Why am I an Insecure Writer this month?
Because I only manage to update this blog once a month, just in time for the IWSG post. And that’s kind of depressing.
There was a time when I used to update this blog with a writing related post at least once a week. Twice a week if you counted the Friday writing links. And yet, now that I’m only working part time, I scarcely even think about the blog.
Bad author! Bad, bad author!
On the plus side, I’ve spent the extra time working on my stories, so they are progressing at a nice pace, but that doesn’t make me feel any better when the first Wednesday of the month day comes around. I don’t want to let this blog slip any further. Heck, my plan is to start a new website somewhere down the line, designed more for my eventual readers, while keeping this one for communicating with other writers.
What it basically boils down to is guilt. I feel guilty that I’m not posting more, but I feel even more guilty if I’m not working on my book. (Even as I write this post, my stomach is churning because I’m not adding any words to my WIP.) I know I should be doing more on social media to prepare for my career as an author. I know I should be attending conferences and reading the latest craft books and making connections with other writers in my genre, but that only takes away from the writing time. I’m sure the guilt will lessen once I start releasing books, but in the meantime, guilt is what drives my schedule.
And that’s not a good way to write, or to live.
I suspect the answer is to do what I’ve been putting off for years. Set up a schedule for all writing related activities. A schedule that forces me to set aside time to focus on this blog, or read other blogs, or keep in contact with my writer friends.
The only question is: Will I stick with it?
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This month's question is: Of all the genres you read and write, which is your favorite to write in and why?
My answer is definitely fantasy. I like reading science fiction too, but as far as writing goes, fantasy gives me more leeway to do crazy things without worrying too much about how they could have happened. When I write science fiction, I feel somewhat obligated to make sure everything has a logical, scientific reason for existing.
Until next
ChemistKen
Extra time working on your stories is great!
ReplyDeleteI mostly update my blog now for IWSG Day unless I have a guest. I'm trying to find some way to bring back my enthusiasm to blog. I don't want to stop, but he excitement is not there as it once was.
I'm right there with you! Life gets busy, and I think that's a common occurrence with bloggers. Sometimes we keep on task, other times we slip. It's only been once a month for me these past couple of months too.
ReplyDeleteLife happens! Set up a schedule. Block off an extra hour or so a month for a second blog post and try that. Then block off the writing time and get that done as well.
ReplyDeleteIt's ok! I do that, too! If it weren't for IWSG I'd probably never post! If you're spending your time writing, then I'd say you definitely don't have to feel guilty.
ReplyDeleteAt least you post once a month. Your fans won't forget you then. Hope the employment front is working OK?
ReplyDeleteI feel the guilt too sometimes only posting once a week. But like Sarah said, the writing is more important. But I need to get on Twitter, etc. more too, like you probably want to do. I think it's all about balance and like you said, doing some scheduling of what's most important.
ReplyDeleteYou're still finding your sea-legs--so to speak. Balance will come with time. Nice to know you're working on your next WIP.
ReplyDeleteAnna from elements of emaginette
Don't beat yourself up about it. I think every writer has to go through this struggle at some point. Try that schedule thing, see how it works for you. And if it doesn't work, throw it out and try something else. Sooner or later, you'll find your way!
ReplyDeleteI started by posting daily, then moved to three..two...one time a week. Finally, I landed on once a month. It's not ideal, but if I want to write stories, interact with friends and family, and remain sane, that's the best I can do right now. You'll find what works for you.
ReplyDeleteSo, so true! Been making an effort to do more with the blog and social media, as not to fall into complete obscurity. If I can do a little here and there, the guilt wanes off. :)
ReplyDeletethere's always SO much to do - and it's impossible to do it all. It weighs on me as well, and that guilt can be big and all consuming!!!
ReplyDeleteI tend to blog once or twice a month, or when things come up. I can't do the schedule thing - too much of a Tigger brain here :) Good luck!!
Oh how I know that guilt. I tell myself the first responsibility of a writer is to write, but these days, we have to do it all, and it's so difficult to do so. I'm taking a little blogging break and it's helping. Hopefully you find what works for you.
ReplyDeleteI haven't really found the niche for my blog that I'm comfortable with, so it isn't unusual for my IWSG post to be the only one of the month. No worries, once you're publishing, you'll have plenty of content. Schedules work for me, as long as I'm flexible. I'm writing regularly on something nearly every day, be it the WIP, my short stories, a blog post, or just journaling. It all counts. Best to you on this new journey!
ReplyDeleteI've been using a schedule for my writing and crafts and it's been super helpful. I don't always stick to it, but I'm glad I've done it.
ReplyDeleteI think we both need a schedule. Now that June is open and free of releases and events, I can do that.
ReplyDeleteI think I need to have a schedule and keep it, too. I have been struggling with that lately ... but tomorrow is a new day!
ReplyDeleteI like fantasy too, anything under the speculative fiction umbrella. Happy IWSG!
ReplyDeleteKen, I hear depression in your post. Life has kicked you hard. I saw this in my husband after his job was eliminated (3x). Setting a schedule for writing and working hard to stick to it will make you feel like you're accomplishing something, which in turn will make you feel better about yourself. I'm glad you're blogging with this crazy bunch of insecure writers. Hang in there!
ReplyDeleteMost of the other blogging authors that I follow seem to be blogging less now than they were a year ago. Even I had to peace-out for several months. I'm convinced everyone is bored with blogging nowadays....
ReplyDeleteDude! I feel your guilt. I can only post once a month. And I feel worse because I can't comment on other blogs while I'm working -- my phone is fussy and time escapes me. Trying to make up for it all during the summer =)
ReplyDeleteDo what you can, man! Don't worry about the rest! We all understand!
awesome article.
ReplyDeletethanks for sharing :)