What makes me an insecure writer this month?
The fact that I'm so disorganized that I need to be reminded by my writer friends to submit my monthly IWSG post Thank you, Loni Townsend.
Seriously, my insecurities are fairly low this month. I'm halfway through my self-edits on my debut urban fantasy. Since I know the second half of my manuscript is in better shape than the first, that means I'm well over halfway finished. Woo-hoo! My hope is to be able to hand it off to an editor before the year is over.
My biggest insecurities at the moment come whenever I read other authors' stories, especially if I read them before editing my manuscript. I'm currently reading Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews and Fated by Benedict Jacka. Both authors have a way with words that are way behind my skillset. Those tears you see in my eyes when I read their stories aren't a result of their all-is-lost moments. They are tears of envy.
Optional October question: When you think of the term working writer, what does that look like to you? What do you think it is supposed to look like? Do you see yourself as a working writer or aspiring or hobbyist, and if latter two, what does that look like?
I imagine someone sitting in front of their computer several hours a day, pounding out their next story with one hand while holding their favorite beverage in the other. Right now I feel like an aspiring writer, both because I haven't finished my story yet and because I waste too much time doing non-writing related things. I have this dream that once I publish my story, I'll feel like a real working writer, but we'll see.
Take care everyone, and stay safe!
ChemistKen
I like your posts! It makes me excited to see your progress on your book. That's great that you're over halfway finished! Woot!
ReplyDeleteYou don't want to slip out of position on the list!
ReplyDeleteHey, I know I don't write as well as some of the masters of science fiction. I'm just doing the best I can as me. That's all that matters. That's all that matters for you as well.
Don't read perfection and published books and compare them to yours. Just think how ugly those first drafts looked.
ReplyDeleteI like that image of sitting at the computer with the beverage. One of my friends has posted pictures of herself outside with her laptop and drink. Me...sigh, you don't want to see the piles of things on either side of my computer. Honest I'll clear them off one of these days, but first...
ReplyDeleteI do sit at my computer for several hours with a favorite beverage in my hand ~ but the beverage varies depending on the time of day. I try not to compare my writing to others. It will depress me every time. Woo Hoo, for sure on the progress you are making!
ReplyDeleteGlad you're making so much progress with your book!
ReplyDeleteYes, I think publishing is the transition between aspiring and working. Then the hard work starts :)
ReplyDelete'Both authors have a way with words that are way behind my skillset.' Your skillset will grow, and your own style will develop. I still wish I could use words like other people I admire... but sometimes I look back on things I've written and surprise myself.
Keep up the good work!
Jemima
Glad to hear you're progressing with that story. I'm looking forward to reading it. I hear you about the envy. I'm amazed (and envious) when I read certain authors' words. How did they think of that? I ask myself. Why can't I come up with that? Practice, practice, practice. Have a good month.
ReplyDeleteI like to read writers who are better than I am the same way I like to play against tennis opponents who are better than I am. It's sometimes humiliating, but it helps me improve.
ReplyDelete