Wednesday, April 3, 2024

#IWSG --Sometimes it feels like Sisyphus had it easy.

 Welcome to the monthly clearing of the minds also known as the Insecure Writer's Support Group!

Writers from near and far join in on the first Wednesday of the month to share our worries and tales of writing life.

 





Join us!https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html


Folks, this writing business is hard. I'm not going to lie.

You're plunking along, doing your writing, marketing, etc--and something just hits you between the eyes and pushes you down.

Then it seems like everyone is doing better than you, just to kick you in the teeth.

I know logically that we're all at our own pace--and success for one is not the same as for another. AND that looking for external validation is a step toward madness. (That Master's in Psych loves to point these things out. ;))

But when you're feeling like you keep pushing  a boulder up the hill, you see a light at the top, and then it rolls right back down, it sometimes takes a bit to shake it off.

I know it will be okay. Logically.

This has happened before--many times--and might happen again. I'll sort it out eventually.

But, my point is for everyone--this happens.

I saw a new writer in a group (not IWSG) run into some issues and were unhappy about the response to their only book. So they were pulling their book and throwing in the towel. After a few weeks.

They left before anyone could respond.

Writing is the most wonderful, amazing, maddening, soul draining, intense, and slow-moving field.

Don't expect to hit it out of the park on your first try. Or your fiftieth. You might never make it.

I'm not trying to be negative--but if you're writing for the right reasons (whatever works for you as long as $$$$ or fame aren't attached--not saying money is bad, I happen to really like money. BUT it probably shouldn't be the only reason you write. Just sayin')--you've already hit it out of the park.

Part time, full time, an hour a week--you are doing what your heart wants. You could become someone's favorite writer someday.

There will be downs. And ups....and more downs but kind sorta in the middle of up and down.

The point is, even when that boulder chases you back down the hill--believe in yourself to be able to deal with it.

How do you deal with your frustrations in the writing world?

Happy IWSG day!










16 comments:

  1. So far, I just write for me. I love when others like my writing, though. I'm here from the IWSG group. Keep writing!

    Teresa

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    1. Thank you! And yup, it's great when others enjoy the places and people we create :). Thank you for coming by!

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  2. I love your boulder analogy. Yes, writing can be a struggle sometimes but we plod along to keep on creating stories and enjoy the writing process. At least that's why I write.

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    1. Thank you :). Writing is a great bad habit to have ;). Thank you for coming by!

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  3. Love this. Also, now picturing myself running down that hill, then suddenly slipping into a crevice, as the boulder rolls past (ala Indiana Jones). I’m carrying that thought with me today. Thank you!

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    1. Remember that boulder? Yes it is not allowing me to add my name to the comment, so I became Anonymous- for which there are some days that is perfect and so I may adopt it. Lol. ~Miffie Seideman, info@grimreaders.com

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    2. Great visual with the boulder! I love it! Thanks for coming by, sorry it wouldn't let you add your name, Miffie!

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  4. Thank you for an inspiring post, Marie. Yes, that damn boulder! Good luck and happy writing!

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    1. Thank you! Sometimes it's hard to see that when things go wrong, and they will, you'll still be okay :). Thanks for coming by!

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  6. Can't quit because you don't know when that tipping point will occur. I own Dancing Lemur Press, and our best-selling title didn't take off until 10 MONTHS after its release. (And then it sold HUGE.) Authors just need to keep trying and putting out more books.

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    1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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    2. Yup! I just need to get back up one more time than I fall down ;). My top series is a constant strong seller, but it's hard wanting all of them to burst out when they come out ;). Thank you for coming by!

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  7. Haha yeah, if one is doing it for fame and riches then they may want to let the boulder crush them. Every writer has been there indeed. Being someone's favorite author is a win in and of itself.

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