Today is the first Wednesday of the month, and that means it's Insecure Writer's Support Day! If you aren't familiar with the IWSG, go check it out here. It's an amazing group created by Alex J. Cavanaugh where writers band together once a month to support and encourage each other. So big, big thanks to Alex and his awesome co-hosts, Heather Gardner, T. Drecker from Kidbits, Eva E. Solar at Lilicasplace, and Patsy Collins!
I am currently working away at revisions on my YA WIP. When I open up the document I get all motivated and work away at it. The problem is getting me to open it. And I don't think the issue is a lack of motivation. It's a fear of it still not being good enough, even after I polish up.
Don't get me wrong, I love the story. I love the characters. But it's been awhile since I queried something, and the thought of getting back to that scares me. It's daunting. It's depressing. It's filled with highs and lows.
But it has to be done, right? And I know it'll be fine. I've lived through rejections before, and I've heard yes before too. So why I'm freaking out this time more than others, I don't know. Maybe it's just the part of the roller coaster I'm in at the moment. I know we all go through our own highs and lows.
So, I'll keep revising, keep forcing myself to open up my WIP, and keep working away. It's the only way to move forward, and I'm not ready to stand still.
You can do it, Rachel! That first step is always the hardest, but you'll be rolling after that.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard for me to even look at my WIP, too, even though I do want to work on it. It's great that you're forcing yourself to do it, because that's the only way you're going to make any progress.
ReplyDeleteYou're right that the hardest part is getting started; I think that one reason it can be difficult is the uncertainty. That is, we don't know what's going to happen, though we know what we'd like to happen.
ReplyDeleteI hope your kid feels better.
I agree, the hardest part is always getting started. But, on the bright side, once you have that, the rest of it is cake...
ReplyDeleteOkay, maybe the rest of it is long hard work, but starting is the hardest work of all.
Querying is such a stressful time! I don't blame you for being anxious. But all those dreams you have for your writing can't happen without this daunting step. You're wise to know that!
ReplyDeleteI get ya. It's hard to get motivated to open that file.
ReplyDeleteI'm close to getting it ready for someone to critique and I just want to get it done. So why is it hard to get working? :)
I think it helps to set aside time each day to write, especially if that's the biggest obstacle. It seems the busier our schedules get, the easier it is to just put off writing!
ReplyDeleteI can understand the querying insecurities. I've been OK with the writing part, but it's getting close to the thinking about doing something with it stage and I'm not looking forward to that.
ReplyDeleteI can relate so well to that fear, especially when I have an art commission to work on. Good luck not letting your own fears overwhelm you!
ReplyDeleteGlad to see you around!
ReplyDeleteI get nervous with each new book. And I was thinking- that may be an okay thing. Nothing is worse than an overly cocky writer who thinks they're all that. You put effort and talent into each book and it shows. You'll rock this too.
I get it. After all, I'm here reading your blog rather than plucking away at my wip. :-)
ReplyDeleteDeb@ http://debioneille.blogspot.com