Wednesday, November 5, 2014

IWSG Post – Doubts and Insecurities

I look forward to the IWSG (Insecure Writers Support Group) post on the first Wednesday of every month.  It’s one place I can freely talk about my doubts, fears, worries and insecurities without the fear of being judged. Because I know that many of you all must be battling the same fears.

IWSG has been started by Ninja Captain Alex J Cavanaugh (the author of the Amazon Bestsellers: CassaStar, CassaStorm and CassaFire).  IWSG is an online group of writers where we all learn from each other and also share our doubts, fears and insecurities as well as support and encourage other writers. The IWSG website is a wonderful resource for writers.

This month I was suddenly stuck with doubts regarding my books. I don’t know why the worries swamped me. Worries whether my bigger books (currently sitting inside several publishers’ laptops) will be liked by the readers. Will the editors love the stories and want to publish them? What will the other writers think of my stories and characters? What will the critics and reviewers think of my writing and plot? Will all of them think that I suck at writing?

Trust me all these worries gave me a nightmare or two. Then, I tried to shrug it off, which is easier said than done, that all writers go through this. That these insecurities come with the territory. I am plodding on with my next lot of books, but somewhere deep inside my mind these doubts are flying around.

Do you all have such doubts and insecurities? How do you fight these feelings? I would love to learn how other writers tackle these feelings.

19 comments:

  1. I write for the fun of it so no worries:)BTW am yet to do some serious writing Rachna:)

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  2. Once I finish writing, I don't bother much. It's the readers problem :P

    Destination Infinity

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  3. Oh my word, yes. Self-doubt is paralyzing. I commit it to the Lord and bury it--deep in the ground and stand on it so it doesn't resurface. But it always does!

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  4. I think those doubts are just part of being a writer, part of the arts, part of being creative. Acknowledge them but don't let them hold you back, don't let them stop you. You can do it!

    Madeline @ The Shellshank Redemption

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  5. I close my eyes and hope for the best. Most of it's outside of my control, so why worry?

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  6. I don't really worry much about it. Mostly I worry about finishing a book, and then am so relieved when I do. :-)

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  7. I worry a lot the time about what people think of my books, even had dreams where I'll go online and find tons of 1-star reviews on my books. But when you get an acceptance or a 5-star review, it does help allay some of the worries. After all, not everyone is going to love your book, but there will be some who will love it. It may even become their favorite book, and those are the people we write for.

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  8. I worry all the time! For me it's just part of the process, I guess I live with it and sometimes when it's not overwhelming I even use it as inspiration to try harder and challenge myself. Which of course leads to more doubts lol

    S.K. Anthony: My Writing Quirks—IWSG (16)

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  9. Hi Friends, I know that these doubts and insecurities are a part of a writer's life. I just have to learn to live (write) with it :)

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  10. My mind is always turning with the "what ifs" after hitting that submission button. It is a stressful time.

    Sending warm hugs to get you through the doubts.

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  11. We all do. I've found it's best not to think too much about it. Just work on the next project and get so busy you forget about the other stuff you have out there. The negative thoughts still get through but you tend to be able to block them that way!

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  12. For me, the only way to fight these inevitable insecurities and doubts, is to just keep writing and pushing forward.

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  13. I have a great CP group, so I'm not so worried about work quality, but you're right - not everyone likes everything. That's just the way it is. Plus, here's a kicker: even if everyone likes it, it may not sell, and there's nothing you can do about that.

    Thanks for sharing. My best advice is write what you love, write what makes you proud. Let that be your "success" and not acclaim or money. You'll be happier for it. :)

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  14. I'm plagued with doubts, but working on new projects helps me take my mind off them.

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  15. Hi, Rachna! The questions you've raised here often come to me. We share the same doubts. One of the best ways that often help me during these times is to get busy with yet another tale and put all of what you have into it. Lots of luck to you!

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  16. Hi Rachna,

    I look forward to the IWSG aka "I Was Seeking Gary, group :) It's good for my deluded ego.

    I never feel insecure about my writing. Never put pressure on myself with expectations. Best to relax and think of writing as inspirational, therapeutic and cathartic. Besides, I always have a certain celebrity dog to help me.

    Have a peaceful weekend, dear lady.

    Gary :)

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  17. I have them too, Rachna, and probably always will. However, the older I get, the easier it seems to be to wade through the fears.

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  18. I write each day, and take each day as it comes.

    I sometimes wonder whether my WIP would get published, but not for long. I'm too busy writng (or trying to).

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  19. Truthfully, even if you have a wonderful following of dedicated readers, this is something you always struggle with. I think you just have to focus on the positive. Don't let it bog you down. Get out and enjoy the sunshine or play a game you love.

    Unleashing the Dreamworld

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