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 March 1 posting of the IWSG will be Tamara Narayan,Patsy Collins, M.J. Fifield, and Nicohle Christopherson!
This has been a month of writer's doubts, anxiety, and a mishmash of emotions.
I've grown a thick skin of armor, or I thought I did, against rejections and whatnot. My armor has been dented, marred, and at times, feels as if it's been chiseled with a butcher knife.
I've grown a thick skin of armor, or I thought I did, against rejections and whatnot. My armor has been dented, marred, and at times, feels as if it's been chiseled with a butcher knife.
Becoming a little numb, I again had thoughts of putting my writing on the back burner to gather my thoughts. I've read some fantastic books recently, and feel as if I cannot compete with these authors in the least.
It's been a turnstile of going from one project to another and not finding the right words to carry on.
With a new release coming out on March 10th, I should be excited and upbeat, instead, I'm a literal basket case.
What do you suggest?
March 1 Question: Have you ever pulled out a really old story and reworked it? Did it work out?
I wrote a story well over five years ago. I exhumed the ms and with much editorial advice and help, that book will be released on March 10th ~ Incense and Peppermints. So, I believe it is possible to take an old project and rework it, but if your manuscript is anything like mine, then it will cost you much time and effort.
Sorry you've been experiencing so many doubts lately. Can relate to the feeling of not being able to compete. I'm the same exact way whenever I see another artist's work!
ReplyDeleteAnd wow, that's really cool about Incense and Peppermints being an old manuscript you were able to revive. Best of luck with its release this March!
Thanks, Heather.
DeleteWe all get to that place where we run on fumes. Check out Sunday's post on Anne R Allen's blog with Ruth Harris about stress and burnout - perhaps you need a little "me time"?
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on turning something old into something vibrant and alive. All the best with your upcoming release.
Thank you Ronel.
DeleteYou're just exhausted. Focus on the upcoming release and let all else relax for a while.
ReplyDeleteI think you're right, Alex.
DeleteCongrats on your resurrection success! And I hear you about good books. Great authors can really inspire us, but they are also scary. It helps to throw in some bad books once in a while. They have lessons in what not to do, and give you a bit of "well I can do better than that" to push you forward.
ReplyDeleteThank you Hart.
DeleteNever compare. Truthfully. We are all so different and our experiences so varied that we have different messages and different ways of expressing those messages. Personally, I sometimes find the way big publishers shape stories to be off-putting. Too cookie-cutter.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Crystal.
DeleteCongrats on the forthcoming release!
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure we should attempt to compete with other authors. The important thing is to tell our stories as well as we're able - no one can do more than that.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Patsy.
DeleteI'm sorry you're having such a rough time. You've done so well with your releases I bet there are lots of writers who read your books and feel like there is no way they can compete with you. Your writing is amazing. :)
ReplyDeleteAnd how cool that Peppermints was an old story that came back to life in a big way. Can't wait to read it. Take care!
Thanks, Julie.
DeleteI love your term, exhumed. That is perfect.
ReplyDeleteI'm always comparing myself to someone and coming up short, so I can relate to how you feel. Just know you have a unique voice, so you won't write like anyone else.
Thanks, Lee.
DeleteCongratulations on your new release. You know what helps me sometimes? I choose a pile of books with appealing covers from my local library. Often, at least some of them are so poorly written (IMHO) that I marvel how they ever got traditionally published. That reminds me that if they can do it, I can too. Onward!
ReplyDeleteRhonda, I like that idea. Thanks.
DeleteYou've done the planning for release, will get all the pieces in place, so you've done what you can, so don't worry. You deserve to celebrate BIG on the 10th.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Nicki
DeleteI'm so sorry you've fallen into a writer's cave of doom. We all have our own personal space in that cave. Look for me; you'll find me. But have no fear. You are awesome. You've worked hard, and you've written wonderful works. This too shall pass. Focus on the joy of March 10th and sending another baby out into the world.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your support, Sheri
DeleteI suggest you recall why you started writing in the first place, how you feel when you write, and remember how much more of a basket case you'd be if you didn't write.
ReplyDeleteGood Idea.
DeleteYay for taking an old idea and making it new--and then it gets published! Your experience should be an inspiration to writers everywhere. Don't forget that if you have something that makes the rounds and isn't accepted, you can self-pub. And if you have trouble finding words to finish one, start a new one and come back to the old later. But don't get down on yourself. Writing something good takes time and a lot of revising. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the advice Lexa
DeleteBelieve me, developing thick skin is a constant process. But just remember that not everyone is your intended audience, and that it would be weird if everyone liked your work. Plenty of people still treasure what you write:)
ReplyDeleteAwww...thank you Mark.
DeleteAnything worth doing costs time and effort. Having a new book releasing can make anyone nervous. Perhaps think about the book and write down five things you love about it. I'm sure those things are what readers will find and love too. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Cherie
DeleteI'm excited for your new novel, but I'm sorry you're having a tough time. Before my last book release, I was really stressed and became sick. So, I suggest rest, relaxation, and something that will make you laugh. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Tyrean. Laughter is the best medicine!! :)
DeleteYou are an inspiration. You persevered and look where it got you. Keep going and you will get there again. Congratulations on your book release.
ReplyDelete