Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Insecure Writer's Group

I'll start IWSG with a story from when I started writing about five years ago.

Growing up, I always felt confident academically. I did well in school and felt capable of learning anything I put my mind to. One day, I decided I wanted to be a writer. I had written small things before throughout my school years, but I'd never thought about trying to write books. But how hard could it be? Right? I'd written a ton of essays.

I learned pretty quickly that it is hard. Very hard. And so different than academic writing. All of a sudden, my confidence vanished. I'd never felt so unsure of myself. I started to realize just how much there was to learn about fiction writing. I learned how much I didn't know. Plot, pacing, tension, character arc, and this list goes on. How was I supposed to even know if I was doing it right?

I found a writing connection post on a blog, and I connected with some writers trying to start a critique group. We all shared a small piece of writing with each other to determine if we would make a good fit. One of the ladies claimed I wasn't at the level that she wanted to exchange with. Ouch. I was hurt, mad, sad. I'd always felt so confident with words when it came to academic writing. Suddenly, the doubt I already had tripled. But then I realized it was just one opinion. And I kept writing.

Well, that'll be my first Insecure Writer's Post :) I'll continue the story of my writing journey next month!

Also, the winner has been selected for my giveway...

Drumroll please

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Barbara Barnett!!

Thanks everyone for entering. I'll have another contest before too long!

11 comments:

  1. The more you write, the better you'll get. It won't ever be easy, but it will come more natural and less stressful.
    Welcome to the IWSG!

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    1. Thanks Alex :-) thankfully that happened a few years ago and a lot of the insecurity from it has gone away. The more I've written the more confident I've become, but doubts still fine their way in.

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  2. I second that ouch! I could never tell someone that, even if I thought it was true(so I guess points for honesty- but I'm giving them grudgingly!). The nice thing to do would be to help that person, so that they could grow to the same 'level' you're at. *makes rude noise* ;) I'm glad you kept writing, and looking forward to hearing more!

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    1. Haha I thought the same thing. I think I said that in the return e-mail to her. Even when I first started writing, it wasn't sloppy. I would have understood it more if there were a lot of errors, but overall, I know most grammar rules. But to each her own. It made me realize that I want to be someone who's willing to help people who are just learning :)

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  3. Wow. We have two options when we come across another writer who isn't as proficient as we believe ourselves to be. We can push that person further down or do our best to lift that person up. While you felt the "ouch" the person who was really insecure was the one who said it. Glad you didn't allow that person to crush your belief in you.

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    1. Luckily, things like that make me even more determined :) And it taught me how my words toward others can encourage or discourage. The lady tried to be encouraging after she declined becoming critique partners, but it didn't feel like an encouraging e-mail to me like giving me a chance would have.

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  4. It is hard, isn't it? Getting to know other writers and critiquing should be a positive experience, so I'm glad that encounter didn't put you off. This community helps and learns together, which is what's great about it. Nice to meet you on the IWSG!

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    1. Nice to meet you too, Nick! I'm excited to meet people in the IWSG :)

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  5. Hi Genissa!

    New follower here via IWSG. It can be difficult getting to know fellow writers. I actually started an online group myself just this week for that very reason. Welcome to the IWSG--I'm sure you'll find it an all around supportive culture :)

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    1. Hi Randi! I'm excited to be part of IWSG. Meeting fellow writers is always great!

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  6. Genissa, I have written about my CP/Writer Group issues in the past. I had exchanged samples and two weeks into critiquing, both ladies said they no long want to work with me. They didn't give me a reason. It still stings, but I can't worry about their reasons or let how they say it dissuade me. Six month later i'm a published author and they are MIA.

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