Wednesday, July 3, 2013

IWSG: July, 2013 Enough Is Enough




It's the first Wednesday of the month (wow, again?) and that means another installment of the Insecure Writer's Support Group.

Hosted by the Ninja Captain, himself, Alex J. Cavanaugh, it's a forum for aspiring writer types to air out what makes us, as said writers, insecure.

This month, Alex's co-hosts are Nancy S. Thompson , Milton (Mark) Koopmans, and Heather Gardner so stop by and show them some love.




Honestly, I don't have a lot of insecurities to speak of this month.

O.k, maybe I should rephrase that....

I don't have a lot of new insecurities to speak of, this month.

Besides the usual thoughts of not being good enough. dedicated enough, spending enough time preparing, etc. I don't think that thoughts like these can ever, truly, be banished from our minds and with good reason.

They tend to, as writers, keep us honest. Honest with ourselves, if no one else.

Now, we shouldn't let those types of negative thoughts take over, but rather use them to help us keep our eyes on the goals we set and the methods we need to use to achieve said goals. When your mind tells you you're not 'enough'....you tell it that you are....and reaffirm your goals as examples.

All that said, though, I'm pretty excited about my new project where I cross the streams (I know Egon said to never cross the streams, but I'm a rebel like that....) and mash the superhero and western genres.

At this point, I'm still working on character profiles, naming, world building, and a plot, but things are coming along pretty nicely. I'm even managing to strike a decent balance between my 'blogging' world and my 'sitting down and writing' world. It's been a bit more challenging due to work and the strange schedule they keep handing me, but it's not an insurmountable hurdle, by any means.

That's about all I've got for this month, but stop back in August when I might have a new insecurity (or two) to share.

Also, I'd like to wish you all a very safe and happy Independence Day this Fourth of July.

God Bless America!













53 comments:

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

But what about the Twinkie? What happens to it if I cross the streams?
Glad you're stoked about a new project.
And yes - God Bless America!

PK HREZO said...

Hey Mark! I love that stage of a project when it's all in the works and anything is possible. Enjoy, my friend! And have a fab fourth... or should I say, "May the 4th be with you. " :)

Anonymous said...

A great post to read Mark, I suppose if we do have insecurities, most of the time we can hide them but there comes a time when enough is enough.
Oh yes God Bless America, Happy Independence Day,
Yvonne.

Dani said...

Sounds like you are progressing with what you have going on. Keep up the great work.

Hope you have a great holiday!

jaybird said...

Cheers to crossing the streams! May you conquer all of the Stay-Puffed Marshmallows that stand in your way.

I had no "new" insecurities to share this month either, which is pretty darn remarkable.

Happy 4th of July to you too Mark!

Annalisa Crawford said...

It's probably good not to have any new insecurities, otherwise we'd all be a bag of nerves and nothing would ever get written.

cleemckenzie said...

Tending to the insecurities we already have is a good strategy, Mark. Others will come as we need them. :-)

Stephen Tremp said...

Glad to hear things are coming together. Writing is so much fun, especially when you see a draft fill out and characters take on their own personalities.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

You don't want to be a big bag of nerves, so don't add any new insecurities. Just keep working on the new inspiration instead.

Laura Clipson said...

I'm constantly wondering whether I'm good enough or dedicated enough to be a writer, but then I think about what my life would be like if I wasn't writing. That always keeps me inspired :)

Elizabeth Seckman said...

Only cross the streams as a last resort!

I don't mind being a little insecure as long as it doesn't curl me up in a ball. I've met arrogant writers, you know the kind who judge those under them trying to break in, and I never want to be that person. I also don't want to get arrogant and ignore good advice and end up like Mel in that movie about crop circles...what was he thinking? All those great films and then that?

Anonymous said...

Life would be so much easier if we can stay in that fun stage of writing. Here's to not adding additional insecurities.

Elise Fallson said...

Genre mash ups can be so fun. Can't wait to hear more about this new project of yours! And Egon did say never cross the streams, but he they ended up doing it anyway! Now I'm hungry for marshmallows. (;

Morgan said...

Ohhhhh... yay for finding balance! It's seriously one of the hardest things. But such a great post, Mark. You're right--I don't think those thoughts ever really go away. I know I'm in a constant battle inside my head. But thanks for your thoughts because they inspired me. Now back to your genre mash-up! ;-)

ELAdams said...

Great tips. Best of luck with the new project, sounds like it's going well! :)

Suzanne Furness said...

Glad things going well with your new project. Have fun!

Rachna Chhabria said...

I too feel I am not good enough, dedicated enough or hard-working enough. Buts that's a part of a writer's life, we need to keep writing.

Elsie Amata said...

Interesting, a superhero and western genre. Me likes. God Bless America!!

Julie Flanders said...

Your new project sounds so good! Best of luck with it. And Happy 4th to you as well. :)

Yolanda Renée said...

Have a great 4th and celebrate your positiveness! Next month may be different, but working on something new is very inspiring for the soul!

Melissa said...

Great post! Good luck with your new project. :)

IWSG #118 until Alex culls the list again.

Andrew Leon said...

It may be the sleep deprivation, but you've brought back memories of elementary school and "crossing the streams." Man, I need a nap.

Tara Tyler said...

as long as its better than cowboys & aliens youre golden. and i loved wild, wild west w/ kevin kline & will smith- steam punk!

i love mash ups! there is definitely a fan base who is waiting for this! plenty good enough!

Maurice Mitchell said...

