Here we are, the first Wednesday of the
month, the month of November no less, and it’s time for the Insecure Writers
Support Group.
Something new for me this month, I’m not
too insecure. If you caught my last post – I’ll wait while you go and read it,
if you like – you noticed that I opted out of NaNoWriMo. At first I was kind of
bummed about this, but now, here, today, November 7th, I feel pretty
good. I’ve got my November project and its working. I’m revising and editing
last year’s NaNo Project, and it’s coming together nicely.
Everyone says that when you finish up a
story to take a break, step away from it, start another project, if necessary.
Well, I did. I took about a nine month break. I never really started another
project, probably because this one kept nagging at me, but I really couldn’t bring
myself to revise it either.
When faced with the prospect of whether
or not I was a writer or simply a wannabe, I decided writer. So, I put my butt
in the chair and got to work. My new critique partner made it through ‘Sandy
and is looking for my MS. (Thank goodness on both counts.) I am so excited. I
am actually ready to send it out into the world, at least to let one other
person read it. I’m still making revisions and I’m sure there will be many
more, but I’m back on track again.
A project that I am in complete control of. One that I can see
through to the end. A project that I find engaging, exciting, and hopefully
rewarding. I guess, in the end, the temporary cure for MY insecurities is to
have a project to immerse myself in. Like just about every other problem I
encounter in life, the solution lies within.
Good luck to all of you doing NaNo. Good luck to the rest of you
too. May you find your solutions.
Now go on over to that badge on the side bar. Click on it and
get to the Linky List of other participants in the IWSG, so what advice they
have to offer and what comfort you can give.
Glad you took the plunge with a critique partner and are back on track!
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy you are ready to take the leap! I feel so honored that you are trusting me with your work! Can't wait to get started on this journey with you.
ReplyDeleteglad you're still in the game. I'm not doing nano either but I still have plenty to work on. Good luck with revisions :)
ReplyDeleteHappy you are back into writing and working on something that gives you purpose. It's hard to commit to that writer idea, but once you do it brings a special feeling inside you that makes you push forward. Glad to know your crit partner made it through Sandy. :)
ReplyDeleteI agree you have to make the decision to commit to writing (or anything else). Good luck on your project.
ReplyDeleteNothing wrong with taking long breaks after writing. I do that all the time.
ReplyDeleteI'm not doing NaNo either. Yay for getting back in the writing chair.
ReplyDeleteGlad you have started work on your project and good LUCK with it. Thank you for visiting my blog - I put my IWSG post up late but i really appreciate you commenting on my blog anyway.
ReplyDeleteSometimes taking a break gives you fresh eyes and a fresh perspective :) I have taken a huge break from novel recently, and I'm looking forward to getting back in to finish it. Things I have learned in the last 4 or 5 months are going to very helpful with the re-drafting process, so I'm actually quite excited about that :)
ReplyDeleteI'm glad your CP is okay too! And it's good to get back to working on a project. It definitely keeps your mind busy. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat post!! Yeah, I've just started a new book and I find that it's the best thing I could be doing right now. Keeps my mind busy and from dwelling on what will happen with the book I'm querying.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with yours!
It's good to see that you're getting on with things and steadily pushing them in the direction you want.
ReplyDeleteA long break is perfect for perspective. Without some kind of break I get burned out even though I love what I'm doing. But there's nothing like the feeling of a new project to dive into.
ReplyDeleteYAY... good for you! Never give up your dream. Writing is in our blood...it is WHO we are. Passion rules us creatures of creation... may your passion never leave you.
ReplyDeleteGood for you for being on back on track! When I finished my first WIP, I set it aside for a couple weeks, but couldn't stay away any longer, so hit the editing. Printed that entire thing up and red-inked it. Then I did those changes, edited again. Then I submitted to some contests, considered the critiques, made some edits. And then I had so overwhelmed myself all at once that I set it down and didn't touch it for probably just shy of a year. I like the writing much better than the editing, but I hit it last month again, and was excited by it again. Shew. Anyway, all that to say I feel ya', and good luck with it!
ReplyDeleteShannon at The Warrior Muse
I think doing revisions should count as participating. Otherwise, those words are just sitting there wasted.
ReplyDeleteGood for you!
You're right, sometimes the thrill of the work is enough to distract us from the insecurities we all face.
ReplyDeleteGood luck!
Do you ever worry that there are so many writers in the world, how will my book ever get noticed, read, or even used to prop open a window?? Hows that, I should probably join the IWSG!! Enough about me!
ReplyDeleteGood for you, so glad to hear it. It is a great creation, and it will go far. Besides I have a window if nothing else! :)
Pleased to hear you're not too stressed. Good idea to ditch NaNo and concentrate on another project instead if that's what suits you best.
ReplyDeleteI like your attitude. You inspire. Thanks.
ReplyDeletexoRobyn
Well done, all round.
ReplyDeleteThe snow is settling in; winter is here. I feel the need to hibernate, though I am still writing. Just not sure for how long.
Blessings and Bear hugs!
I'm glad you decided "writer" and yay for CP's.
ReplyDeleteYears ago I took a long writing break. Even though I was filled with doubt, it was good for me.