Yes, I know....back on Monday, I said I'd probably be skipping this month's IWSG post but, as I traveled the blogosphere and read/commented on my fellow insecure writer's posts, it made me realize that I didn't have a decent excuse for not participating.
I mean, sure, time has been scarce....but who isn't plagued with that dilemma these days?
So, I yelled at myself and said "Hey, if they're doing it....why aren't you?".
"O.k!" I yelled back..."I'll do it!"
Hence, this eleventh hour post.
So, here I am.
I want to thank Alex J. Cavanaugh for hosting, as always, as well as his compadres for this month M. Pax, Melissa Maygrove, and Karen Walker. Stop by and show them some love, if you haven't already.
Anyway, as a good news/bad news thing, I still have some of the same, nagging, insecurities I've always had and, I think, always will.....
Am I good enough?
Do I have the drive?
Can I even write and, more importantly, can I write in a way that people will enjoy?
The upside is that I haven't really developed any new insecurities to deal with. Hey, we have to take our sliver linings where we can find them, right?
Dealing with insecurities is all a part of being a writer (or a painter, or an actor, or a sculpter, etc.), in my opinion. Once we think we've "arrived", I think it makes us sloppy. We have to stay tough, we have to stay hungry.....
Eye of the tiger, man, eye of the tiger....
(oh, sorry...where was I?)
I guess my point is that, no matter how alone you feel in your writing trials, you don't have to succumb to that sort of loneliness because you're not alone in this.
Ever.
The rest of us are here for you and we know what you're going through.....mainly because we've all gone through it.
I realize this sounds like a PSA, but it's the truth so hang in there and keep writing.
Eye of the tiger, man, eye of the tiger....
29 comments:
That's why I started this group. Because we are never alone.
Instead of responding to your overall message:
Don't try to write in a way that other people will enjoy. Write in a way that you enjoy and find the people that enjoy reading the way you do.
Great post, Mark. Glad you changed your mind. :)
August co-host and IWSG #110
Keep writing and keep smiling. Since I'm not a writer, it's difficult for me to know what to say.
Go Rocky!!! I mean Mark.
You're right about the insecurity. I have talked to people who think they are the shiz and they won't take any advice. Insecurity gives us a little humility.
Glad you were able to talk things out with yourself :)
Insecurities suck, but they can motivate you to work harder if you let them!
That is one of the things I LOVE about our writing community, there is always someone out there rooting for you, someone to chat with who knows where you're coming from.
Eye of the tiger, great stuff!
It's great to put your feelings out in the open. You're right, all writers have insecure moments and it's great that you haven't let them stop you.
when i couldn't do box jumps at the gym, my friend would blare this song. i thought she was cray-cray till i jumped and ... yeah, i totally made it!
Oh yeah. I hear you, and am glad that I too, like you, at least haven't developed any MORE insecurities or doubts. The ones I already have are enough to deal with! Somehow when you voice it, it doesn't sound so bad and I can smile at my own silliness. Glad to read you yet again!
A little insecurity isn't a bad thing, we don't get complacent - now all I need to do is take my own advice LOL
Suzanne @ Suzannes-Tribe
I think you're spot on - a certain level of insecurity and uncertainty keeps us pressing to get better and better. Well done for not having any new ones!
Eye of the tiger, man. Eye of the tiger.
I have those same insecurities, and it is always nice to know that I'm not alone in that. That's why I love the IWSG :)
The blogosphere is a wonderful place to find other writers who are supportive and encouraging.
It's also comforting to know I'm not the only one with those insecurities.
Thanks for commenting on my blog!
You're right, there is a lot of comfort in that.
Yes, I think we all share these insecurities. It does help to put them down in writing. It helps to have others say, "Yep, I know what that feels like." It also helps to see others who have felt that way achieve their dreams. If they can do it, so can YOU. Eye of the Tiger!
I agree with Andrew up above: Write the way *you* want to - others will like it - or not - but at least you'll be true to yourself.
PS... Cheers for the video links... Now I won't be humming Eye of the Tiger all day long :)
The Internet means we aren't alone. It was lonely before that though.
You must really like that song!
I did a whole post on the Eye of the Tiger lyrics one time. Oh to be an 80s teen! (or in my case a mostly 70s teen)
Hey Mark,
I come from a different angle, my friend. I'm not insecure about my writing because I'm just a dude having a good time. No pressure and I write whenever the mood hits. Or let a certain famous dog do some writing.
I think for you writers that it's best to work within small, realistic targets to reach the ultimate goal.
And thanks for being part of the "I Was Seeking Gary" postings. Somebody pinch me. LOL
Happy and fulfilling writing, Mark.
Gary
Good man for stepping up and posting anyway! It seems many of us are experiencing something in life that is interfering with our writing or sanity. I think many (myself included) are burned out by the pace and workload and have to shut down at times. Exhaustion.
So do what you must. Take care of your needs. And if you really feel like you need a break, take one. But not LONG. LOL.
Good post, Mark.
M.L. Swift, Writer
I feel such a boost of confidence! Thanks for this post, Mark!
I used to feel alone in my insecurities, then I joined the blog-o-sphere and feel much more understood. You're so right: Eye of the Tiger!!!
I'm supposing if you're having that struggle you must have writing talent. Those without it wouldn't care less. :)
I am glad you posted for IWSG anyway. Why does it feel so good knowing we all suffer from the same insecurities? But it does, doesn't it? It makes such a difference.
And man, did you bring back the memories with that Eye of The Tiger song... Last time we were in Philly we made it a point to go run up those steps by the Rocky statue! Very inspirational. And tiring...LOL I was so winded by the time we got to the top. It's laughable how out of shape I am.
Now see, I thought you off basking in the sun with an umbrella drink. And no! You're on the job. Thanks for Eye of the Tiger. I loved it.
As to those insecurities. Ptweey to them. You'll write just fine.
I feel privileged to be a part of such a wonderful community.
You guys definitely get me through the tough times.
Knowing that others go through the same trials makes the load a little lighter somehow. Thanks for the reminder.
Kathy @ Swagger Writers
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