And that's how I felt when I first started writing a book. It's how I feel when I'm critiquing someones query letter or MS. I feel that way when I'm posting my chapter(s) for my group to critique or when I'm sending a chapter to my CP to crit. I even feel that way with revisions and when I'm starting a new story.
I guess it's not fear as much as insecurity. I'm worried about how I will sound, how well I write or if my critique is even going to be helpful. It's normal, this worry I feel with everything I do. Even the most secure person has that fear inside them, that wonder if what they have to say (or what their doing) will be 'approved.' (Even if they don't think so :p )
When I started writing my first (for real) book (the one I started when I decided I wanted to be a WRITER), I kept it to myself. Then I slowly started talking about it with family and friends. Some thought it was just another of my fantasies, while others were (and still are) SO supportive. Hell, when I started a blog, everyone but my mom thought it was ridiculous. Now I love blogging and I love writing. I've always loved writing, but I love giving myself that title-WRITER.
I've met so many wonderful (and not so wonderful) people online and being part of the Insecure Writers Group is just another opportunity to meet more wonderful people who are like me. Writers who feel insecure sometimes. People who have worries and fears just like I do. Friends who can be there for me, and who I can be there for in return.
That's why I embrace my insecurities, all the wondering if what I'm doing is good enough, because I know that I'm not alone and I have people in my boat who are ready to be there for me. People who will help keep my insecurities from running me, and help me run my insecurities. I encourage you to embrace yours too because you're not alone either.
Hopefully this first post is okay...lol, yep still have that 'first time' fear. But that's okay.
Happy Wednesday and make sure you click the 'Insecure Writers Support Group' link and check out others :)
13 comments:
First times are hard...and your first post is fantastic.
I had the first time fear too today. Your post is brilliant though, nothing to worry about :)
Kela, you are in the right place, with your writing, blogging, and the IWSG! You will find so much support here, it's incredible.
No worries. This is such a supportive group. You have written a wonderful post. Welcome to the group and best wishes on your manuscripts.
Just wanted to stop by and say hi (from the Insecure Writers Group). I think ALL writers struggle with the I'm not good enough fear, I know I do, it's especially apparent when I read a great novel and suddenly think, why am I bothering.
But, we bother because we enjoy it ;)
Chin up hon and grit teeth lol
Xx
Great post, let's have an insecurities group hug! I think that's how I feel about this group, it's like a big hug when you need some support. :)
-MJ http://creativelyspiltink.blogspot.com/
I agree, GREAT first post!!! This is my first post for #IWSG, too.
Writing is like that - there's no way to know if you really did it right (there actually may be no 'right' way anyhow). It's very unnerving. Glad you joined the group.
There's no rules here. That's the best part.
Just keep writing the best way you know how.
If that's what makes you happy then you are already successful.
Heather
OMG, how do I join the Insecure Writers' Group because it sounds AWESOME! Great post - thank you! I think it's helpful for writers to see that others share their fear and insecurity, so we don't all feel that we're alone in the feelings. As I was having yet another panic attack about my book today I wondered when these feelings will ever go away? When I get my first positive review? When I get my hundredth? When I sell my thousandth book? My ten thousandth? I don't know. I don't think they ever go away. Maybe we just learn how to brace against them better?
Insecurities seem to come in waves and only when I make the conscious decision to write for myself and not worry about others do I find words flowing easier, I also hold my writing secret so am sympathetic to your worries
The IWSG is a FANTASTIC platform, where writers get to share, vent, question, laugh, cry.... to rant and rave about different things... whatever writerly insecurity grips you from time to time...
All writers go through these feelings/emotions - even published authors! So welcome to the party!!
Who doesn't feel insecure sometimes? Some people are just better than others at faking it. You're doing fine.
I'm now following your blog.
Lee
A Faraway View
An A to Z Co-host blog
Post a Comment