The purpose of IWSG is to go forth encouraging and supporting each other in our writing journeys. We post the first Wednesday of each month. Whether you would like to support or you have your own insecurities in this large writing world, we would love to have you come on board. Please go here and sign up.
My insecurity this month is starting over. Yes, back at the beginning of writing a new book. All the seeds of doubt are there. Not as strong as with the first book I wrote, but still present. You wouldn't think that after writing four stories, the doubt would linger.
All the same questions: Can I actually make a story out of this? Will it sustain itself throughout the entire process? Will others like it? Will my publisher like it? What if no one does?
All the same hair-pulling questions. I force myself to tune them out. But, lo and behold, a couple pages later and they creep back up for me to pound them down back into their rightful place.
And as if I couldn't possibly complicate it more, I go and decide to write a series. Am I crazy???
Maybe I am, but I love to write so much more than allowing those seeds of doubt to overcome me.
How about you? With each book you begin, does the same nagging questions pop up?
For me, those doubts find a voice when I'm not writing. Better to write.
ReplyDeleteYou know that's where I am right now! We just keep at it and we'll eventually break through.
ReplyDeleteI'm definitely in the same boat, Donna! But no matter how many little voices of doubt sound in our heads, we keep writing because we love to. I'm rewriting a major plot point in my current WIP and I'm terrified and doubtful of my ability to do it well, but it's got to be done. And I want to make it better!
ReplyDeleteI think all writers feel that. It comes with the territory. We want it to be SO good, that we doubt it will be. Keep at it. You will pull through.
ReplyDeleteLeanne ( http://readfaced.wordpress.com/ )
That's so totally normal and unfortunately those doubts never fully go away. We just learn to managed them a little better each time they come around.
ReplyDeleteMine is getting started. It is procrastination by wondering if the first step will be as difficult every time.
ReplyDeleteOnce I start, I move full steam ahead. It is just the first step feels like stepping off a cliff. Do I dare?
I've only written three. The first two I cut my fiction writer's teeth on. Not sure if they'll ever see a release date. The third I did better at, in fact, it's my debut, but I still have insecurities about it. I probably will with every book I start until it takes shape enough that I relax and then get stoked about it. Like, heck yeah--this is gonna be good. :D
ReplyDeleteGreat post. :)
IWSG #268 (until Alex culls the list again or I goof and get myself deleted. :P)
Yes, at the beginning of a new project the questions are many, but gradually found their favorable responses, with hard work, of course!
ReplyDelete