Once again, thanks go out to Alex J. Cavanaugh for creating this wonderful group. Why not check out the official IWSG website or, even better, download the Insecure Writer’s Support Group Guide to Publishing and Beyond - it's completely free!
I was planning on writing about how my old fear about no one liking my novel has resurfaced once again, but I've read so many positive and inspirational posts this month, that I decided to write a positive post too.
You're all awesome. Seriously. I genuinely don't know where I'd be in my writing (I certainly wouldn't have written an entire draft of my novel) without this group's constant support and encouragement. It's so lovely to know that whenever I'm feeling down or insecure, I can visit any one of your wonderful blogs and be encouraged to keep writing. So here's my small piece of encouragement for you all:
Your writing IS good - Worried no one will like your novel? Some people might not, but others will fall head-over-heels in love with it. You can't please everyone - if you're writing chick-lit or a family saga, don't expect a hardcore zombie/paranormal romance fan to like it (unless, perhaps, you're writing Zombie Pride & Prejudice...) - but that's just the way writing goes sometimes. Don't write to please others, just write for yourself :).
Your idea IS worth it - see above. But, also, remember this - if you're passionate enough to write a whole damn novel about this characters; if you pour all your love and enthusiasm for these characters into your words, your readers will pick up on it, and they'll end up loving the book just as much as you do.
You ARE a good writer - You wouldn't be here reading my writing blog - or anyone else's in IWSG for that matter - if you didn't love writing. You might not think yourself as a 'true author/writer' yet because you haven't got that shiny new multi-million dollar book/film deal...but the second you start writing that idea that you just couldn't get out of your head, the moment you write that very first word that will be the first of many, many more - you are an author. And don't let anyone else tell you different.
So that's it for now. Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and a positive start to your New Year!
P.S. Slight self-promotion here, but it you're in the mood of something not-quite-Chrismassy, check out my short flash fiction piece here, and let me know what you think ;)
I've read so many positive posts this month, too - including yours! Nice to see! Maybe we're all not as insecure as we thought we were? :)
ReplyDeleteExactly, Madeline! We're all awesome, we just need to shout about it a bit more every month :)!
DeleteFantastic post! You touched on every insecurity I usually stress about. Thank you so much for making me feel happy and excited to create something new.
ReplyDeleteThanks Murees :)! I'm so happy I've managed to spread the love of writing this month :)
DeleteThere's nothing better than the support you can find within the writing community. It lets you know you aren't alone - everyone has the same fears and worries. I'm glad you've taken the optimism on board this month! :)
ReplyDeleteI love how positive every in our community is - it genuinely makes me happy to be a part of it, and excited to get writing :)!
DeleteSometimes we all need to hear those words. I started blogging on a whim, but continued due to all the wonderful bloggers I've met.
ReplyDeleteThanks Annalisa! That's basically my story too :), I love checking out everyone else's blogs! They make me proud to be a part of such a positive and wonderful community :)
DeleteHi Rachel, thanks for helping to spread the positivity. This group is a writier's life saver, I know I would struggle without the companionship and support offered. Thank you so much for visiting my blog too, always nice to hear from you.
ReplyDeleteThanks Suzanne :)! I definitely don't know where I'd be if I didn't have the IWSG. No problem - I love reading your blog!
DeleteThat is a very good thing to keep in mind- if you're here- you're already a thousand steps ahead in that serious writer journey. I also think it's important that we remember the love we have for creating stories as the bigger motivator than money.
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