Writer’s Doubts
I spotted an excellent blog, by Nicola Marsh, on the Pink Heart Society blogsite last weekend. To read it, click here!
There’s some excellent advice and suggestions.
I think too often we let our fears hold us back from what we’re truly capable of. Kate Walker once told me, “Be Brave!” So I challenge any of you who like to write to do the same.
Hey Yvonne
That’s a fabulous blog I’ve copied it and will print it out. I just recently had those doubts. I was so hopeful to receive something, anything from the Instant Seduction contest on the IheartPresents blog, but so far nothing. I did what Nicole suggested and phoned a buddy from my writing group and she had been in that position a couple of weeks ago - ready to give up too. But we worked through it and chatted and at the end of the conversation I was back to believing in myself. Now to take Kate’s advice and Be Brave and get that MS in!
See you in Melbourne.
Hugs
Nicki
Comment by Nicki — 18 April, 2008 @ 2:04 pm
Nicki, the only sure thing is that if you give up writing you’ll never publish. The road isn’t always easy but the rewards are many. Your friendship with another writer, the fact you can call that person and work through the dark times, is a perfect example of that. Who else can understand how raw and miserable you can feel at times as you question your ability and indeed the sanity of those you’re submitting to :-)?
I think it’s always important, though, to try to have realistic expectations of yourself and your work. Contests are a fantastic tool for honing your ability and learning how to be specific to the market you want to write for, but, in my opinion (and experience,) it can be dangerous to pin too much hope on something like that. Far better to keep learning at every opportunity, through workshops, conferences, critique groups, and keep submitting your work–these are things you have control over. Yes, rejection can sting, but you can learn from it too. It’s only when we learn to apply the advice we receive in rejection letters, or through mentorship and workshops etc., and become truly objective about improving our work, that you really start to grow as a writer.
Comment by yvonnelindsay — 18 April, 2008 @ 9:13 pm