Insecure Writer’s Support Group Wednesday
Happy IWSG day! Yes, the
once a month “howl our fears at the moon” day for writers from across the globe.
Today my insecurity stems from a fear that
the soul-sucking nature of our business will permanently drag me down. Let me get
one thing clear—I LOVE to write. When left
to my own happy little devices I am a purring writer clam.
But I am also a writer who wants her work
read someday. Read by more than just a handful
of folks. Which means dealing with the business end of things.
I have four books that are ready, able, and
willing to go play in the outside world. And a few forays have been made—lots of interest,
but no one who LOVES them the way I do (and to be honest the way an editor or agent
needs to). I’ll get nibbles-even big nibbles—then they don’t work out. And it sucks a little bit of my soul out. For those
of you who are Princess Bride fans, it’s like that damn Albino is working on me
with that machine.
After a few such “almost there- so damn close’s”
I start to slide into a funk. And I can’t
work on any of my work because the editor side of my brain starts judging everything
at that point.
I know that I am a good writer and I know
that “playing the game” is part of it—even if one goes for Indie Pub instead of
New York. But I just can’t seem to get my
heart and psyche to agree it comes with the business.
So that’s my fear for this month—that the
business of publishing will kill my joy of writing.
Nah it won't. If you have the love, it'll still be there for you.
ReplyDeleteAnd when you find an agent or editor, they will be the partner who DOES love your work as much as you do. I know mine editor does. Her enjoyment and partnership is something that i didn't expect.
Keep trying. Look for into a small press like I did. I never looked back after Musa Publishing took my manuscript and built it into a bestseller.
"Never give up. Never surrender." - Galaxy Quest
LOL!! that's one of my favorite quotes Huntress! Thank you for the boost- sometimes the industry just makes me want to curl into a ball.
DeleteThank you for coming by and commenting!
Marie- no google acces right now
I'm in a situation as a ghost writer where I often worry about this, but it never truly happens. The joy of making stuff up and writing it down is always there.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Stu- it's good to hear that you've kept it at bay- hopefully I can as well. I guess it's just constantly reminding ourselves why we do this!
DeleteThank you for coming by and commenting!
Marie- no google access right now
ReplyDeleteI agree with Huntress' comment. Don't give up. You are so much farther along than many of us, myself included.
That's what's good about iwsg. Writing can be so lonely. You need a cheering squad as well as an inner-editor!
Best wishes,
Anna