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
Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!
Alex's awesome co-hosts are Lee Lowery, Ronel Janse van Vuuren, Jennifer Hawes, Cathrina Constantine, and Tyrean Martinson!
Writer's are neurotic. We struggle with insecurities all the time. If a writer says any different, I'd be stunned.
Writing is hard
It's unfortunate that after reading certain posts I turn into an insecure mess. For instance, Stephen King stating 'it should take a writer 3 months, a season, to complete a first draft'. Or, when I see a writer publishing a book every couple months. It amazes me. I can barely get my imagination to crank out 1 halfway decent book a year. And then I see all these newbie authors with their debut novels that hit the NYT Best Sellers Lists. I'm extremely happy for them. And, I believe they must have substantial clout to push them up that ladder. Also, I am envious. As a writer, you can deny it, but who wouldn't want that famed acclaim?
Since I'm a pantser, this is how I begin my first draft....
In my personal, day to day life, I do not have any support in regards to my writing. However, I have gained support from my daughter who has begun who own writing career. She completed and edited her first book, which I believe is pretty awesome. She is in the process of constructing a query. I've been encouraging her, giving her my support, and I am thrilled to have someone to discuss writing techniques. She's enthusiastic, and at this point, I'm kind of a downer telling her to grow a thick skin of armor.
My ups and downs are wearing me thin. What kind of month are you having?
That's cool your daughter is also writing and querying.
ReplyDeleteI'm a slow writer as well. My latest work took three years to draft.
Thanks for co-hosting today!
Thanks, Alex.
DeleteI love that your daughter is a writer as well! Writing and publishing is definitely not for the faint of heart. There are many ups and downs. I try to tell myself not to compare myself with others, but it isn't always easy.
ReplyDeleteThanks for co-hosting!
Truth!
DeleteThanks for co-hosting. That’s awesome you can share writing with your daughter now.
ReplyDeleteIt's great!
DeleteLet's be real (speaking as writer who is in the same boat as you!), some of those insta-hits have a bit of luck. The right story at the right time. Look at Witcher- that book came before Game of Thrones, inspired Game of Thrones, but never hit it big until after GoT.
ReplyDeleteThere is also access to resources to consider. I once listened to a podcast about this writer's overnight success- she had friends in the industry, spent several thousands of her own dollars on her launch, bought ads and basically self-funded her career kick-starter.
Then there are books that are just fresh, clever, and amazing. But then, you read their "overnight" success stories and they spent years writing that book.
Also, you and me, we're both guilty of putting everything ahead of our writing- kids, houses, husbands. That's not likely to change because it's part of who we are. But we need to quit kicking ourselves as writers and realize that we're doing the best we can at a pace that works for us.
So true, Elizabeth!!! Family is forever first!!! Thank you, I need this!
DeleteHow wonderful to share writing with your daughter, even when you know she'll have to experience the inevitable ups & downs. It's a tough world, that's for sure, but I guess the reason we keep on keeping on is because we love it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for co-hosting :)
I so feel your frustration about those mega-hits out of nowhere. I strive to be nice and believe they all worked in the trenches as we did and suffered for our craft but sometimes it's hard to stay encouraged while plodding along. Glad you've found your fellow muse so close to home. I have a critique group that keeps me honest in my goals. Thanks for co-hosting, Cathrina, and for being so honest.
ReplyDeleteThank you Nancy.
DeleteAfter not having success with querying my second novel, I've been spinning my wheels, letting family stuff take over my life, and wondering what to do about writing and publishing. For now, I'm working on the third novel and not thinking about publishing. I've realized that querying and writing together do not work for me.
ReplyDeleteGood Luck, Tamara!!
DeleteI hear you, Cathrina. It's not easy when you start comparing yourself to others. I have one for you. I've been working on my WIP (Book #4) since 2006. The ending is elusive. It used to take me 3 months to write a first draft and 2 years to finish. I wish! Hey--thanks for co-hosting.
ReplyDeleteThank you Joylene.
DeleteI'm a slow writer for sure. I have thought of you as a fast one! You have so many great books out in the world already. I'm sorry you are having more downs than ups but I think it's safe to say all of us in this group can relate. *hugs*
ReplyDeleteSo cool about your daughter - best of luck to her!!
Thank you Julie! And looking forward to your new release!!
DeleteThe start a sentence quote, yep, me too. Most of them, actually. That's what makes writing fun. That may or may not have needed air quotes depending on the mood of the day.
ReplyDeleteLOL!!!
