Quote of the Day: One glance at a book and you hear the voice of another person, perhaps someone dead for 1,000 years. To read is to voyage through time. Carl Sagan
Today is another group posting of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group! Time to release our fears to the world – or offer encouragement to those who are feeling neurotic. If you’d like to join us, click on the tab above and sign up. We post the first Wednesday of every month. You can also visit the founder Alex J. Cavanaugh for more info and links.
Question of the Month: Everyone has a favorite genre or genres to write. But what about your reading preferences? Do you read widely or only within the genre(s) you create stories for? What motivates your reading choice?
I have been reading more in this past, pandemic, year than any other time. I’ve been reading at least one book a week, plus listening to one on audio. I read from many genres. I’m in a book club, so I’ll read whatever someone else picks, sometimes non-fiction, or books I wouldn’t normally have found on my own. Usually, that’s good. Sometimes, it’s a book that’s not for me. I usually read fiction, but can also enjoy a well written memoir with a strong narrative. I also follow what my sister reads. We have similar taste. I’m on Goodreads and follow some friends there who have great taste. If I walk into a bookstore, I go right to the mystery section. I’m a huge fan of mysteries and suspense. My favorite author is Sue Grafton. I can find a good mysterious ghost story from MN author Wendy Webb, and I’ve become a Stephen King fan in my later years. I used to think his books would be too graphic for me, but that’s the movies. His writing is brilliant. I also love historical fiction, which is popular in my book club, too. We read Crossing to Safety by Wallace Stegner for March. I’m listening to Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton, set in Cuba, both in the 1950’s and current times. I love it. Next up on my night stand is The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah.
So, what’s for insecurities this month? Well, with all that reading of wonderful novels, and attending a zoom author event with BOTH Kristin Hannah and Jodi Picoult, I’ve felt a little inadequate. It’s wrong to compare yourself, but how do you stop yourself? These women are brilliant storytellers, generous, gifted, and have enormous success and following. Over 300 people attended that zoom webinar. The side comments never stopped. So, my little story of a mom and son traveling during the pandemic feels so unimportant. And, yet, I persevere. I’m up to 50,000 words. Go me. I’ve enjoyed participating in an online writer’s workshop with Candace Simar and Krista Soukup through Blue Cottage Agency. Our session ended last week, but Krista is offering another workshop with book doctor Stuart Horwitz, same time, same place, through March (check it out if you’re looking for a four week motivation). I signed up. It really does help keep me motivated to write my novel, edit it, and eventually get it to publication. Some day. Also, Spring is here. Spring fever has struck, and I am ready to leave this pandemic nest I’ve created and explore the world. Would love to get that vaccine shot before hitting the road, however.
Take care, dear writer and reader friends. The light is bright at the end of this long, angst-filled tunnel.
Go. Create. Inspire!
Journaling Prompt: What are you looking forward to?
It’s hard not to compare yourself, but let yourself be inspired by those big names rather than being intimidated. I know Stephen King contemplated quitting after his first few books flopped and the same is probably true for any successful author. Hang in there and I hope you can get out on your travels soon!
Thanks, Nick. Hard to imagine King having any self-doubt!
I love Sue Grafton books! I haven’t picked one up in a while, but I think I’m going to now 🙂
So hard not to compare you to others, for sure. I can struggle with this at times. Especially when it seems like people tend to post success stories about their writing careers. We don’t always hear the other side of things.
Exactly. Everyone shares the positive and successes.
I too have struggled with feeling inadequate as a writer when I compare myself to others. Just remember this – there is only one you, and only you can tell your stories in ways that no one else can. This is called your writing voice. This is what draws readers to your work. 🙂
Thanks, Carrie Ann
I love Sue Grafton as well – might be time for a reread of some her stuff.
I read a lot of King back in high school – and scared myself silly. Weeks went by that I couldn’t sleep 🙂
Yikes! That’s what I was afraid of. I’m sticking to his less horrifying books.
Just don’t don’t compare. Because no matter what, you have your own style anyway and are at a different point in your writing career.
Hope you can hit the road soon.
Thanks, Alex
I’d got slightly out of the habit of reading before the pandemic. Realising I was missing it and getting back into reading more has been one small positive to come from this horrible situation.
Yes, Patsy
I love Sue Grafton too. I was so sorry that she didn’t finish her series. It’s easy to compare ourselves to others. You aren’t alone in that. It’s awesome that you are at 50,000 words in your manuscript. Me too. It feels like a huge accomplishment. Celebrate it!
Celebrating with you, Natalie!
I don’t think we can ever stop comparing ourselves– it’s a human condition. But, we can do it, realize we’re at a different point in our journey than them, smile, and keep moving! Celebrate who you are and where you’re at! Great post!
Thanks, Marie!
We always compare, but the only one we should compare ourselves to is ourselves. (Easier said than done.)
Exactly
Hey, 50,000 words is definitely impressive. You should be proud!
That’s GREAT that the pandemic has driven you to read.
I don’t know, I think a story about a mom and son traveling during the pandemic is going to be good to read once things settle down.
I love reading a wide variety of genres. I posted for IWSG day today. My post includes a new book by a friend, a note about a free book next week, a tweet about a query contest (LGBTQ romance this round), and a quick message about April Blogging from A to Z Challenge.
J Lenni Dorner~ Co-host of the #AtoZchallenge, Debut Author Interviewer, Reference& Speculative Fiction Author
Sounds great, J. And, thanks for the encouragement!
Stuart Horwitz is a great teacher. Prepare to be energized and inspired! I love Sue Grafton. So sad she didn’t make it to Z, but I’m glad she made it as far as she did.
Thanks, Shannon. I’m looking forward to the workshop!
Persistence got you to 50,000 words! Way to go, Mary! A zoom with 300 people? I can’t even imagine. Take care!
Thanks, Louise. It was a webinar, so we didn’t see EVERYONE. That would be overwhelming!
Kudos on 50,000 words! Keep going…
Thanks, Damyanti. I will!
It’s so easy to hear from well known authors, see what they’re doing and feel a bit inadequate. It’s also very easy to compare what you’re writing to more popular works or “current” topics. However, your story is YOURS and your voice is uniquely YOURS and whatever you write, if you do your BEST you’ll end up with a wonderful work you can be proud of! I’ve flip-flopped back and forth over my recent novel but I’m sticking with it and ultimately, I’m happy with it.
So happy to be back to reading your words, Dear! Happy writing!
Jen
Thanks, Jen. Glad you’re back!