A couple of weeks ago, I came across Sonia Dogra’s post about a thriving community exercise called the “Insecure Writer’s Support Group”. Once a month, on the first Wednesday to be precise, participating writers are encouraged to pen their thoughts and personal journeys, so others may connect and learn from them.
Fortunately, I haven’t yet faced writer’s block or been at a loss of what to write, but at times, other commitments keep me away from my blog for longer than I’d like. IWSG seems a great way to delve deep into my own writing practice, while connecting with other writers.
If you’d like to join this group and activity, please visit this page:
https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html
The prompt for this month is:
“Writers have secrets! What are one or two of yours, something readers would never know from your work?”
I’ve never thought of myself as one who has secrets, especially when it comes to my writing process, but this prompt has made me think. So, here goes:
- I AM A RUTHLESS EDITOR OF MY OWN WORK
The first and perhaps most valuable lesson I learned through a creative writing course I took a few years back, was to “kill my own word babies”. With practice, I have learned to edit each post so that not a word seems unnecessary or out of place. I read and re-read every post numerous times before publishing it. This practice has held me in good stead as a blogger, though it can be quite nerve-wracking!
- I REALLY, TRULY SUCK AT THE TECH STUFF, WHICH INCREASES THE PRESSURE ON MY WRITING SKILLS
I’m ashamed to admit this out loud, but I really suck at SEO, email listings and all the technological fripperies that work for many bloggers. However, I’ve still managed to perform well in my niche, which can be attributed solely to my content. I believe my writing skills attract the audience despite the shortcomings of the blog/ website. This thought keeps me going whenever I feel low.
- I SOMETIMES FEEL THE WORDS SIMPLY FLOW THROUGH ME, AS IF BEING WRITTEN BY SOMEONE ELSE
I don’t mean for it to sound like an ‘other-worldly’ experience, but when I write, I feel removed from the process, as if I’m working on auto-pilot. The thoughts, nuances and words just flow through me as if guided by an outside force. Perhaps, this is what writing from the heart means?!
- I REALLY, REALLY, REALLY WANT TO WRITE A NOVEL BUT I’M AFRAID THAT NO ONE WILL PUBLISH IT AND I’LL BE CRUSHED
At first, I was too afraid to write fiction, but when I started dabbling in the occasional short story, I realised how much I loved the medium. I know that’s what I want to pursue but I’m just too afraid that it will require monumental effort on my end, only to face rejection.
Another, perhaps irrational, fear I have is that even if I am published, no one will read my book because no one actually reads anymore!
- I’M ALSO A GREAT PROCRASTINATOR
Apart from a deep-set fear of being judged a failure, I also suffer from the great malady of procrastination! There have been numerous times I have outlined a schedule and designed a game plan to start writing a novel, but to no avail. There’s always something else calling my attention.
These are my five writing secrets, including strengths and weaknesses. I would love to know yours, do share in the comments below!
Check out the other blogs from the Insecure Writer’s Support Group here. The hosts for this month are Pat Garcia, J.Q. Rose, and Natalie Aguirre!
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Welcome to the IWSG. It’s a super supportive group. Write your novel, polish it and then work on getting it published. There’s always self publishing as well 🙂
Thanks Kalpana! Working on it 😊
When you’re in the writing zone … those words do flow don’t they? I always thought free writing was a myth and didn’t believe it could be useful, but when you bypass your conscious mind and tap into your unconscious and subconscious for your creativity, you can write with wild abandon.
Absolutely! And it’s the most amazing feeling!
Hey Noor! Welcome aboard! So I can say that I share two of your secrets- the editing and I’m also a clinker with SEO and other technical stuff.
Well your doubts about writing are, I would say, every writer’s nightmare. But then with self publishing there’s a better chance today. Anyway, I’ve read two of your stories and you have a good grasp of plot development. So I’m sure you’ll pan out something good. Wish you luck!💐💐
Thank you Sonia! The fifth problem has to be overcome in order for me to begin, but I hope to start soon 🤞
I will now ensure to keep pushing you to write your novel and publish it till I get a copy from you in my hands. Very honest post Noor, as a writer I have a similar feeling at times. Lots and lots of love to you.
Thanks Roma!! I need that push 🤗♥️
Welcome to the IWSG. I can promise you’re not alone in your 5 writing secrets–especially the one about procrastination! I wish you good health, safety, and happy writing in June.
Thank you Rhonda! I wish you the same! Please share your website link here, so I can pay you a visit 😊
Here’s a secret: So many people suck at the tech part of writing! I suspect we are all a lot better, though, after being isolated for three months, nothing but Zoom and FaceTime for company.
Haha! That’s true! I have improved vastly in the last 3 months 😃
Welcome to our group. I never thought I’d like writing either before I started doing it. I’m not super tech savy either so am a little afraid of all the marketing if I could ever get published.
Thank you for the welcome and for stopping by! I’ve always loved writing, I’m just afraid of the whole process of publication 😊
That is a very honest post. You write so beautifully and straight from the heart. Go ahead with your novel. I am sure there will be many who will publish it. Never doubt yourself. All the best!! Hope to get the copy of the novel soon
Thank you dear Arushi 🤗
Welcome to ISWG! I could relate to your feeling of the words just flowing at times. Not always, but that’s how it feels when it all goes right. You should write the book. If you’ve written short stories, you already know the structure. Go for it!
Thanks Jennie! I’ve even taken classes, so I’m prepared on that front. I just need to get started!
Welcome to the IWSG! There’s a statistic that I would butcher if I tried. But most published authors don’t get their first books published. At least not right away. Take Brandon Sanderson, for instance. I think his first book to his the stores was his sixth. But as you write and experiment, as you find your style, you’ll only get better.
But yea, rejection from publishers and agents sucks!
Yes I know… Many famous authors have faced rejection. I just have to overcome my own insecurities and begin writing!
Welcome to the group and Happy IWSG Day!
I too suck at email lists. I think all writers fear no one will read their stuff, until they get a bad review and then they remember how nice it was waiting for someone to read their stuff. 😉 I kidd, but seriously, it’s normal.
Stick with it. Seems like you have a good head on your shoulders and fit in nicely with the rest of us insecure writers.
Thank you for the warm welcome 😊
Welcome to the IWSG!
You’ll never know if you can publish a book if you don’t keep writing and submitting. Yes, there will be rejection. We all go through it. You just have to write through it,
Hi Alex! Thanks for starting the group and for welcoming me so warmly 😊
You’re right- it’s just an insecurity to overcome