DeleteI think "ups and downs" are a big part of what we do. I'm in your slow camp, Cathrina. I can't rush and I panic when I have to, so then I get no writing done. Great post and thanks for co-hosting today.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lee!
DeleteLove the clip from The Office! Made me smile.
ReplyDeleteHang in there! And thank you for co-hosting today.
Thank You.
DeleteUps and downs are a part of a writer's life, hang in there. This month I hope to revise one of my manuscripts.
ReplyDeleteHang in there and good luck.
DeleteHow cool that your daughter is joining you on your writing journey. I'm a slow writer like you, trying to increase my productivity. Much coffee is involved. So much coffee.
ReplyDeleteCoffee...yes...
DeleteI was amazed when I read that in Stephen King's book. But every writer is different. We should write a book however long it takes us. Not how long it takes others.
ReplyDeleteYou know...I think you do amazing. I see all of the awards you get and I often feel insecure. And you are a best-selling author, too. I'm not. Many of us aren't. We're all on different journeys and will have different outcomes.
Thank you Chrys for making me feel better.
DeleteI have the same reaction to those speedy writers. How the H*** do they do it? I hope for 1/yr... Congrats to your daughter for getting things going!
ReplyDeleteMy mother threw that "Danielle Steele churned out three new books last year" to highlight my lack of progress. Pfffft - "begone, and take your flying monkeys with you," I replied, in not exactly those same words. And that Stephen King quote is a bunch of crap. It took him a year to write Carrie and five more to get it published. And it was not an immediate hit, either.
ReplyDeleteAnd on that cheerful note, thanks for co-hosting today!
Thanks Lee.
DeleteYou have a partner in writing, which is awesome to keep you both motivated and moving. Write for yourself, let the rest follow. :)
ReplyDeleteSo true. Thanks David.
DeleteI am slow writer. All that fast completion intimidates me too and makes me question myself. Happy IWSG!
ReplyDeleteThanks Juneta.
DeleteI'm sorry you are feeling kind of down with the whole writing bit, but I think it's awesome that you and your daughter share the same hobby! How cool is that?!?!
ReplyDeleteI've heard that sometimes the best thing to do is to keep striving one sentence at a time. Don't compare yourself to others or other writers. Your time will come.
With Love,
Mandy
Thank you Mandy
DeleteI can't whip out a book in three months either. Well, I could. I believe anyone can. But then you need another year for revising it into something that makes sense. :-)
ReplyDeleteLOL...True!!!
DeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteI am not quite sure yet. February has just started.
However, I am moving forward and that is good.
Thank you so much for co-hosting and all the best with your writing.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat G @ EverythingMustChange
You too, Pat. Thanks.
DeleteThick skin? There are writers, I think, who charge ahead with the belief their work will be viewed with great acclaim and pay no attention to anything else. Honestly, I think that's the way to success, and a happy life. Blessings
ReplyDeleteTrue. Thanks Patricia
ReplyDeleteYeah, having a thick skin is a good attribute for a writer. However, no matter how much we tell ourselves that our skin is now as thick as an elephant's, I don't think it is true for any of us. It still hurts, when your stories don't get recognition, when nobody reads them, after you put your heart out there. And 3 months for a first draft? I don't think so. Maybe Stephen King can do it, but I can't.
ReplyDeleteThanks for co-hosting this month.
So true Olga!
DeleteAhh these gifs are the best I've seen today. Yay for a fellow pantser! Happy IWSG Day, and thanks for co-hosting!
ReplyDeleteThanks.
DeleteWoot for your daughter! That's exciting! She was probably inspired to write because of you. :) And I don't think being a realist is being a downer. It's clear that you're encouraging her while not setting up false expectations. And I think it's completely natural to be envious of another's success. I know I am. Dude, if I could put out a book in 3 months... Yeah, that's not going to happen, not when it's taken me 6 years to finish my current WIP.
ReplyDeleteWell, at least you have that much. I know I'm in the same state of mind. A bit dark. More gloomy than my usual self. Only defence is to ride it out by moving forward.
ReplyDeleteKeep writing. It doesn't have to go far. Tomorrow the words may look better than they do today. :-)
Anna from elements of emaginette
Thank you Emaginette.
DeleteThe key is turning disadvantages into advantages. I particularly like starting a sentence and having no idea where it's going:)
ReplyDeleteI have a secret that might make you feel a little better. While I may have released two books within three months of each other, the first one was written year ago (I'd shelved it because I was stupid), the second book was mostly written two years ago (which I then had about six or eight months to whip into shape and finish). The third book's first draft was written during last year's NaNo so technically, I have another three months to get it into shape, but it's been sitting in my mind for three months already. So it might look like I'm writing fast, but I'm so not. I hope that helps :)
ReplyDeleteIt does. Thanks Lynda.
