an equation isn't it!
DeleteYou 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.
ReplyDeleteHi Suzanne,
ReplyDeleteI 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 :)
We all have those days. The good news is that they pass.
ReplyDeleteWriting 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