3W: All Writers Are Insecure

Yeah, it's true.

Published, unpublished, untried, tried, experienced, inexperienced, pros, beginners.

WE ARE ALL INSECURE.

One of my best friends told me the other day, "I'm in that stage where I feel like no one is going to like my writing," when she's one of the best I know! Another told me, "I'm thinking about self-publishing a novella, because I want to introduce the world of my novel before I actually release it." For another, "I world-build too much; and I don't have the writing to compensate for it."

We all have our fair share of problems. The thing is, we CANNOT let this insecurity overtake us. It's for this reason Alex J. Cavanaugh started the Insecure Writers' Support Group (that I really wish I could re-join), and it's one of the most effective methods I've seen of helping insecure writers.

In my opinion, it's okay to be irrational if you're feeling insecure. Take a moment to imagine your book becoming a movie one day. Imagine the great reviews you're going to get. Get into a mindset that a majority of people are going to love your work (but don't let this become a permanent thought). Do what you need to do to get out of your rut, but don't let it go to your head. Confide in a friend. (Join the IWSG!)

Sometimes I think all writers, and other people who have similar work, need a reminder: you're not the only one feeling this way. There are others out there just like you, and you can go find them and encourage each other. Not only will it help them, but you'll feel better about yourself.

So I say this to you now: We are insecure. I'm insecure. So when you're feeling that way, seek someone out. You're sure to find someone with an open ear or a shoulder to lean on!

IWSG: School's (Almost) Out Forever!

Heh... Sorry I’m late on getting this post up. Four days late. That’s...probably what part of this post will be about, LOL.

School started up for me on August 20^th. Since then I’ve been hard-pressed to find time to write or do anything that relates to social media. It’s my senior year, the year I was disillusioned into thinking was the easiest year of all, but instead I’m swamped with stuff to do. I haven’t had time to tweet, check other blogs, my own blog, work with critique partners, or even deal with my e-mail. I’ve been using this weekend to prepare posts and I’m finally getting this one up.

The thing I hate most about not being able to contact others is that I just dread to think of how neglected or ignored they must feel. After I get out of school all I really want to do is go home and have some alone-time, but then I start guilt-tripping myself because I have other people who’ve been waiting for ages and ages and ages for me to get back to them. (This includes you, Danielle and Will. ): )

On the bright side of all this, one of my friends showed me a new writing program called Scrivener. Okay, it’s not new, but it is to me. And I waaaant iiiit. There are so many buttons and typing screens and windows... *Swoons*

Lately one of my friends has been trying to get into writing. She’s always been able to come up with ideas but she’s not the best at putting them down on paper. I’ve been telling her basic things—word counts she might try to aim for, ways to help the plot progress more smoothly. It makes me feel good to watch her write down ideas and ask me what I think. Of course I’m like “It doesn’t matter what I think!” but she seems to think it does. It’s a good feeling to help others.

Honestly, that’s about all I have to say. I’m sorry I’ve been so delayed in posting lately! I wish you all good luck in your writing and reading endeavors, and for those of you in school, I wish you happy school days. (:

P.S.: You should all come check on my blog on Wednesday. I'm putting up a post I've been planning for a while, and I'm super excited about it. WRITING WORLD WEDNESDAY: THE ART OF OUTLINING. Coming soon! (;