Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
Visit others in this group here or find the hashtag #IWSG on Twitter.
This is my first post in the Insecure Writer's Support Group. I discovered this blog hop about a year ago and while I read many of the posts I've never written one of my own.
Time for a change.
Anyone who knows me, knows that I'm beyond insecure. Okay, well, maybe only my close friends know it. I don't advertise it. Except today! Ha! Seriously, I know I'm not the only one and that's okay.
Writers, as well as other artists, are known to be self-conscious and insecure, doubting their abilities.
I'm included in a great group of people!
Here we are in the first month of a brand new year! Hello, 2016! I'm always eager for these new starts. I want to try new things, accomplish the goals that I strive for and continue my resolutions. The trouble is that there are many times when I start something but I don't finish it. NaNoWriMo is counted among them. And I get easily discouraged by this.
And for some reason, I neglect to remember those times that I have finished stories. Many stories. So why should I be discouraged because I can't finish 50,000 words in one month?
For the beginning of 2016, I've made goals and resolutions. I have plans that I wish to accomplish. My fear is that I'll stop. That the motivation that stirs me along the first few days might dwindle.
So, for the start of the new year, I'm giving myself a total of 100,000 words to write. And I have the whole year to do it. It's not a race. I can finish it anytime I want. And not only that, but I'm including all words written in this goal, as in words written for journal entries and blog posts as well as any articles or stories that I write.
There have been too many days where I haven't written a word. Not a single word. Too many days that have gone by and I tell myself that I'll get that word count in and double tomorrow. But with those extra words stacked against me, its like climbing a steep mountain with heavy gear weighing me down. I'm not inclined to do it.
Sometimes I'm so easily discouraged.
Also, I'm not focusing on word count for my stories. I'm going to write it until the story gets done, not until the word count is reached. That way, I'm focusing on how much time I'm spending on my stories, whether its brainstorming, writing or editing. I'm doing something to move forward.
And if I include all of my writing to reach that 100,000 words, then I don't have the word count goal hovering over me.
It's been six days and I've written every day. Just the act of writing, no matter the content, feels good.
Tricia
Hi Tricia.
ReplyDeleteWelcome to the IWSG!
You are in good company because the IWSG consists of many different writerly types, with a variety of insecurities. So you are not alone. You'll also discover that the members are very supportive.
Congratulations on writing every day thus far. If you continue, then you'll definitely reach your 100,000 words goal.
Happy IWSG Day!
Michelle@Writer In Transit
Thank you so much! I enjoy reading other IWSG posts. I'm glad there are other writers out there willing to connect with this! Thank you!
Delete100,000 words in a year will be a snap. That's only 274 words a day! You go, girl. Keep us posted, Tricia. I'm happy to cheer you along your way. Happy New Year.
ReplyDeleteI'm going easy. In recent years, I tried pushing myself too hard. All it did was discourage me. I'm curious to see how doing the opposite will work! Thank you! And Happy New Year!
DeleteWelcome. If someone can write 50k in 30 days you can write 100k in a year. Keep us posted as to how it goes. :-)
ReplyDeleteAnna from elements of emaginette
Thank you! It's amazing what writers can do, isn't it? I'll do my best!
DeleteWelcome to the IWSG! You've got to do what works for you, and it sounds like you're already on a roll. Keep it going! :)
ReplyDeleteI've experimented a lot with different methods. It's an ongoing process. But, whatever works to get words down on paper (or, screen), right? Thank you!
DeleteI like your word count goal. I've been setting weekly word count quotas for a long time now, and that is a really strong motivator for me. I'm not sure how I'd operate without them.
ReplyDeleteI've had my ups and downs with word count goals. I love them, but for me sometimes they don't work. That's why I'm going to try not putting too much pressure on myself by limiting my goal to just stories. As long as I'm writing something (anything!), then I'm happy. Thank you for commenting!
Delete100,000 for the whole year is a good goal. If you don't write a day or two, no worries. We have enough pressure on us without adding more.
ReplyDeleteWelcome to the IWSG! Sorry I'm late getting here, but I do like to welcome the new people. You are in the right place.
100,000 words in a year is a good, solid goal! And I like what you said about focusing on finishing your stories instead of the word count. I think that's important--it's all too easy to get lost in the numbers game. Good luck with your goal!
ReplyDeleteYou can doooo eeeett! "Writing the story until it's finished" is one of the great benefits of being indie and not having to fit a square into a round hole! You are your own boss! You've got this!
ReplyDeleteWelcome to IWSG! 100,000 words is a great goal to have. Every single word adds up, so I'm sure you'll reach your goal. :)
ReplyDelete