Insecure Writers Support Group
I’ve been thinking about this for almost a week. There have been a few things recently that helped my insecurities. Let me tell you about them.
First – Two weeks ago I was struggling to finish up my WIP before the end of the year. I just couldn’t do it. It wasn’t writer’s block, because I knew where I wanted to go, but something was keeping me from doing it. Then a friend, a really good friend it turns out, made a helpful suggestion on my blog that sent me over the edge. I sat at my computer and cried for about twenty minutes. But, when I was finished, I was ready to ‘open a vein, dip in, and write’. I put myself out there on the line and wrote some really good stuff.
My advice, don’t be afraid to let your emotions flow onto the paper. Honesty and emotion make the best stories, the most believable characters and an intriguing plot. In the end that’s what it’s all about isn’t it. Telling OUR stories. They aren’t necessarily your life story, but they do draw from your experience and your emotions. Or, at least, it seems they should. i realize a good cry is not what will evoke emotion for everyone (one of the guys told me this) but do whatever it takes for you personally.
Second – I’m working on my trust issues and I’ve joined a writing group. I know I need input from other writers. My first attempt at this is online. I applied to a group and was accepted. Hooray, I think. I promise myself that I'm going to jump right in, eyes wide open with no reservations (OK,maybe a few).
Next I’m going to contact the writer’s group here on the island and hope I can force myself to do the same thing in person. That’s a whole lot more scary for me. Maybe, I’ll tell you more about it next month.
Hey, glad you made it into the group! And sometimes we just have to let ourselves go and see what happens. I did that with my Monday post this week and look what happened.
ReplyDeleteThese are big steps. I admire you, because it takes courage to own up to your insecurities and fears. And how cool that there's a writer group on the island? I joined my group, MVRWA three years ago and sat, barely interacting with anyone for months out of insecurity. Now I can't imagine being on my writer journey without them. And some of my more interesting chapters in my "Em" series is when my eyeballs are swollen, bloodshot and still dripping.
ReplyDeleteThat brings to mind something I wrote last week. It's about to get uncomfortable in my comfort zone! In other words, no pain...no gain. You are stetching yourself artistically, and that can lead to nothing but good! :)
ReplyDeleteBig steps, and very courageous of you. I have trouble with putting myself out there with other writers too. It took a lot for me to join a writers group here in town last year. Yet it's been worth it. I still get terribly nervous each month before the meeting, but I go and get critiqued. I hope you have a rewarding experience with the groups you join. :)
ReplyDeleteWe grow by taking baby steps, feeling the water and our way and writing one word at a time.
ReplyDeleteWishing you the best with your writer's group, and I just have to mention I LOVE you island pic. :)
Happy writing!
I wish you the best with your writer's group. It can be tough to take critiques, but we can't grow as writers without them.
ReplyDeleteAnd you're so right about being honest with our characters and letting the emotions bleed upon the page. If you can write a scene that makes you cry or laugh, then it's likely that the reader will do the same.
Writer's groups are amazing! Good luck with yours and I hope you find some amazing friendships :)
ReplyDeleteI understand what you mean about trust issues. I have trouble believing a crit group will help me. So there's a trust issue right there.
ReplyDeleteGood job on taking that first step, though! It's not an easy thing, I know. I'm curious to see how it goes for you.
Writers or critique groups are very helpful but I would choose carefully. There are some who will tear you down because their own writing or ambitions are going nowhere. Having said that, I've found a couple of excellent readers who provide me with honest, open feedback (the flaws and the gems) and from that I've learned so much about the craft of writing and my ability as a writer.
ReplyDeleteAll the best with your writing for 2012! :)
Good luck with the writer's group. I've been in one for a year now, and I love it. We meet once a month and it's become a really close group. Remember; they're fellow writers, so they're not there to laugh at you, they're there to support you, like you are them.
ReplyDeleteI do agree we need emotion in our writing - and the emotions we know about are the ones they feel.
ReplyDeleteHope the writing groups turn out to be fun and useful - that's been my experience.
>>..."Then a friend, a really good friend it turns out, made a helpful suggestion on my blog that sent me over the edge."
ReplyDeleteThat friend just Emailed you. Look for it.
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
It sounds like you took a step in the right direction. I hope the writing group helps you. Sounds like you have a good friend on your side.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your writing group! It's definitely a big step that takes courage.
ReplyDeleteHow did you know what I needed to be told - don't be afraid to let your emotions flow? Yes. Thank you. It's those darn emotions that leave us stuck sometimes, yet we need to just write through it all.
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting too.
Good luck with the writing group. You've got much to offer.
xoRobyn
I agree with your post completely. Sometimes a good cry is all you need. Something about being completely vulnerable can really make us stronger writers. One time, I became so involved in my writing that I couldn't write any more because I kept crying with each sentence I wrote. When I reread it, it was powerful. Great post and thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI just wrote a scene last night that made me bawl like a baby. I don't know if it will elicit that response in my reader, but it was nice to know I nailed the scene. Great post - new follower :)
ReplyDeleteAmen sister! Writing for me has to come from the heart or as you say, it just isn't real and the reader knows it.
ReplyDeleteHoot, hoot, fist pump up...on the writer's group! :)
Jules @ Trying To Get Over The Rainbow
Oh, I'm so glad you were able to do it.. it's always SO hard... you're very right though.. sometimes that is exactly what is causing the block.. the fact that we're afraid to let our true selves spill out onto those pages.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great, inspiring post. I wish you the best of luck!
Yes, every emotion you have BELONGS in your book! That's what makes it good, unique, exciting...
ReplyDeleteAnd yes again, it's hard to trust strangers with your words. But toughen up your skin b/c there's nothing like critique partners to sharpen your skills!
Good luck!!
Well done on taking the first steps... and totally agree about using your emotions in your story - for sure:)
ReplyDeleteAloha (it's Barbara, right?)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the follow and I'm doing the same, especially now that I know you're on an island, too :)
I agree with some of the others - writer's groups are like rock stars - you just need to know who you're getting involved with. I'd also suggest a Writer's Conference - if that's an option...
Good luck and I look forward to reading more of your work.
Robert Frost wrote, "no tears in the writer, no tears in the reader." I glad you opened up to those emotions, I'm sure what you wrote was wonderful for having done that.
ReplyDeleteGosh, that's really admirable. I find it so scary to expose too much... it leaves a person so vulnerable... well, I suppose it's one step at a time...
ReplyDeletei've wept over more than one scene. glad you found a way around being stuck.
ReplyDeleteWhen I cry as I read a scene I wrote, I feel like I've gotten it right (that's assuming it's a place a reader should cry). But, of course, it could be just me.
ReplyDeleteI hope both writing groups are good ones for you. They can be really helpful.
Hey there. I just wanted to thank you for all the comments on my review. I really appreciate it.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the writer's groups. They can be awesome :)
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you were able to make your own breakthrough and get your novel going again. Thats such a wonderful feeling.
And weeping at myself is cathartic :)
......dhole