For the last few months I've read several blogs that have been a part of the Insecure Writers Group which was set up by Alex Cavanaugh. This group is a great idea. Once a month writers blog and share how things are with them, what is troubling them and anything else that falls within the category of insecurity and believe me, there is a lot of insecurity as a writer. It is such a generally lonely endeavour and this group goes some way to combat that, as does blogging and using other social networks, such as Twitter and Facebook. So, with it being such a great idea, I thought I'd sign up and join in the once monthly blog hop where we share the difficulties.
I signed up a few weeks ago and my blog is now on the extensive list of participants. The problem I faced when I came to write this post is that I became all insecure about sharing my insecurities. You see, my manuscript is still in submission stage and I'm chasing my dream of being traditionally published. Why should this matter when I'm posting about insecurities? Because nowadays agents and publishers are checking prospective authors social networking sites. It's no bad thing to show your human side, but, I am concerned that if I share too much about any insecurities and on a regular basis, it has the potential of being seen and interpreted in a way I wouldn't necessarily want it to be. So on that point, I think I have to bow out of the monthly blog hop, gracefully and say that my main insecurity right now is making sure my public profile is open, honest, but not too negative. A lot of writers won't agree with this, but unfortunately, it is my insecurity right now, so I hope this post can be taken as it was meant. An honest insecurity on wanting to join the published authors world. Alex if you read this, thank you for the opportunity and if it's not too much trouble, can you remove me from the list as it's obviously directing people to a blog that isn't participating.
To all insecure writers, keep writing, because if we keep putting bums on seats and not giving up, we can achieve our dreams.
I can totally understand where you're coming from on this one. I wrote three different posts for this month's post - I was trying to think of it from a 'fan' point of view (rofl). Now that my book is published and the link to my blog is available to readers, I'm wondering about the direction of my blog. Maybe that'll be next months post!
ReplyDeleteIt's funny isn't it when you have to consider these things, which you may not have thought about when first starting a blog. Now I've submitted my first novel it's something I'm thinking about more. I look forward to next months post! :)
DeleteGood idea, it is difficult I think and hope that you can get some support through it x
ReplyDeleteThanks Gem. I love blogging so I will see be interacting with a lot of writers and I do find that really helpful. There's nothing like another writer to know how it all feels.
DeleteInteresting that you want to be open and honest, yet hold back on the real issues of insecurities. Look at Alex. He started the group and he us hugely successful because of it. Being part of an online support group helps you overcome those insecurities and they are there for you when rejection hits. They're also there when it's time to celebrate.
ReplyDeletePlay off the Page
I think there is always the few who can do fantastic things like this and do really well. It's probably a bit like those writers who break the "rules". Yes some can do it, while others are advised if you want the best chance you can get, it's probably best not to break those rules.
DeleteAs for being open and honest. I can absolutely be that on here. My not wanting to discuss my writing insecurities does not make me a less open or honest blogger, just a thoughtful blogger who considers what posts to put out there. Would anyone really want to read that my great great aunt Gelda ran off with my next door neighbours, brothers, cousin in law? I doubt that, so I can be honest about the things I choose to discuss.
I do intend to blog if I get a rejection. That will be painful, and I will blog if there is ever time to celebrate, but those feelings in the middle... that is where I will keep my thoughts to myself I think.
We'll miss you.
ReplyDeleteI'll still be here regularly blogging, just not bringing out my insecurities once a month. Thank you Tyrean.
DeleteBest of luck with the novel! Hope there's good news soon :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks Linda. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
DeleteKeep on keeping on, Rebecca. All things are not for all writers! Have courage to do what you believe is right for you!
ReplyDeleteThank you Pat. I think it's very easy to jump aboard when you see a group doing something, but this is so important, that considering things and making a decision that is right for you is...right.
DeleteThat's a tricky line to walk when dealing with agents and publishers. Good luck and I hope someone picks up your story and I see it at my bookstore one day. =)
ReplyDeleteThanks Patricia. I hope so too!
DeleteBest of luck with everything, and it's okay to be insecure about saying you are insecure. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Cherie. :)
DeleteRebecca, there's no one size fits all and only you know what is right for you. As long as you're still here, we can still cheer you on, no matter what title your posts have :-)
ReplyDeleteYou're right. We all think about things differently and approach things differently. That's what makes the blogging world so great, the people you meet. I have to do what feels right and I'm happy to see that I have the support here. Thank you.
DeleteThat's an interesting angle to take on blogging. I too have been thinking about how my blog posts would look to potential publishers having submitted a number of picture book manuscripts last month. I think you're right that we have to be mindful of it but I'm not going to stop posting up the chatty, informal stuff. They have our mss to prove we can write and they have to love us warts and all!
ReplyDeleteI agree Rosalind, keeping the chatty and informal stuff is important, it's fun, it connects us and we like reading it. What I'm considering are the posts where I may come across to whiney or not determined enough to still a long haul out. It's about the perception any potential book people may see. Having fun is fine! (Well I'd hope so anyway ;)
DeleteIt's a thin line, what to reveal and what not to reveal, but I think you made a good choice.
ReplyDeleteThanks Gwen. I do think it's a personal decision and one everyone has to make themselves. The group has a lot of members and offers a lot of support. I think it's a great idea. I just think it's not right for me after all.
DeleteAlso, I've tagged you in a post on my blog, when you have the time to check it out.
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