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 #100.
I recently finished a great science fiction novel. One that sucked me in and transported me into another life. It's the kind of book that I want to write. I don't know if the book was technically perfect, and I didn't care. The fact was I was emotionally pulled in. (come back Monday for the full review!)
When I write, do I do that for my readers? How do I know if I do? And do I suck people in just enough, or completely?
I want it to be completely. You know, the kind of involved reading where you forget there is a real world to live in.
My biggest fear is that my writing will never reach that level. Maybe I started too late in life. Perhaps I'm too lazy or busy raising my kids. I don't know, but how will I know if I'll ever be enough?
I recently finished a great science fiction novel. One that sucked me in and transported me into another life. It's the kind of book that I want to write. I don't know if the book was technically perfect, and I didn't care. The fact was I was emotionally pulled in. (come back Monday for the full review!)
When I write, do I do that for my readers? How do I know if I do? And do I suck people in just enough, or completely?
I want it to be completely. You know, the kind of involved reading where you forget there is a real world to live in.
My biggest fear is that my writing will never reach that level. Maybe I started too late in life. Perhaps I'm too lazy or busy raising my kids. I don't know, but how will I know if I'll ever be enough?
I worry I'll never reach that level either. We just keep writing and improving and hope we hit it one day.
ReplyDeleteI hear you. It's easy to get discouraged, but your stories are yours alone, and generally speaking, worrying is a waste of time. Better that you invest in yourself by working on your craft, reading, and researching. Be the best you that you can be! :-)
ReplyDeleteI think we all have this fear. I think it's normal. But the thing is, each book is different for each person. Some people will be magically transported by your books right now. Others will not. Great writing will only increase the number of people capable of being carried away. No book can appeal to everyone. Also, it's great that you're reading stuff that drags you off on an adventure. Magic is the best part of reading... I just wish I knew how to put it into my own words.
ReplyDelete@Alex, that's what I keep trying to tell myself. Keep writing and improving and that's all we can hope for. And yet... :)
ReplyDelete@Laurel, the hard part is when you put in all the time learning about craft you see more areas where you (meaning me!) need to improve. Such a vicious cycle sometimes.
@Rena, So true that each person reacts differently to the same story. I think my biggest concern is that I won't ever be satisfied with the stories I put out there. It's hard to let them go and say that project is "finished".
If some of your reviewers say the story sucked them out of reality then you're on the right track. Nothing to do but keep writing, keep trying. I think this is one of the few cases in which saying something "sucks" is a complement. : )
ReplyDeleteI think you have to write for yourself, not anyone else...
ReplyDeleteYes! The Magic Wakes totally did that for me! You are way too hard on yourself. You are a fantastic writer, and remember, we are always improving. But I can easily understand your insecurity and your fear. I have that exact same fear...
ReplyDelete:D Thanks Kristin! I need to remember that. Your comment is a testament to what Rena said up there. I'm so glad it pulled you in. Now to make sure the next installment is even better. I'm good at adding extra pressure to myself. ;)
DeleteYou are enough. That you want to get there means you eventually will. But you might not believe that, even if you are already there. We are way to critical of ourselves. Just do your best, and that is always good enough.
ReplyDelete*hugs* Thanks Liz. Sometimes I just wish there was a big sign that lit up to say, "Congratulations! You reached your goal!" You know, just to be sure. :)
DeleteKeep on keeping on. Sometimes we take baby steps toward our goal and other times giant leaps. Have faith that you'll reach whatever goals you set forth.
ReplyDeleteI feel your pain. The best books are when the world of the novel feels real. The people feel real. All I know to say is to keep reading and (maybe) analyze those books you love best. Break them down so that you can see - very specifically - what you love about them. Why they work. In doing so, you might find the answer to make your world one that pulls people in.
ReplyDeleteI think you won't know until you publish and a reader tells you. We're so close to our work, that it's hard to tell. We may think we have, but each person will experience the story different, so you can't really know how deeply you'll suck them in while you're writing/editing the story.
ReplyDeleteWhat sucks one person in may not suck in another. Sometimes it is just personal taste ~ who connects with something and who doesn't. I've never published a book, but I've read a lot of books. And some I've thought were amazing, others would say," Huh?" If you do the best you can and keep trying to improve, you should be patting yourself on the back for succeeding. How many people actually accomplish publishing a book? Wow! The connections you do make are the ones that count.
ReplyDelete