Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Insecure Writer's Support Group...

Wow. Time just. Flies. It is the first Wednesday of the month, and if you don't know it's significance, by all means, meet the mastermind behind this awesome bloghop, Alex J. Cavanaugh.

The Insecure Writer's Support Group is where we all share our insecurities or support those with them. Some days you're the supporter, others, the supportee.

I am, thankfully, lacking in insecurities this time around.

I know, right? I know you're all thankful for that! Ha!

Words of wisdom are escaping me. But I know I have some. Where are you, you little buggers? ::Stuffs a hand into her wisdom bag and shuffles things around:: Nope. Nope, not that either. Hmm...

Well, for whatever reason you chose to become a writer, I hope that it mostly is due to the fact that you have a story to tell, and no one else but you can tell it properly.

Lots of people have stated that they write the kinds of stories they would like to read. I can say the same, for sure. I actually like what I write, and can only hope others enjoy it as well. If not, well, it's more their loss than mine.

If you ever feel like your story isn't good enough, or there is some certain element missing that you just can't place your finger on, that just might be self doubt speaking into the dark recesses of your mind. So don't listen. Instead, send off your writing to someone who will give you honest feedback. There's got to be at least one person you know you can send your work to, right? Even if it is just someone who's blog you follow. Don't be shy! Send a message, ask if they'll look it over. People tend to be busy, but you know, sometimes, they just might have a moment to look your work over.

Not everyone, but some. And if they take the time to read your work, and give you feedback, thank them. (If I've never thanked you, THANK YOU!) Seriously. Sometimes you just have to have a little faith in yourself, and trust that you have written a good story, something others will enjoy and want to read. But do try to choose a topic/genre that isn't too overly saturated. Finding your needle in that haystack might make you feel dubious about putting out another book. Might make you feel insecure. There are people looking for stories out there that aren't following the trends. So go with that!

And because tomorrow is the 4th of July, let me take this moment to tell you all to have a happy and SAFE weekend! Please, be careful. I'll see you all on Friday for the Faves and Funnies, if you're here.

17 comments:

Molly/Cece said...

I promise to not follow trends. Thanks for the encouragement!

Jai said...

I want a wisdom bag!!

Great post.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

A second or third opinion always helps. And I wrote what I wanted to read.
Have a great Fourth!

ELAdams said...

Great advice! I write the same kind of books I love to read, and it definitely makes it more fun.

Linda King said...

I write what I like to read most of the time - and the few times I have written for a particular market instead are the times it usually doesn't work. Nice, upbeat post. Thanks! Happy 4th July!

Jessica Ferguson said...

Good post. I couldn't write anything I didn't like to read. My goodness, where would I start? :)

Sanderella said...

I enjoyed your post! It is honest, and boy do I ever see myself in there! lol

You have a safe and wonderful 4th too!!

sandysanderellasmusings.blogspot.com

Mel Chesley said...

@ Mollymom ~ Good!

@ Jai ~ I know you have one, but they have legs, might have wandered off. ;)

@ Alex ~ I'm so close to being able to read your books!

@ Emma ~ That's what writing should be all about.

@ Linda ~ Funny how that seems to be the norm. You're welcome. :)

@ Jess ~ I feel the same way. No idea where I would begin!

@ Sandy ~ Thanks Sandy!

Allison said...

Good advice. I think I tell the stories that I would want to read too.

Allison (Geek Banter)

Bevimus said...

You know, that's a good nugget of wisdom afterall. I don't ask people to read my work often enough. Thanks, Mel! And Happy 4th!

L. Diane Wolfe said...

My husband is my first sounding board for my work and he's caught many a plot hole.

Mel Chesley said...

@ Allison ~ Thanks!

@ Beverly ~ Thank you! And yes, gotta let people be your sounding boards sometimes.

@ Diane ~ Same here. He's great at it.

Unknown said...

I have never been one to follow trends, so, that's not a problem for me.
I, too, want a wisdom bag! I have searched everywhere for one but to no avail.
I wish I had found this blog earlier! Wow! This is great!
I love this post about writer insecurities and how to deal with them in a healthy fashion, instead of letting them eat you up! Great stuff!

Tammy Theriault said...

ahh come on! let me wear those pants then, cause those pockets hold no insecurities...i'll give you some of mine in return. no?

Mel Chesley said...

@ Jenna ~ Thank you and welcome to my little spot of insanity. :D

@ Tammy ~ Lol! Don't let the day fool ya, got lots of my own, lady. :D

Unknown said...

Hear hear! There's such a big community here to tap into, why not use it? :)

Misha Gerrick said...

For someone with no words of wisdom, you sure are wise. ;-)

I just think it's good to write the story you want to write, regardless of whether you're working on something trendy or not. Just don't go chasing trends. Chase the story. :-)