Today and tomorrow (FREE PSYCHOTHERAPY THURSDAY) we’re going to look at the same issue from two perspectives.
Writers often talk about feeling insecure. Why?
Well, our jobs are to entertain, inspire, motivate etc and handing someone else the written word is asking for their approval. If they don’t respond, then, in a sense, your work has become insignificant.
That hurts. Some will take that to mean that not only is their work insignificant but THEY are insignificant.
I’m getting close to finishing a new novel outside of my series. I’ve been beleagured with procrastination and bouts of insecurity about my writing.
How do you conquer it? If you know pass it along, willya?
In the meantime I’m following that one cardinal law of writing and completing projects.
“Sit ass on chair, place fingers on keyboard and type.”
Do you need me to come and crack a whip? I can do that if you need motivation. Might help with the procrastination
Conquering insecurity…that I don’t think I can help with. I know from experience that I can tell you your writing is fabulous from dawn to dusk, but the first negative comment that comes along will destroy it all, unless you feel secure inside. Don’t know how to make that happen. Sorry.
I was an insecure person before I considered writing as a “career!” Imagine how insecure I am now!! It doesn’t matter how successful or well-received a previous work has been. Wish I had an answer, but I think it’s just something we have to fight with every new project.
Mary
http://marycunninghambooks.com
http://woofersclub.blogspot.com
http://cynthiasattic.blogspot.com
“Sit ass on chair, place fingers on keyboard and type.”
Well said, Tom!!!
I was repeating it over and over this morning!
Maybe you should have it stenciled on the wall above your desk. ;0)
It’s all about the support system for me. My insecurities are fed by a fairly healthy streak of perfectionism. Whether it’s in regard to my photography, what to write on my blog, whatever, I’ve always been my own worst enemy. So, if there’s a chance of an indifferent or negative response from some external source? Princess of procrastination, that’s me. While I’ve made some gains in motivating myself, my husband gets the lion’s share of credit for getting and keeping me moving onward – equal parts cheerleader and ass kicker. Now, to be honest, not being able to rely solely upon myself at all times can really chap my ass occasionally, but it is what it is, and I’m very fortunate to have the backup.
Oddly for me I worry that those who read it are not being truthful. I feel they are just being nice and really my writing is on par with a 2nd graders. Its an emperor has no clothes thing where i am positive what they are saying and the truth are vastly different. I will work hard, finish my story and bring it to a publisher and be laughed out of the building…seriously …you think you can write…you should have just stayed in your cubicle bringing your VPs coffee silly girl.
OH and UHHHH – i want to read your new story so bad!!! pins and needles my friend…you left me at this cliff hanger that has got me all worried for the person…
Love it!
Hey T – can I add my averagegirl url to my comment? self promote and maybe get a bit more feedback?
sure…
probably should of just typed it in…now i got a who bunch of comments
theaveragegirlnextdoor.wordpress.com
It’s entirely possible that I am a crass and money-fixated individual (and some of you call me bad names), but my insecurities often disappear when the check clears.
I’ve been dealing with this myself. I’m in the process of writing my second novel (first is the traditional throw away)I’ve had lots of friends and blog fans ask to read some of my book. It took me month to gather the courage to post the first chapter on my blog and then I stalked the comment section. Did they like it? Will some people hate it? I keep telling myself if I have trouble posting a single chapter on a blog read by about 200 people, how can I handle a whole bunch of chapters read by (hopefully) thousands of people? I keep telling myself it will get easier the more I show my work to other people, but I’m not so sure. I have a feeling it will have more to do with my security level that day.
That’s the tough part of being a writer. Often, the only feedback you get is negative. Fortunately or not, my job taught me how to get a tough skin because it’s the same way there too. ; )