DeleteThanks for co-hosting this month, Cathrina! How fun that you and your daughter are both writers! I try not to compare myself with others, but I admit that sometimes I get down when I see how others are progressing. King is a genius in his own class, but he works hard at his craft every day. Happy writing in February.
ReplyDeleteThanks Fundy, you too!
DeleteI feel every bit of this post. I'm also a pantser, so a first draft in 3 months is NOT going to happen. If I get it done in 3 YEARS, that'll be a feat. Thanks for sharing and co-hosting!
ReplyDeletethank you Debra.
DeleteI know these feelings for sure! I tell myself that I'd be faster if I could go full time, and I hope it's true. We'll find out when I get there, I guess! @samanthabwriter from
ReplyDeleteBalancing Act
Yes, true.
DeleteIt's amazing that your daughter is writing, too. What fun. About that thick skin... We build it up, one rejection at a time. Thanks for co-hosting this month.
ReplyDeleteThank you Diane
DeleteIt can be hard not to be jealous or envious, but I figure as long as we're also happy for those achieving success, and we use that envy to push us forward, it's all good.
ReplyDeleteYes. We all need a little push!
DeleteThanks for co-hosting this month.
ReplyDeleteI think all the "success" we see in others, isn't always as great as it seems. I know one NYTimes bestselling author who earned the title by appearing in an anthology with other more prominant writers. That author sells well because their work is really good, but has never hit that list, yet, with one of their solo works. Whether we are bestsellers or not, there is always something to be insecure about. Hopefully, getting on a list isn't the reason we write. I have to constantly remind myself not to compare my writing career to other writers.
It's cool that you and your daughter are now experiencing the writing journey together.
Best of luck.
Thank you Toi!
DeleteAlong any journey there are times when you have get out and kick the tires, take in a sunset. Reflecting on accomplishments always makes the destination seem closer, more attainable.
ReplyDeleteAnd when the last sign of support was a hundred miles ago, it's good to know there are groups like IWSG - Thanks for co-hosting!
Thanks Diedre!
DeleteI so hear you, Cathrina! I know a lot of (IWSG) authors who do crank out at least one book a year and it totally amazes me. How can anyone accomplish that and have a life as well?
ReplyDeleteMy problem of taking forever to finish my first book, a memoir (going on five years), is that I live and travel in a camper van and this lifestyle requires a lot of time and energy. And, of course I'm not retired, so I still have to work and actually make money. Plus, we have a high energy dog and... and... and... :-)
Thank you for co-hosting and I think you're doing really well creating a book a year, even if it's only "half-decent"!!
Thanks for co-hosting this month!
ReplyDeleteThat amazes me too. What is their secret? And what is Stephen King basing his ‘three month to write a first draft’? Not on slow writers like me. Us.
It’s great how your daughter is starting her own writing career. My youngest started showing interest in writing his own autobiography months ago. Don’t know what happened with it.
How awesome your daughter is a writer too! I have writer friends that write that fast and I am in awe. I'm that pantser you described above. =P
ReplyDeleteThank you for co-hosting this month!
ReplyDeleteThere are some writers who can write and publish a book at least once a year, and they're not full-time writers. It leaves me speechless! How on earth do they manage that?
It's cool that you and your daughter now get to share the world of writing.
Hi Cathrina,
ReplyDeleteI know EXACTLY how you feel. I have been at it for over a decade, and I still haven't had my real break. I am a firm believer when the time is right it will happen. You have had and are having a VERY SUCCESSFUL writing career! We all LOVE your writing and you have had won several awards, so don't feel as though you are not there... you are a true success. You learned your craft over many years and your writing is rich and fulfilling.
I am still finishing up my MS from two years ago. With me, life always seems to get in my way and stops me from my creativity. I wish I could write a new book a year. Over ten years I have only completed two books and the third is almost finished (4-5 chapters to go!) I am hoping and praying this will be my breakthrough novel. Thankfully I have platform and marketing help with this book, since it is a non-fiction work about life of a friend of mine, who was raised by an "INSANE MOTHER," who did everything and anything she wanted even during a time when women were suppressed by a male dominant society...
How fun you and your daughter both write! I almost thought my daughter would but it just didn't grab her and she moved on. I'm jealous of you!
ReplyDeleteWriting fast isn't necessary. I tell myself that because I plod along and do a lot of re-thinking and re-writing before I'm satisfied. I love that you and your daughter are both writing and offering each other support.
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