Since I've changed posts on this blog to Mondays and Thursdays, I'm posting up my Insecure Writers Group article today. So, that it's here on Wednesday. Thanks to Alex J. Cavanaugh for spearheading this great brainchild.
I recently went through a bout of "I suck", "Everything I write sucks". These bouts of insecurity and doubt come in waves. Then I wonder if I'm delusional or certifiable ... maybe.
Most of the worry probably stems from the fact that I'm impatient for the most part. Impatience causes bouts of frustration. Frustration leads to the "I suck" insecurities. Pretty much every creative type goes through these bouts, fearing their work is terrible and unoriginal and all sorts of other despicable things.
Does it stop me? No.
To do what we do, we have to be somewhat original, folks who forge their own path. That's what drives us to do what we do. It's also what then makes us insecure when our 'genius' gets exposed to the public at large. Not everyone will get our vision, or what we do. Our output is subjective. Not everyone has our tastes.
Don't let it stop you. To sparkle, we must brave the sunlight and embrace what makes us different. And we must realize that we will continue to grow and improve.
On those days, I go over all the positives. One by one. I enumerate them and relive them, bolster myself back up. The truth is, even if I do suck, I'm not going to stop writing.
Do you have these bouts, too? What do you do?
On another note, I spruced up all my book covers. All of them got new wrappings over the weekend. All shiny and pretty for the holidays, for all the folks getting new Kindles and Nooks. My skills at Paint improve all the time. Sometimes I have no idea what I want when I start a cover. So, I keep playing. I found a great new image for Translations, which inspired its makeover. Then I felt the others should get a makeover. Then when I finished those, I thought Semper should get one, too.
42 comments:
Enumerating the positives is a great idea. Love the book covers!
I'm convinced that everything I write sucks, yet I still submit and get contracts. As long as the "I suck" feeling doesn't stop you, it's all good. I would rather get the "I suck" feeling rather then the "I'm so great". I'm not a fan of conceited people.
'To do what we do, we have to be somewhat original, folks who forge their own path.'
No doubt!
I read a great quote the other day I'll share with you.
'Writing requires a lot of dedication. It's easy to give up after the first ten years.'
Right now I'm worried the next book will suck, which is why I've not started it yet! And you definitely don't suck.
It's nice to know we all ride in the "I think I suck" boat. ;) Like you, I'll keep writing no matter how I feel.
I think the day you no longer think you suck will be the day you actually do suck. Feeling sucky makes you strive to be the best you can be, at least that's what I tell myself. :)
I'm exactly the SAME WAY. So impatient. And then the dark thoughts start to brew and invade. That's why you have to keep moving - keep working. Like working on book covers or re-working a draft.
Heck, even being a beta reader is a good way to keep the insecure notions at bay.
You have read my IWSG posts so know how frustrated and insecure I am...I have this trick of reading my old stuff and reminding myself how much I have grown as a writer and poetess...as some of my college years stuff is pretty amateurish...life's experiences give you that necessary edge....I love the new covers.
I've recently had a bout of the "I sucks" too. It's hard because in some people's eyes I know I do suck. I don't write what they like. But we have to remember that there are others who DO like what we write and those are the ones we need to remember when we pick up the pen and write.
I'm going to check out all the new covers you made. I like pretty or interesting covers. For some reason I like to read a book whose cover hooks me.
a) you DONT suck!
b) great advice to get over it and keep writing!
Whenever I have doubts about my writing I either go to bed or open another beer.
I get those bouts wevery day ;)
I love the new Semper cover!
Tonja -- it's a must for all of us & thx!
You're right, Angelina. Would we then have the drive to improve?
lol, great and very true quote, Suze.
Thank you, Alex. You don't suck either.
I like your writing, Laura. Please don't give in.
Julie -- like George Lucas? Or Spielberg when he made Jurassic Park II?
LG -- you're write. I tend to forget. A few of my crit partners are so NOT into sci-fi & will never get what I write no matter what I do.
Thanks for the compliment on the covers, Romance. :)
Thank you, Tara.
Beer -- I need more beer.
I know what you mean about the doubts coming in waves. The feeling of "I suck; my writing sucks" is VERY familiar.
I just work myself back up again, remind myself that I believe in my story and my writing, and that I'm learning more all the time.
From just reading your blog, I have no doubt that your writing doesn't suck at all. I'm glad you don't let the doubts stop you. They shouldn't.
I don't have many bouts. Too darn busy. Like yourself, even if I do suck I'll continue to write!
