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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