Wednesday 5 October 2016

Insecure writer? Heck yeah!


Thanks to Alex J. Cavanaugh

I'm definitely feeling insecure right now. About writing, about life, about pretty much everything! I think it's just a phase I'm going through (I hope it is!) and soon I'll haul myself over the crest of this wave of insecurity and find myself in a good place again. Don't you think that when you are feeling happy and positive about one area of your life it has a knock-on effect? So I guess the opposite is also true . . . when you are feeling despondent about something that feeling can rub off onto other things. Creatively I feel drained. I've got ideas and drafts I could be working on but I think I am procrastinating too much and that is not really like me! 

This month's IWSG questions is When do you know your story is ready?

I enjoy the editing process, for me this is when the story really takes shape, my characters develop and I get to know them inside out. So I would say it is the characters themselves that let me know they are ready to talk to someone else!

27 comments:

  1. I think we all go through that stage in life Suzanne, We just have to weather the storm I guess.
    Yvonne.

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  2. Been there, felt that, or Lord yes, Suzanne ~ Enough times to have confidence in the fact that these phases pass. Like you, I enjoy the editing process. That's really the heart of the writing process for me. And I love that your characters tell you when they're ready to talk to someone else! My characters will make me feel downright uncomfortable if I try to ignore what they want. Here's hoping you'll feel security flowing back in very soon!

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  3. I absolutely LOVE the editing process too!! My word counts are really low after first drafts. Gotta fill up those pages.

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  4. Yes, I think you are exactly right about the knock-on effect. It works both ways. I've been in the same kind of phase you're in for a while now but finally feel like I'm starting to come out of it. I hope you will soon be much better too!

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  5. Hope you find your peace again.
    I like the editing phase best as well. Then I can do something with what I've written.

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  6. I know the feeling well, Suzanne. The good thing is, it doesn't last. I allow myself to wallow in it for a bit and then something triggers a positive reflex and the tide turns for the better. Sending you positive vibes through the ether.

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  7. Hi,
    You're going through a phase. Hang in there and keep writing. It will pass when you are able to stop thinking about it. By the way, I enjoy the editing process too. It is the best part of writing in my opinion.
    All the best.
    Shalom aleichem,
    Patricia

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  8. The characters are a great way to know indeed

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  9. One thing constant in life is change. We're either growing in positive ways, or shrinking in not so healthy ways. The key is to strive toward the good, eh? A little at a time. Fake it til you make it. You've got this, woman! One day at a time.

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  10. Maybe there does need to be a balance. If we're secure and happy in one area, something has to make us insecure and unhappy. But I hope this doesn't last for you! Hang in there!

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  11. Philosophers say that contrast in life is a good thing. It makes us think, learn, and yearn. I hope. I also hope you come out of this more happy than you've ever been, Suzanne, with a zee. I'm sending peace and energy your way. Hope you have a wonderful winter.

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  12. Hi Suzanne - I think we all have our ups and downs and our insecurities ... but can quite understand re the publishing of a story ... good luck and you'll be secure soon - cheers Hilary

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  13. Hmmm... I hadn't thought of asking my characters what they thought. Of course, if they are shy, they might do anything to keep me from sending the book out into the world. They might rather stay safe and secure inside my desk drawer.

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  14. This is my first time here. I like your blog! I've joined your blog. I like editing, too, although I can edit too long at times. Thanks for sharing this advice. All the best!

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  15. The insecurity will pass and you'll be back at it before you know it. Hang in there. :-)

    Anna from elements of emaginette

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  16. Love that your characters tell you when to submit!

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  17. Hang in there. It's hard to separate those feelings sometimes. They tend to cling to us and spill over into everything. Shake it off and listen to those characters in your head, because they are having a lot of fun!

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  18. Knock-on effect. Good description. It all carries over. Feeling secure in one area gives us confidence in others. Best wishes.

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  19. Thanks for all the super comments and encouragement this month fellow IWSGer's! Happy writing :)

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  20. Hang in there. As my mother used to say, "This, too, shall pass."

    Oh, so your characters run the show, too, eh? Seems to be a common phenomenon. (The stinkers!)

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  21. You have the best answer to the IWSG question I've read. That it's all up to those characters to decide, not you! I'm sorry you're despondent. I hope that things look up soon and that you get that knock-on effect that spills over to all areas of your life. Until then, drink tea, read good books, and enjoy yourself!

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  22. I know what you mean about one mood tending to pervade our lives. Hope you get to be in a better place creatively soon. I like your answer to the IWSG question, it's different from other responses I've seen. It's like your characters are ready to fly the nest and embrace the wider world!

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  23. I like editing more as well. It's hard to write something when you don't quite know how all the pieces fit together.

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  24. I"m never sure when mine are ready. I trust after I've edited it about a zillion times and the critique group has seen it, things are ready. But I'm never terribly confident about it. :)

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  25. When big changes occur, sometimes it takes a while to get used to the new normal. I know I'm not very good with transitions. I think you're right about the knock-on effect. So pamper yourself and do things that make you happy. Hang in there. This phase will pass.

    I've never thought to ask my characters if they're ready. That's an interesting idea.

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  26. Ooh, please pass me some of that editing enjoyment!

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