Time for our monthly meeting of the Insecure Writer's Support Group! Hosted as ever by Alex J. Cavanaugh, the aim of the group is to offer a safe space where writers can share doubts and insecurities without fear of being judged. This month's co-hosts are Jennifer Lane, Jenni Enzor, Renee Scattergood, Rebecca Douglass, Lynn Bradshaw and Cathrina Constantine.
There's an interesting question for this month's topic: When you began writing, what did you imagine your life as a writer would be like? Were you right, or has this experience presented you with some surprises along the way?
I need to cast my mind right back for this because I've been writing for so long that it's hard to remember my initial expectations. I'm not sure I really had any, although the pipe dream of being able to do this full time was probably always floating around (still tantalisingly out of reach). Maybe I thought it would get easier the longer I kept at it, and I've definitely been disabused of that - I struggle as much as ever. But that's because every story presents unique challenges.
I didn't imagine much about success and popularity because at first I only focused on getting a story finished, and it took a while to achieve that. Since then, it's always been about finishing the next story. Being on a bestseller list, or winning an award, would be nice, but I can't say I ever spent too much time pondering on these hypotheticals. The best thing I would say if anyone was starting out would be to live your story in the moment and concentrate on that. Let everything else spiral from that!
While I'm here, I should update you on what I'm doing with my stories right now. Edits are underway on my YA sci-fi adventure about a VR simulation that gets out of control and traps a human participant, tentatively titled Artificial Life. Ten chapters have been reviewed. Finding a few plotholes, a lot of repetitive mannerisms, but overall I'm quite pleased at how solid the story is so far. This is a first pass so the real work is yet to come, of course. My querying journey continues for Mirror Me, and I recently got my first full request from an agent, so that's enough to keep me on this track for a while.
I'm interested to hear your answers to this question, and all your news. As ever the list of IWSG entrants can be found here. See you next time!
17 comments:
I had and have pretty much the same thoughts as you do! I remember winning an award at school for a non-fiction piece, it would be nice to have something as an adult for a fiction one!
Sound like you are making good progress.
Just focus on the current story. Good advice.
It's great that your focus is always on getting your current manuscript finished. It's awesome that you got a request for a full submission. Fingers crosssed for you.
Hi, Nick! Good luck on your story. It's a challenge for us all to identify and correct repetitive mannerisms. Mine is "tightening" of body parts--mouth, neck, shoulders, etc. ;-)
I too have pondered writing full time, which hasn't been an option unless I wanted to be homeless. Thank goodness for day jobs!
Full request is good! Hope the edits continue to go well.
That is so cool that from the very beginning you just focused on finishing the story. That does help with setting your expectations. I really liked what you said about focusing on your current story right now. It's so easy to get distracted by so many other things!
I always have to look out for stomach churning or flip-flopping and come out with better ways to reflect anxiety. Good luck as you continue with your story.
I am amazed when I look back at how long I've been publishing. But I remember my youthful ideas about writing and publishing--I wanted to be a writer, particularly a novelist, from a very young age. Now, it's what I do to keep my mind engaged in retirement (between trips).
Congrats on your first full request for Mirror Me.
Sounds like solid progress. Don't you love it when the initial story is solid and it feels like all that's left is polishing? Happy, happy day.
Woo! A full request from an agent is exciting! Fingers crossed for you!
Yep, I'm with you on the just keep writing and not focusing on the best seller list and awards. If it happens, yay, but I'd rather devote my energy to getting my books in readers hands and writing the next one.
I'm like you, Nick. I struggle with each story I try to create. And yes, every story presents unique challenges. All the luck with your YA sci-fi adventure. Stay strong!
Congrats on getting a request from an agent. That's exciting!
The plot to your YA novels seems really neat. That's great that your one book is being considered by an agent.
That's really good advice you give about living your story in the moment and not get caught up in goals of making big money or winning awards. That's something I probably have to work on more.
Congrats on the request from the agent. Fingers crossed for you.
Hi Nick - you've been writing lots over the years and getting published - your books, articles etc ... so good for you and we learn as we go. Good luck and well done on progressing with the new book - cheers Hilary
I wish you all the best. Warm greetings from Montreal, Canada 😊 ❤️ 🇨🇦
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