The title of the post says it all. My insecurities this month are that I'm:
- Too slow at writing
- Too much of a perfectionist to get the most out of the few short hours I get every week to scribble something down
- Too easily distracted by social media
- Too concerned about what others think
However, my head is full of ideas. I mean, all it takes is a drive down the road and the right song and I've got another idea! The main ones look something like this--
- 3 sequels to THE MAGIC WAKES (Science Fantasy)
- YA Contemporary Science Fantasy
- Romantic Suspense
- A Space Opera
- YA Contemporary
- 2 Novellas for Talia's world (one connecting, one historical)
That's 7 full length novels of conflicted characters fighting for space in my head. They aren't waiting patiently for their turn, and that's making it hard to concentrate and WRITE. Then there are the short story ideas, but we won't get into that this month.
I didn't quite finish Search For Knowledge (one of the sequels) in December, but I'm really close--4 more scenes to reach THE END. My goal is to finish it by Saturday. Fade Into Me (the YA contemporary scifi) needs another 10K words or so to reach the end. Hopefully I'll get into it again next week.
Every day I must make myself sit down and write.
I will finish those two stories in January.
This will clear some brain space.
It sounds like a good plan right? Then why is it so hard?
I need someone to push me. Someone to email me and say, "Did you write another scene today?"
Anyone willing to do that?
I'm also heading up a blogfest on Unicorn Bell this month.
Purpose of IWSG: 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!
Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time. I'm currently #136.
Also, in case you've missed the Facebook page...
I can come bug you every day if you like.
ReplyDeleteI can relate to those first two. Being a perfectionist sucks sometimes.
Yes it does. Why can't it just fall onto the page from my brain the way I see it in my head?
DeleteYou are so sweet, but you are way to busy to be my personal motivator. How about this, you already comment on every post I write, so when I see your name pop up in my email I'll know that you are inwardly asking, "Did you write today? How's that novel coming along?"
Thanks Alex!
It's great to have a wealth of ideas, but sucks when you don't have time to explore them all. Just siting down to write - something, anything - every day is a good goal. Something will fire, and if that consumes you, the other ideas will wait. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Bob! That's what I'm going to keep telling myself every day. Sit down to write. If 10 minutes pass on one project with little progress, I'll just open the next one.
DeleteGood luck to you on your goals!
It's far better to have too many ideas and not enough time rather than the other way around.
ReplyDeleteThis is very true! Thanks for stopping by Isis!
DeleteYou have the discipline! I believe in you :)
ReplyDeleteGets up from chair, turns in a circle searching the room. "Now where did I put that discipline?"
Delete:D At least the kids are back in school today and my hour of IWSG reading is almost up. Then I'll write, shower, eat and return to reading blogs.
How have you been doing? Is your third book out yet? I feel like I've lost touch with all the people I visited with the most before my last move. :(
Oh my gosh! I absolutely think I wrote your insecurities down for you, but you know, for me lol. Which might make sense considering your brain is busy with your seven novels. You can do it! As long as those characters keep screaming in your head, you have a chance. I would worry more if they stayed quiet.
ReplyDeleteI know! I enjoyed your post today as well. Those reviews often put other voices in my head that I just don't need right now. Here's to keeping the positive voices the loudest!
DeleteMy biggest concern, too, is not having enough time to write all the stories I want to. Take Anne Lamont's advice in Bird By Bird--a great book for writers, BTW--and take things one step at a time. Good luck
ReplyDeleteThanks for the book suggestion. I'll go add it to my list, and good luck to you too!
DeleteLook at the positive: so many different ideas means you will never become bored. This also rules out the possibility of writer's block, because when you are stuck with one story, then you can switch over to another project for a change of focus...
ReplyDeleteLOL, definitely not bored. I've switched back and forth a lot because of writer's block. I think that's why I have so many in different stages. This year I'll do the same, but limit my hopping to two stories until at least one is finished. Hopefully that will result in the best of both worlds--going with my muse and discipline.
DeleteOh my goodness, I HEAR YOU!!! I've got a story folder bursting with works that scream WRITE ME NOW!! Alas, I've developed some incredible mental ear plugs and have figured out how to prioritize who gets attention. 9 novels down so far, and several short stories. Only 30 more to go. LOL!
ReplyDeleteLOL, how did you develop the mental ear plugs? That's what I really need to learn how to do.
DeleteI share most of those insecurities too. I'm a slow writer and I'm a perfectionist, and I spend too much time on social media. It's hard to focus at time, but it's not a race either.
ReplyDeletehttp://lucindawhitney.com/2014/01/miscellaneous/insecure-writers-support-group/
*sigh* Sometimes I feel like it's a race when other writers are putting 2-3 books out every year. Thanks for the reminder!
DeleteI can so relate to your struggle. I had quite the time with a social media addiction last year, too. Try this trick, if you haven't already...make yourself write first thing when you get up in the morning. Before you check Facebook or anything else. Set a timer and force yourself to focus on your work until it goes off. I swear it works! Good luck.
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine seven complete novels taking up space in my head. Sounds like you have good plan to knock them out.
ReplyDeleteHave you considered tracking your progress on your blog? Maybe create a ticking clock in your sidebar for each thing you are working on and update it daily. Accountability might be the key.
Ya know, you are just a jaw-dropping incredible kinda woman. What an amazing writing resume.
ReplyDeleteI'm part of a group on Twitter called #writemotivation. Look it up. Monthly goals are set and we use the hashtag to encourage each other. Maybe you can get the push you need to finish from there.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that you plan to move forward and write. I too worry about how much I write and understand your concerns.
ReplyDeleteWhat is it about January and a lack of motivation? Maybe it'll get better in the spring.
ReplyDeleteAnd I can email you to ask you if you've written today. If you'd like.
That's a lot of story ideas!
ReplyDeleteMaybe they would chill a bit if you wrote just a page of info on each story in a notebook or something. Give your brain a little space to focus on just one?
Good luck with everything!
Heather
@Holli, thanks! I've been taking my notebook with me when I take my girls to their 6am class. I sit out in the car while I wait and write. Then when I get home and type it up it helps me get back in the groove.
ReplyDelete@Robin, another great idea. I've had a word count meter at times but usually give it up at some point. Maybe something not word related since I don't really care how long the draft is as long as all the "bones" are down.
@Huntress, Only if I finish and polish all those manuscripts. ;)
@Patricia, thanks! I'll go look it up!
@Sheena-kay, isn't it nice to know that in some circles we are perfectly normal people. :)
@Liz, that would be great! Just bug me when we are chatting and that will be so helpful. Can I return the favor?
@Heather, I have files set up for all of them with some character sketches and plot points. It does help a little. I find that I enjoy gathering pictures for pinterest more than writing sometimes. :D
Charity, your list looks like my mental one. I've promised myself that I am going to write every day no matter what. Last night, I had a grand total of 99 words, but I'll catch up. :)
ReplyDeleteI can totally relate! I've got 10 stories I want to start right now and I haven't even finished the one I'm working on.
ReplyDeleteYou have a big list there.
ReplyDeleteI am sure you can get the 2 stories finished by the end of the month. We expect to log onto IWSG in February to hear you bragging about it.
Good luck!
Leanne ( http://readfaced.wordpress.com/ )