Question of the Day: In your writing, what stress you the most? What delights you?
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.
I’ll start by answering this month’s question. I get stressed about criticism. It can shut me down. I worry about details and getting things right. On the other hand, I have a love a learning, so digging in and discovering more about a topic, place or person is delightful! Also, when people tell me that they connected with my writing in some way gives me a lift. It affirms that what I’m doing has value and that people appreciate it. One of the best compliments I’ve received is, “You put into words how I feel.” The highlight was when I wrote and produced a play. Watching the audience react to my story and characters with tears, laughter, comments, and applause was wonderful.
I’ll keep this post short today. I also need to get to a theater review of the touring production of Fiddler on the Roof. (short preview: It was gorgeous!)
Go. Create. Inspire!
Happy Holidays! Don’t let the details stress you out. Enjoy time with people you love doing the things that give you life.
Journaling Prompt: How do you keep stress in check in your writing life, the holidays, or any other time?
It’s hard to hear that what you’ve created hasn’t resonated with others. That is a huge stress for anyone, so I can relate. Fortunately, there are always those who like, understand, appreciate what you’ve done, so there is a balance.
Yes. And, it’s those connections that keep us going and creating and doing what we do.
When people connect, it’s a real joy.
Yes!
Oh, seeing how people react to something you’ve written in real time sounds wonderful! I never thought about that aspect of play writing. The sounds really neat!
It is! Thanks, J.S.
That’s one of the toughest things about writing–learning how to handle criticism, and learning what suggestions to take or ignore. Luckily, it gets easier with time and experience.
I’m looking forward to that, Melissa!
Wow! Play writers really intrigue me. I used to act in another life.
Criticism is hard to take but sometimes it helps too. It’s been integral to my writing.
Hearing an audience react to your play has got to be a high! Kudos.
Yes. Thanks, Helen!
I don’t love criticism but have found that if I’m open to my critique parnters suggestions, my manuscript is stronger. I agree with you that having people connect with our writing is a great feeling. Hope you have a great holiday season.
Thanks, Natalie. You, too!
Criticism can definitely be hard to take, but when it’s constructive it can help so much. I’d love to see Fiddler live!
It is so beautiful.
I intend to do in December what gives life and joy to others.
You’d mentioned research on a motorcycle trip and I’d love to know more.
Cool. I’ve been a passenger on a motorcycle trip. That’s a story for another day.
Knowing, connecting with how someone else feels. There is nothing better, Mary. In fact, I believe that’s what creating story or theatre is all about. Bravo! And yes. I worry about details and getting things right, too. All the time! All best to you!
Thanks, Victoria!
When I hear/read criticism, my first reaction is to get my back up. How dare they not like what I’ve written! (LOL) I’ve learned to keep my mouth shut and process what the person has said. Sometimes it takes a bit of time. Then I reexamine the criticism and see its worth. It’s only taken me 20+ years to get to this point. Not the best part of writing, to be sure. Stress! The joy of connecting with readers is worth all the criticism. The joy of creating gives me such a boost. I hope you got your review done in time.
Definitely hear you on both, what can shut you down and what lifts you up.
Even criticism that is well-intended can be difficult to stomach. I think it’s not WHAT somebody says but HOW they say it.
Tone is very important.
Thanks for sharing
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