Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Insecure Writer's Support Group

Bam! Look who remembered to participate this month! Me!

Anyway, in case you missed the title, today is Insecure Writer's Support Group where we try and bolster each other up. Because writing is hard, and everyone, EVERYONE who writes occasionally needs help and support. Any professional writer who says they don't have moments of self-doubt are lying to either themselves or to you.

A comic:  (language and partial nudity warning)




So, seriously, everyone has those moments when they're writing, or revising, or whenever, when you think you just suck at it. I do. At least once a MS. Sometimes I can point out other things going on in my life that triggers it, and sometimes it just shows up on its own.

BUT! Luckily for us there are two easy things to remember that help fight the self doubt.

1. As I mentioned above, it happens to everyone. Even Stephen King.
2. IT WILL PASS. This is the most important thing to remember. Even if you have to step away from the writing or revising or whatever for a few days or a week, that's fine. As long as you return once the self-doubt passes.

Don't let your self-doubt trick you into thinking you're no good. That's bullshit. You are effing brilliant. For reals. Go look in the mirror. What do you see besides great hair? Brilliance, that's what.



And even if you don't see it now, keep working. Keep working hard, and one day it'll be there. I'm not saying it's going to be easy. I'm just saying it will be worth it.

Promise.

20 comments:

Dan Schwent said...

I was looking back at my blog entries and I have the "What the hell am doing?" moment every year around November 13th or 14th. I'm circling it on my calendar this year.

Maria Zannini said...

If you do this long enough, you realize it is nothing but a series of highs and lows. You just gotta stick around for the high to come back.

Christine Danek said...

This is very true, but make sure you go back to it. Love the pump up. Thanks.

Talli Roland said...

Yes! Very true. The writing life is full of highs and lows. It's a crazy one!

Slamdunk said...

I think your wise advice is universal--confidence allows us the patience to succeed.

Jessica Bell said...

Ha! Love this. i think I should frame that quote on my wall ...

TL Conway said...

I love these Insecure Writers Group posts. I really want to print them all out and drop them in a handy dandy "I Don't Suck as Much as I Think I Do" 3-ring binder for future reference...

lol @ seeing great hair. :)

Anne Gallagher said...

Ha! You have great hair. Not today my friend, after battling a sinus infection and being in bed for DAYS!

Writing does have its ups and downs. Just have to remember not to get stuck in the lows.

Ninja Girl said...

Wow, Falen, I loved this post so much!!! You're right, people do need support, and that quote you put up there about seeing yourself was fantastic :) Thanks for this. Great way to bolster my confidence to finally dive into that new ms I keep shying away from. Hope you're doing well,
Ninja Girl

Nicki Elson said...

Awesome pep talk, w/ visual aids. :) Thanks. And next time I'm hit with doubt and am in need of comfort...I'm gonna try making some of those deeelicious looking things you've got below.

Unknown said...

*hugs* Thanks for the encouragement. I really need to get back into writing. I haven't for over a month now...

Jamie Gibbs said...

I love that quote!

Oh, and thanks for reintroducting me to Oglaf. I forgot how awesome that comic was :D

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

I'm going to print that out and stick it on my computer!

Nate Wilson said...

Whoa whoa whoa, hoooold a minute. Let me get this straight. You're saying...... I have great hair? My god, this is the best news I've gotten all week!

Oh, and by the way, those comics are inaccurate. Self doubt poisoned my muse in the conservatory.

Michael Offutt, Phantom Reader said...

This hits really close to home for me...especially your quote about seeing yourself as others see you. A few years ago, I lost a lot of weight and got really skinny. But I continued to think I was fat despite what other people said. That feeling never went away...ever. I wonder if the doubt (once it is with you) ever alleviates. I hate it and am envious of anyone that has the ability to feel comfortable with something they write or their own body image.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

lol, love that comic. I need a muse like that hahaha. And you are right, those doubts do pass if we keep writing.

julie fedderson said...

Loved the comic! Great positive post. Sometimes you just have to get rabid about loving yourself.

DL Hammons said...

Great addition to the support group post today!! Well said! :)

Austin Gorton said...

CHOKE ON YOUR LIES!

Ah, just kidding. Yay affirmation!

Sommer Leigh said...

This post made my heart skip. Wonderful. Thank you so much.

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