Sometimes not having new insecurities is as good as not having any Mark. Have an awesome weekend!

Unknown said...

Sounds like you are on the cusp of very good things. And yes all the "enoughs" can kill me.

Samantha May said...

I didn't even see the Mark part. I actually sat here for a moment wondering who Milton Koopmans was :D

I'm starting to get a nice work, blog, and writing balance. Who knows how well that will go once school starts up again though. My summer vacation is, sadly, coming to a close :(

The eagle is a nice touch. God bless America!!

Whole Foods Living said...

Great post! Even after all these years, I still worry about things being "good enough." Unfortunately I don't think that feeling will ever go away!! ~Angela

Al Diaz said...

It's great to know the writing is going well, in spite of the unusual insecurities. And besides, when they did cross the streams, evil was defeated. :)

Allison said...

I'm working on a new project too! That first buzz of excitement at a new idea is always great :)

Allison (Geek Banter)

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Super heroes in a western? I love the sound of that.

LD Masterson said...

Cross those streams. Go for it. The sparks will blend in with all the 4th of July fireworks.

Sheena-kay Graham said...

Fly Western, fly! Yeah I'm weird. Anyway I'm glad you're looking past insecurities as well as rebelling against the genre trend. Best of luck with your writing and happy 4th!

klahanie said...

Hey Mark,

Ah yes, another instalment of "I Was Seeking Gary" :) Okay, delusional moment over. Hey, maybe I'm insecure.

Seems you've got a good healthy balance going in your writing.

Be well, Mark and Happy Canada Day, eh....oops, wrong day, wrong country LOL All the best and have some fun on the Fourth of July, y'all!

Gary :)

Unknown said...

I'm so happy to hear you're making progress in spite of some worries and insecurities. And good job balancing blogging and writing! I wish I could do that. It seems I always come up with a reason not to write because I'm too busy blog-commenting or emailing people or critting chapters for CPs. Write on! :-)

S.P. Bowers said...

So glad things are looking good for you this month! Happy fourth!

Sue McPeak said...

So good to hear you are in a good place with a new project, characters and plot building. Way to stay focused and positive.

Thanks for the 4th Salute!!! You, too!!!

Sue CollectInTexasGal~Today's Post~
My Name Is America

Heather M. Gardner said...

This sounds like all kinds of positive news on your new project! Sounds good to me!

Enjoy your holiday!

Tell'em about the Twinkie, Ray.

Heather

Chancelet said...

I'll bank on you not having any new insecurities next week, but do keep the old ones in check by banishing them down to the dungeonous caverns of hell where they belong! (Did I spell dungeonous right? Is it a word?)

I am 'bout where you are in my WIP - excited that the plot is hashing out, starting to get into the new trail it's heading into, and finding time to write. Well, this week I had time, but in my - here it goes - dungeonous office, I couldn't find the drive. But it's holiday/weekend time, so here we go! Writer’s Mark

Jeff Hargett said...

Striking a decent balance between writing and everything else is a constant challenge, and success should be celebrated. Glad to hear your "construction" is coming along. Can't wait to see the results!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Mark .. certainly sounds like you've a hit on your hands with the mash genre!

Hope some sense comes around during this 4th July weekend .. cheers Hilary

Tyrean Martinson said...

Happy 4th of July!!!

I'm looking forward to reading a superhero western mash up - that sounds really cool!!!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Mark, I need to send you an email about a feature on the A to Z blog, but I can't find your email address.

Nicki Elson said...

Congrats on managing the balance...even if it does require tweakage cuz of the work schedule. And you know what, I agree that it's good for us to have some insecurities that linger to keep us humble & on our toes.

Have a great weekend!

Unknown said...

Finding the balance between blogging and writing worlds is a necessity. Still working on that myself.

M.L. Swift, Writer

randi lee said...

I hear ya, man, and feel your pain. You keep going, though. From what I can see, you're destined for great things :D Sending positive vibes your way! +++++++++

Shell Flower said...

I love a genre-bender. Westerns are hot these days and who doesn't love a superhero? Sounds like all the preliminary planning is going to pay off. I like how you rationalize your insecurities, too. That is a good attitude that I would do well to adopt :)

Mina Burrows said...

I say give it a try. I think if done right it could be awesome. :)

Manzanita said...

Mark
I never thought you should have any insecurities. So there, I said it. Happy to hear the work is blending in well.

Susan Flett Swiderski said...

feeling excitement over a new project can go a long way toward keeping the insecurities at bay. Good to hear you've found a happy medium between blogging and working on your WIP. That's something I've yet to achieve.

Valerie said...

You cross the streams you kill us all!! But I trust ya, so I'm gonna let you have a go! ;0)

Hugs!

Valerie

Michael Di Gesu said...

Hey, Mark,

Congrats on the new project! Hope you had a terrific Fourth....

Sounds like you're managing pretty well with the crazy schedule and your work.

I really like the badge you created for SUPER BLOGGER. Really fun and a fantastic way to honor a fellow blogger.

WELL DONE. You should be proud of you endeavor.

Sarah Allen said...

Hope your fourth was awesome! And way to go on all the projects. We got this, right?

Sarah Allen
(From Sarah, With Joy)

Mark Means said...

Hey guys, as usual, thank you all -very- much for the comments and I'm sorry I didn't have the time to respond to comments, as usual.

A hectic past week doesn't even begin to describe things....oy vey.

Thanks again and know that your comments are appreciated! :)

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