I’ve finally got my butt into gear and joined Alex J. Cavanaugh‘s Insecure Writer’s Support Group. The rules are pretty simple, post your insecurity up every Wednesday (for me it’ll be Thursday since it clashes with Guilty Pleasure, and technically I live in the future by a day or so. Hence, it works). Click on the image above to participate.
Since this is my first insecurity admission, I’m going with the big one. The beast that refuses to get out of my head, and always brings me down. It’s there no matter what I do. And the voice in my head reminds me often of the things I can’t do. You’re a failure. You can’t write. Stop waisting your time. Yep, it’s the fear of failure.
I look at the books around me and am reminded of my dream. Then my insecurity slinks forward and smashes any hope I have left into a billion pieces. Those are the days, that I end up wasting hours doing nothing productive, until I finally bring myself around to being reasonable about it all. After all, every writer goes through this. Right? Even the best sellers. And it’s all about perseverance I tell myself. Keep working on the craft, and it will happen.
So, that’s what I’m doing. Pushing past the barrier and moving forward, because my goal is to prove my insecurity how wrong she is. And yeah I know she won’t ever fully disappear, if only, but one step at a time.
I think that everyone goes through this. Sometimes when I pick up a really good novel I get a pang of jealousy wondering if I can ever write something so good. Then I think if I can’t, why should I even bother? All I can say is that writing really isn’t a choice…it comes naturally, don’t you think? Sometimes you are compelled to tell your story. So if this describes you…you’d better realize that yes you’re a writer. The insecurity is just further validation of this.
That’s true… I can’t walk away from it… Thanks for your kind words Michael:)
Hey TF! Thanks again for participating. I didn’t see your blog listed on the sign up list. Did I miss it?
I probably listed myself under Tania. F. Walsh:)
I read a great post by Michael Hyatt today in which he basically said he believes fear and creativity are simply different sides of the coin…that fear is what pushes the creative person to create…to face the “what if” worst case scenario and replace it with a realm of possibilities. So…all of that to say, “YAY for you for pushing past the fear and turning it into beautiful creations!!!”
:0)
-m
Sounds like a great article…. might have to check it out:)
That’s definitely a universal writer insecurity, if there is one; perseverance is the only way through. But I think that the more you tell that insecurity to stuff it, the easier it becomes to overcome it.
So true… my new morning ritual… tell myself 10 times I’m an awesome writer and tell my insecurity to stuff it 10 times. That’s bound to sing in:)
I think all of us have that fear. Yet push onward. So many writers start stories, but only a few ever manage to finish them. You’re way ahead of the game and you’re a darn good writer too.
Thanks Christine.. you’re a great friend:)
Every other has to face insecurity. Doesn’t make it any easier, I know, but at least we’re not alone.
*sigh* Every writer
Not sure where my head is today.
And I take a lot of comfort out of that:) Thanks Nicole:)
You and me and just about everyone else who writes shares this insecurity.
Pushing on is the way to go. Success can be pretty serendipitous, but quantity produced will take you closer to your goals. The more you toss out there, the greater the odds that something will catch on with somebody somewhere.
Lee
Tossing It Out
Love it… couldn’t have said it better myself:)
Pushing through is sometimes all you can do. It’s so easy to look at all those books and wonder if your book will be good enough. Of course, it’s best not to compare your book to others and focus on your own successes, but even that can be hard. Just write the book you love to read, and the rest will fall into place.
Couldn’t agree more Cherie… That’s my new plan… be positive and keep writing
We do all go through it. Pushing through the fear and just writing is the only way to get over it. Well, almost get over it.
Thanks for joining the IWSG!
It’s great to be aboard Alex:)
Congrats on joining the group. That is great that you are facing your fears. I have the same thoughts about my writing. My biggest fear is showing people my draft of my novel. What if they hate it? What if they lie and say that they like it and then I send it to publishers and they laugh at me?
I like that you are expressing your fears. It is better to talk about them and to get love and support from those who have the same fears. A great step for the new year!
It’s good to voice them out loud… kinds takes a bit of the burden off me, knowing we’re all feeling it…
Oh, fear of failure! How universal thou art! I wish I could throttle your throat and watch your sick gray eyes cloud over in death; but alas, you are immortal. Humpf.
Thanks for joining our ranks and for the camaraderie through honesty!
If you ever get hold of its throat… please spare a bit for me;) Thanks:)
I got so distracted by the follow button,my comment go deleted. I think. I have to agree the beast in my head is the biggest and the baddest.
You might enjoy “Die Vampire Die’ from Title of Show. Find it on You Tube. It’s a bit profane but hits the nail on the head.
Nice to meet you,I’ll be back.
Am listening to it now.. it’s awesome, I love it. Thanks for sharing… Just noticed they have other ones too… going to check them out too.