I have those bouts all the darn time. Sometimes it's not so easy to get out of it. That's when I take a little break. :) But I'm with you, I'm not going to stop writing.
We call that "the committee." Those voices that say we suck, not good enough. Tell the committee to meet somewhere else.
Dark chocolate is good for those bouts, Lynda. And you don't suck at all.
CD, I'm glad you don't let your doubts stop you. It's good we can all commiserate together.
I keep busy, too, Stephen. It's the best thing for it.
Don't stop, Kimberly. Keep at it.
I would love for the committe to take a hike, Mary :)
It seems I'm not the only one. ;) Facebook Twitter
Very cool book covers... Keep thinking positive things... we all go through the emotional rollercoaster:)
If ever I get into one of those moods when writing, I take a break to clear my head for a little while. Plus, it's clear that you don't suck, so you've nothing to worry about :)
I've noticed that the authors who think their stuff is awesome are the ones who have the least reason to feel that way.
I'd recommend not saying, "I suck" (or I'll send you a therapist), but I think it's okay to say, "Enh, this scene sucks," and then, "But I'll fix it or cut it on the next pass."
~Lindsay
P.S. Like the new covers. :)
I go through I suck phases frequently. It's hard not too. There are so many great writers out there. But we all bounce back and try harder. :)
I definitely have these bouts, sometimes a few times a day!! I agree with you on enumerating the positives, and I know you have a lot of those since I've read your writing. You definitely don't suck!
Love the new covers, I'm really impressed. The SA cover is excellent, and very eerie. Fits the story so well!
It's nice not to feel alone, Interwebs
Tania -- thanks for the kind words & the compliment
Thank you, Jamie & great advice to take breaks
Lindsay, I'm just glad the bouts don't last.
Yes, we do, Libby. We must all keep going. You all have a lot of talent.
I'm glad it's not just me, Julie. Thanks @ the new covers. I think they're awesome. Of course. lol
I think this is a common writerly thing!! I do get discouraged at times, but I usually bounce back. That's cool that you like to do your book covers! I had fun with those too (yours are probably better than mine, though). :)
I have those I SUCK thoughts from time to time. And you know what? Maybe I do. But so what. So does everyone else in some way shape or form. So we're all on the same boat. I just keep plugging along.
I spend must of my time in the suck zone, so I understand your feelings. I didn't realize you did your own covers. Well done, although I have to confess that I think the original cover for Semper Audica was perfect.
Oh I suffer through these same insecurities.
I spend the occasional I-suck time. I think every writer does. That especially happens when someone reads my work and tells me they don't like it. Talk about depression. But you have to know you don't suck, Mary. You're pretty cool. And I like the covers. I just got my Kindle in the mail yesterday, will check your books out. :)
I spend the occasional I-suck time. I think every writer does. That especially happens when someone reads my work and tells me they don't like it. Talk about depression. But you have to know you don't suck, Mary. You're pretty cool. And I like the covers. I just got my Kindle in the mail yesterday, will check your books out. :)
I'm the queen of writing insecurities and the 'I suck' club.
Carol, Stephen, Rusty, Michael, Laila and Ciara -- good thing Alex started this group then.
My bouts aren't so much about "I suck" as they are "I'm not good enough." I think there's a big difference there. I know I have what it takes and I'm confident in my story and writing. But I can't do anything about the current climate except to persevere, to never give up.
I notice your new Semper cover right away - love it! Shiny new wrappings indeed. Well, if the Nook doesn't make it under my tree, I'm just gonna have to go shopping the day after Christmas. ;)
Probably the only people who don't get the "I sucks" are the people who actually suck, hehe. Speaking of sucking - thanks for your leech contribution! The grosser the better.
Mary, whenever that happens you should take a good look around to see all that you've accomplished! If that doesn't work I like your dark chocolate back-up plan! Your new book covers look fabulous, and as far as I can tell the only downside is your overuse of the word "sucks!"
I never thought about going over the positives when I'm in an "I suck at writing" mood. What I usually do is try to empty my mind. I think I suck because I'm being overwhelmed by everything I want to do and seeing what everyone else has done, so I have to force myself to blank my mind.
I DO have these bouts, and you've just got to write through them. I find that's the only way. And then when you're done, there's always revisions! :o) <3
To sparkle, we must brave the sunlight and embrace what makes us different. And we must realize that we will continue to grow and improve.
Fabulous words of encouragement!
I like what I write, but I'm always wondering if other people would think it to be not so good.
I just gotta stick with it...
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