A is for Anxiety. A feeling that grips us writers
all the time. I can see many of you all nodding in agreement. Anxiety is
something I experience 24/7, both as a human and a writer. Anxious thoughts
attack me when I think whether I will be able to do justice to the story I have
chosen to write.
If a deadline looms large, then it’s time for more
anxious thoughts. Will I finish the story/book in time? Will I be able to stick
to the synopsis I have sent my editor?
After I have completed the story, then it’s time for
more anxious thoughts. Will I get an agent or a publisher? Will my editor like
it?
And once the book is out, then its free-fall into
the world of anxiety. Will the reviews be kind to me? Will the readers like the
story and the characters? Will the books sell? Will I be able to write the next
book? I am trying hard to distance myself from those
feelings. Reader reaction cannot be controlled by us. So why worry
unnecessarily?
Sounds familiar, right? Let me know how you all tackle the demons of anxiety?
Note: this is my post for the A to Z Challenge. My theme is Emotions and Feelings writers experience.
Yes! I think my anxiety starts when I write something and I think 'yeah, that's pretty good'. Then within a few seconds my thoughts turn negative, and after a few minutes I've decided that I'm a terrible writer and should just give up!
ReplyDeleteThankfully, I don't give up. I just have to remind myself that I am a good writer.
Rebeccah Writes - A-Z 2014
My anxiety seems to live in my stomach. A deeply uncomfortable feeling but I've found that if I can treat the symptoms it tends to ease off the anxiety.Hooray for Rennies.
ReplyDeletemood
Moody Writing
If I think about my anxieties too much, they take over. So I try to push them aside, remember how much I love doing what I'm doing, and forge on.
ReplyDeleteWhen I start feeling anxious, I just take deep breaths....it really works! :)
ReplyDeleteI think it was W H Auden who termed the mid-1900s The Age of Anxiety. That's a lot of anxiety, Rachna. I know you're exaggerating a bit, but I know what you're saying. Writers' lives are full of uncertainty. It's better when we let it go and just write what we like.
ReplyDeleteI do it by trusting The Higher Powers, breathing deeply and repeat to myself worrying will solve nothing. Additionaly some meditation and soothing music. :)
ReplyDeleteI didn't develop a true panic/anxiety attack until I nearly lost my husband. Yes, I agree, those negative voices that put us all on edge when we've sent our baby out for critiquing is a form of anxiety. But a true anxiety/panic attack is far worse than what you've described here. I would never wish it on anyone.
ReplyDeleteSo, let's see, how to stave off those negative voices when we are anxiously waiting a response? I try to busy myself with other things, go on with a new story, or read. Something to take my mind off it. :) It's hard, so very hard. But in the end, we muddle through, don't we?! :)
Jamie Dement (LadyJai)
My A to Z
Caring for My Veteran
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteACK!!! I can relate to this all too well!!!!
ReplyDeleteSince anxiety will hit at every stage, you just have to know it's coming and then let it go. Only so much we can control, right?
ReplyDeleteMaybe we need to embrace our anxiety since it's inevitable. Look forward to understanding my writer emotions this month with you.
ReplyDeleteI don't have a lot of anxiety. I have hopes and try to make them come true. Once in awhile, I might have a twinge, but when that happens, I treat it the way Lynda does, I remember I'm doing what I love and I forge on.
ReplyDeleteI try to remind myself that in the end I'm writing these stories for me. Because I love the characters and can't live simply holding them inside me. Most of the time it helps, but anxiety always rears it's ugly head. There is no way to avoid it completely. We put to much of our own souls into our writing to not care what others will think.
ReplyDeletegood luck!
Wow, that's a lot of questions. I just don't worry about that. Much like Ron in Harry Potter...I guess I have the emotional range of a teaspoon;)
ReplyDeleteGreat theme Rachna! I experience anxiety and just have to keep telling myself to be thankful for having made it this far and tomorrow will be a new day.
ReplyDeleteI don't know what you're talking about. I mean, I can't even think straight...the walls are closing in on me, I can't breathe...my books—oh, okay, I think I do know. I'm in the freaking out stage right now, so yeah. I hear this post and I raise a glass of wine to calm me down. That's my answer: wine. lol.
ReplyDeleteHey, Rachna! True... All writers face writerly anxiety at all points of time. I may not be a book writer yet, but I too get all anxious when I have published a new article. I worry how my favourite boss, teacher, family, friends, and unknown readers (if any) will take it. I guess the only way I get rid of that anxiety is by telling myself "Opinions are like a**holes; everybody has one." We really can't please them all.
ReplyDeleteI get very anxious when it comes to writing and publishing. We can't please everyone, so we just have to do the best we can. Feeling like I've done my best can help the anxiety lessen.
ReplyDeleteI can definitely relate to this. Still trying to figure out how to tackle it!
ReplyDeleteHow well I know this word! I feel like I've been anxious for months now, with all my deadlines and book releases. But it was worth it and I tried hard to keep my cool. Sometimes, that's all we writers can do.
ReplyDeleteJai
I hear you there. Anxiety is a part of my life I know will never disappear but I try listening to happy music and adding more hours to my sleep, it really helps :) good luck.
ReplyDeleteI usually take a deep breath and try to calm down.
ReplyDeleteHi Rachna!
ReplyDeleteI deal with anxiety by listening to my favorite music. I am also doing the A to Z Challenge and focusing on picture books because I am a children's picture book author. Good luck with the challenge!
Take care,
Donna L Martin
www.donnalmartin.com
Anxiety and butterflies in stomach are good signs when preparing for writing:)
ReplyDeleteHi friends, I am really not exaggerating. I tend to have a lot of Anxiety attacks. Its a wonder how I remain cheerful and bubbly with so much anxiety surrounding me.
ReplyDeleteI take a bad thing and turn it around. I mainly feel anxious when I'm excited about something. Never been much of a person for worrying too much about what others think, my dad taught me that from a very young age.
ReplyDeleteHope you find your answers. And all the best on your A to Z journey. :)
Hi Rachna -- I've finally learned how to relax my muscles and breathe through the anxiety. It sneaks up on you, so you have to be ready.
ReplyDeleteOnce I got out of school, my writing has been for myself. I post and share it, but I write first and foremost for myself. This saves me from the pitfalls of writing on the level you describe.
ReplyDeleteBarbara
Life & Faith in Caneyhead