Alex J. Cavanaugh, who you can find here, started this amazing support group. There are so many of us out there. Alex had to have been inspired. To find out more, go find his blog. He's pretty darn awesome.
My insecurity--I have felt at times like I'd never get anywhere with my writing, never finish anything, never get to where I'd like to be with my writing . . . and the list goes on.
But, I also feel like as long as I continue to press forward, it's okay. Maybe I haven't been writing the two to three hours a day I had once planned--so what? If I do some researching one day, some brainstorming the next, some free writing, and then some outlining, I'm still working on my story, right? So, why should I beat myself up if I haven't written 10,000 words today, or even 2,000? I shouldn't. And neither should you.
Do you have insecurities? What do you do?
Interesting new group. I've been enjoying reading through the various posts so much,I just may join. I think you make a good point. Writing can be tough. It's very important to stay focused on the positive and just plow on, even if it's just a little bit of progress at a time.
ReplyDeleteI am an insanely goal-oriented person. It's a gift and a curse. So I'm happiest when I use every minute of the very limited minutes I have to write. Research, editing, and outlining absolutely count for me.
ReplyDeleteAs long as you are moving forward, and not letting your insecurities keep you from actually just doing it (aka writing), then it definitely counts. I think we all have insecurities, i know I sure do. Ugh. What a neat group!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely! I try to block out those "doubts" and focus on positives--like you just did. It's all about attitude. :-)
ReplyDeleteI find that one of my biggest problems lately is not having enough time to write. It's very frustrating and if I'm not careful could be used as an excuse. I think all we can do is try our best and give our selfs a break once in awhile. Great blog.
ReplyDeleteAlex is awesome. Yup, I have those days ... where I feel like I'm spinning my wheels. I remind myself it isn't a race. It's about me and what I'm doing. Nothing else. :)
ReplyDeleteEven if there are days you don't do anything, that's all right!
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks. I'm blushing.
This took me a year to learn. I seriously thought I had to write EVERY SINGLE DAY. Then I had a friend tell me that all the other stuff I do (research, blogging, etc.) WAS WRITING. Just thinking about your story counts.
ReplyDeleteI definitely have insecurities and guilt, both when it comes to neglecting my writing and neglecting my familial duties to write. The blogging community helps :)
ReplyDeleteI hear you! I am totally insecure about my writing. But you totally inspire.
ReplyDeleteI can really relate. I'm pretty hard on myself. It is such a solitary endeavor. Thanks for the inspiration.
ReplyDeleteThis is by no means a universal rule, but the only writers I've ever met that act as though they are 100% confident in their writing, well, their writing didn't appeal to me.
ReplyDeleteThe ones that are a nervous wreck always seem to amaze me. So I guess insecurity isn't so bad :)
(Also, you've been tagged! http://wosushi.wordpress.com/2011/09/08/tag-youre-it-write-campaign/)
Too many! Sad but true. =)
ReplyDeleteI feel your pain. I go back and forth between beating myself up over the same sorts of things and thinking I'm doing the best I can. Ugh.
ReplyDeleteI'd say my biggest insecurity is putting myself "out there". As in, social media, etc.
As long as you do a little something every day, then you are moving toward your goal.
ReplyDeleteNope! You absolutely shouldn't! All of it is writing, and all of it is moving you forward. GREAT post, Shari!
ReplyDeleteHi,I'm a new blogger. I was just popping around some blogs and found your blog. I really like it. Thanks for your post, I can relate to it.
ReplyDeleteI have so many. I feel like I'm just not as GOOD as everyone else. :-\
ReplyDelete