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Wednesday, August 4, 2021

The Insecure Writer and the Pleasure of Pushing Back Deadlines

 


Today is August's contribution to Alex Cavanaugh's Insecure Writers Support Group.

What makes me an insecure writer this month?

Actually, not much.

Some of you may remember from last month that I was worried my editor was about to send me an email announcing she was ready for my manuscript--a manuscript that I was still deep in the middle of revising. In fact, I received the dreaded email about three hours after my IWSG post. Yikes!

The good news, and the reason I'm much more relaxed this month, is that she was able to switch my editing slot with that of another writer, which means she won't need my manuscript until sometime in September. Woohoo! And if that wasn't reason enough to celebrate, it turns out my revisions are moving along at a nice, steady pace, so I should have my manuscript ready long before September rolls around. Nothing like an extension to relieve the pressures of editing.

Of course, if I haven't finished my edits by next month's IWSG post, then my insecurity levels will once again skyrocket.



August's question: What is your favorite writing craft book? 

To be honest, I'm probably much more interested in reading everyone's answer than answering the question myself. Plot and Structure by James Scott Bell was my go-to book back when I was first learning to write. Since then, I've been so busy trying to finish my manuscript, I've neglected my pile of craft books. 

Bad author! Bad, bad author! 

P.S. I am reading craft books these days, but they're all about marketing books, not writing them.
 

Take care everyone, and stay safe! 

ChemistKen

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19 comments:

  1. Elizabeth Spann CraigAugust 4, 2021 at 6:25 AM

    Glad to hear you got some more time with your revisions, Ken! Hope those continue going well for you.

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  2. Alex J. CavanaughAugust 4, 2021 at 7:36 AM

    Good to hear you have an extra month. Just keep after those edits.

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  3. J.S. PaillyAugust 4, 2021 at 9:35 AM

    This is all wonderful news! Having a little breathing room will make the revisions easier, and you'll have a better book in the end as a result!

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  4. Loni TownsendAugust 4, 2021 at 9:51 AM

    That sounds like a nice relief with your editor. Deadlines send me into a panicked frenzy so I could imagine the freak-out you might've experienced when you got the email. Glad they could move to a later date!

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  5. cleemckenzieAugust 4, 2021 at 12:03 PM

    It's wonderful when schedules can be adjusted to suit everyone. Glad you're edits are moving along well. A lot less stress for you I imagine.

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  6. Chrys FeyAugust 4, 2021 at 12:09 PM

    That's nice that you have more time to work on your manuscript to have it ready to go for September.

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  7. Natalie AguirreAugust 4, 2021 at 12:30 PM

    Glad your editor could give you more time so you're not stressed about your revisions. Plot and Structure is one of my favorites too.

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  8. Jacqui Murray--Writer-TeacherAugust 4, 2021 at 12:51 PM

    James Scott Bell--good choice. And kudos on your book! Those deadlines--hate them! One more reason to love being Indie.

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  9. L. Diane WolfeAugust 4, 2021 at 2:14 PM

    It sounds like the timing is perfect for both of you.

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  10. emaginetteAugust 4, 2021 at 2:49 PM

    I love all the craft books, but I usually dive in when I need some help. Could you be beyond that?

    If so, kudos to you. :-)

    Anna from elements of emaginette

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  11. Fundy BlueAugust 4, 2021 at 6:19 PM

    I can't wait to read your book, Ken! and glad to hear that you are more relaxed, for now! Happy editing.

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  12. JenniAugust 4, 2021 at 7:07 PM

    I'm glad you got a little reprieve on your deadline and can relax a little. I find I don't do my best writing when stressed about deadlines.
    I believe I read Bell's book awhile ago and it was really helpful. Maybe when you finish this revision you can pick up a new one.

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  13. MelissaAugust 4, 2021 at 9:13 PM

    Deadlines out of my control are one reason I chose to self-publish. Glad you got a reprieve.

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  14. kimlajevardi.comAugust 5, 2021 at 11:23 AM

    Extra time is the best gift! Enjoy your marketing books.

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  15. Denise Covey August 5, 2021 at 10:00 PM

    Hi Ken. Hope it goes well with that ms and you're ready by your next deadline. I always remember James Scott Bell's advice re characters - get them up a tree and throw rocks at them. I find conflict that hard part but I'm getting better at rock throwing.

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  16. J Lenni DornerAugust 9, 2021 at 8:02 PM

    Maybe lie to yourself and pretend the deadline is in August. Then when the time comes, you'll either get an extra break or one more chance to reread.

    Did anyone from your area win at the Olympics this year?
    Joe Kovacs, from my neck of the woods, won silver for Shot Put Throw.

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  17. Sandra CoxAugust 11, 2021 at 5:24 PM

    Woot on the extension. I can remember asking for one when we had our house on the market and were moving. I got turned down flat:)

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  18. Cathrina ConstantineAugust 12, 2021 at 7:22 AM

    I don't like deadlines either, puts on added stress. So glad your editor was nice enough to move it back. Good Luck.

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  19. Christine RainsAugust 20, 2021 at 9:25 AM

    Good luck with your edits! I'm slowly plodding through mine right now. I've also been neglecting my craft books, but writing needs to be done first.

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