Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Insecure Writer's Support Group

Thanks to Alex J. Cavanaugh for organizing and hosting this event every month. Go to Alex's blog to see the other participants.

So, I've been away, taking a hiatus if you will. I've been doing a lot of thinking and trying to write. I'm trying. When I get a moment, I open the doc I've been working on and read it, then try to add. I just don't have that feeling I had when I started it. I like what I wrote, but that giddy feeling you get in your chest when you write something new is not there. I know it will be back. I'm focusing on strengthening my craft and soaking up my actual strengths. I've also been looking back.

Yep, looking back. Not dwelling on the the past, ya know, whoa-is-me stuff. I'm talking about how far you've come. Go ahead bring up your very first draft. Seriously. Yes, scary, but read the first page. I'll wait a sec. Now, bring up your latest draft. Go on.

I see your mouth drop, and your eyes turn into huge saucers. That is called growth. Focus on it. Yes, there is a billion pages of internet that throw info at you--showing successes and failures, and to be honest, it can overwhelm you. It can make you feel small and inadequate. Throw in rejection after rejection and you're beat up like you've taken 10 rounds with Mike Tyson.

Looking back and reading your success can give you power. It can make you love what you do. It's why you do it. Hold on to your strengths. Use them as your light through the dark tunnel of your journey. They can guide you through the hard times and help you power up your weaknesses.

Have you taken a moment to see how far you've come?

I hoping to be back in a couple of weeks. I still need a little time to sort some things. I'm working hard and hopefully will be back to full speed. I'm hoping to finish a first draft by the end of September and start revising another novel to prep it for querying.

How is everyone?

Have a great day!