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
Alex's awesome co-hosts are Diane Burton, Kim Lajevardi, Sylvia Ney, Sarah Foster, Jennifer Hawes, and Madeline Mora-Summonte!
Of all the genres you read and write, which is your favorite to write in and why?
At this point in time, I stick to writing Young Adult stories. I've toyed with adult romance, but my heart isn't in it. I like the angst and temperament of YA. However, I like to read all genres and it helps with my writing. My books range from contemporary to dystopian, fantasy, mystery.
Recently my agent challenged me to write magical realism. I've read a few books in that genre, but not once have I ever thought of writing MR.
Recently my agent challenged me to write magical realism. I've read a few books in that genre, but not once have I ever thought of writing MR.
It was and is a challenge that I accepted. After sending her my 3rd draft, she said my writing is perfect for this genre. However, there needed to be more improvement. She gave me excellent advice and I went to work revising.
This past month when my agent sent an email saying the ms still wasn't what she wanted and she wouldn't be offended if I didn't wish to pursue it, I dug in my heels and started over. I'm in the process of reworking and revising this manuscript again. I'm invested in this story and I desperately want to see its completion. What keeps me going, my agent said, "I love your writing." That helped a ton!
Every story, every book seems to get harder and harder. At times I still feel like a newbie. There is always something new and fresh to learn, and that's a good thing.
Needless to say, I turned into quite a neurotic person this month. Doubts and disillusioned with my writing hit an all time high. I have to remember, and repeat over and over, my own words of advice: PERSEVERANCE!
I don't know any big time authors, and I wonder if they also suffer with these types of emotional upheavals.
Needless to say, I turned into quite a neurotic person this month. Doubts and disillusioned with my writing hit an all time high. I have to remember, and repeat over and over, my own words of advice: PERSEVERANCE!
I don't know any big time authors, and I wonder if they also suffer with these types of emotional upheavals.
You are so strong. You really are. I'm glad you have your agent to support you. I'm fortunate to be a contributor to a few different sites where I work with some big time authors. The answer is yes. They, too, often feel insecure about their work. Hope that helps. And thank you for the pep talk about perseverance. I really, really needed this right now.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sheri
DeleteYou're determined! Keep working on it.
ReplyDeleteI will Alex. Thanks
DeleteI have also written a Magic Realism novel. Keep going at it and soon you will nail it :)
ReplyDeletePerseverance is great advice! I'm sure big name authors go through the same struggles and insecurities. They're human after all :)
ReplyDeleteI recently read a YA manuscript for a friend. I don't normally read a lot of YA, but I really loved all the angst the main character was going through and how she triumphed over it. Might have to read more YA.
Cheers - Ellen
Wow, that's incredible how you're not giving up on the story. I'm sure it can be discouraging to work on it for so long and be told it's not where it needs to be.
ReplyDeleteI hope I can nail it.
DeleteI don't know about big name authors, but there was a musician I enjoyed who I saw talk about imposter syndrome and that made me feel so much better. This woman has millions of fans and yet she still felt like a fake at times.
ReplyDeleteGood comparison!
DeleteI like writing YA and MG best but read widely in other genres. That's awesome that you're working on a magical realism with your agent. Fingers crossed for you.
ReplyDeleteThank you
DeleteI'm pretty sure they do, but I don't know any either. hehehe
ReplyDeleteAnna from elements of emaginette
Probably
DeleteBest of luck with your rewrites! I totally get how distressing they can be when you don't quite get it right.
ReplyDeleteEvery author I've ever heard speak at conferences has said the Imposter Syndrome feeling is real and not controlled by success or number of books. I think it's more a matter of comparing our internal realities to other writers' external realities. It doesn't bode well for our anxiety. Great post!
ReplyDeleteThank you
DeleteYou are so strong! I'm inspired by the fact that you've tackled the challenge. Way to go!
ReplyDeleteI've heard all authors have had struggles with their confidence in their writing, and that includes big name ones. I'm definitely no big name author but have definitely struggled with perseverance, especially in the last few weeks, and so have to keep reminding myself to keep at the work. Hang in there and so keep at the work.
ReplyDeleteThanks Steven
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ReplyDeleteI'm the same way with reading and writing--I'll read a variety of genres, but tend to stick with my niche as a writer.
ReplyDeleteAnd wow, that's so cool how you're working on a magical realism manuscript, and that you're so dedicated to bring it to life. Best of luck!
Oh wow, I think it's fantastic you decided to try something new like this. I'm sorry you are struggling but kudos for sticking with it! I feel like this will be a perfect genre for your style of writing. I'm sure in the end you will have another fantastic book. Good luck and hope you and your family are all well, Cathy. *hugs*
ReplyDelete