Join Alex J. Cavanaugh and a multitude of writer's in this monthly hop to help support one another!
Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
Alex's awesome co-hosts for the May 4 posting of the IWSG will be Stephen Tremp, Fundy Blue, MJ Fifield, Loni Townsend, Bish Denham, Susan Gourley, and Stephanie Faris!
I've been reading some awesome books lately.
Mr. King said it:
For me, Stephen King's statement holds true. Although, my insecurity comes from these fabulous books. I'll never achieve the great writing that I'm reading. I can spin a tale, but my problem is getting it to flow on paper or computer.
Whenever I start to feel overwhelmed with writer's insecurities I think about the billions of books out there for people to choose. And mine is a speck of sand on the ocean floor. Oftentimes I hear people say, "I don't read." *slaps head*
I've learned to take a step back from my over managing, and being a neurotic-nilly, and say to myself, "There's much more to life than a book. My book." True!
One of the things I've learned from reading is that even the greatest writers make mistakes, even in their greatest works. For me, that takes a bit of the pressure off. It shows me that I don't have to be perfect.
ReplyDeleteSo true!!
DeleteLove those Stephen King quotes! We're very lucky that as writers we can do something we love so much.
ReplyDeleteYes!!!
DeleteHi Cathrina! What fun to discover your post as I'm making my IWSG co-host rounds today! Stephen King is a marvelous and prolific writer! I recently read his "11/22/63" which was awesome! He has powerful things to say about writing; the quotes you chose are excellent and informative. It's hard to beat back insecurities as a writer, but it is oddly comforting to hear other writers share them and encouraging to see them moving forward despite their insecurities. thanks for sharing, and happy writing in May!
ReplyDeleteThank you Fundy.
DeleteThe people who say they don't read just blow my mind...
ReplyDeleteMine too!
DeleteI keep meeting people that don't read. I think you are amazing. You've written several books. I'm trying to write my second and it feels close to impossible. Please, don't ever doubt yourself. You have something to offer potential readers.
ReplyDeleteAwww...you are too sweet!!! Thank You Murees!!!
DeleteI have to snicker when I hear an aspiring writer say they don't have time to read. Huhn????
ReplyDeleteMay 2016 IWSG Co-Host
May the 4th Be With You
Stephen Tremp’s Breakthrough Blogs
Yep, me too.
DeleteI have this same trouble - I love to read but now when I do I keep thinking how I can never write this well, etc. It's hard but I've read that lots of very successful authors have the same problem. I think we all tend to undervalue our own work. I know your writing is extraordinary. :)
ReplyDeleteWe are so much alike. And thank you Julie for your wonderful compliment and I send it right back to you!!!!
DeleteThat's why I write. If I make a few bucks that's wonderful, but I'm not looking for fame and fortune.
ReplyDeleteExactly!
DeleteStephen King is so wise. :)
ReplyDeleteYes. He can be...
DeleteI've had friends and family tell me they don't read. How? I don't get it!
ReplyDeleteDoes seem strange to me too.
DeleteKing has so many great quotes about the writing life. I've been shoveling some crap on my WIP.
ReplyDeleteSusan Says
Hahaaaa!!!
DeleteI love that third quote. Write for the sheer joy of writing and it will show in your work. We must never compare ourselves to other writers because we are each unique and have our own unique writing styles. Embrace your stories and have faith in yourself. :)
ReplyDeleteMe too! Thank you Lori.
DeleteReading is inspiring and while your book might be a drop in the ocean, there's always someone who will want that very drop.
ReplyDeleteThank you Lynda.
DeleteHi Cathrina! I love King's advice, but I read far more than I write. Just love it so. But reading certainly inspires us, doesn't it? Don't get those people who don't enjoy reading. :-)
ReplyDeleteMe too. And me either
DeleteIt IS exhausting being a writer. Sometimes the harder you work the less you seem to accomplish. We can only hope that all our hard work will pay off some day. :)
ReplyDeleteTrue!
DeleteInteresting Stephen King said that about stopping, since several of his books have been set aside and picked up later--including The Stand. He stopped right before he did the big twist toward the end, which is what changed the direction of the story. (Stuart fell and couldn't keep going, I seem to remember? It's been a while!)
ReplyDeleteGood advice from him, but I doubt he finished every novel he began to write... just saying...
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