A big thank you to the awesome co-hosts for this month's IWSG: Stephen Tremp, Fundy Blue, Viola Fury, MJ Fifield, Loni Townsend, Bish Denham, Susan Gourley, and Stephanie Faris.
What are my insecurities this month? All of them!
Lack of time, marketing, dying confidence, frustration, and a zillion other things. The life of a writer is not an easy one. I know this. Next week, I might be standing there with the light shining off my steel will and flexing my creative muscles as I shout, "I will prevail!"
But not today. This week, I want to bang my head on the desk and wonder why I keep pushing forward for little to no gain.
What keeps you motivated when you're having a bad week?
Don't bang too hard, Christine! I'm frustrated this month about time or lack thereof. It just speeds forward without a care and often leaves us behind. Honestly, I think writing is the only profession that truly tests the patience of a writer! And it sucks. But patient we must be. Hold that chin up high knowing that from one writer to another - YOU ROCK!!!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Christine - thinking of what you've achieved ... you have a good body of work out here ... and more will follow - life is full of ups and downs ... but as far as I'm concerned - you're doing really well and you're always writing ... good luck - all will be well - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteYou've accomplished so much, sometimes I wonder where you get your admirable energy. I'm sure you'll find more of it.
ReplyDeletePersonally, bad weeks lead me to crawl under a blanket until I feel like moving, but I don't think that'll help you much.
So sorry you're having a hard time. Exercise and just showing up and doing what I have to helps me. Hope you feel better soon.
ReplyDeleteLittle gain? You've written more books than most authors I know! That's huge.
ReplyDeleteHere's a cup of green tea and a chocolate croissant. Okay, I have no solution, I'm in the middle of my own crisis, in the midst of Parallels releasing, so can we talk. I mean seriously, lets just talk!
ReplyDeleteI have an idea but... we'll let's talk!
I hear you, Christine! I'm feeling some of that myself right about now. But we WILL be okay - I know it! Hang in there! :)
ReplyDelete"Lack of time, marketing, dying confidence, frustration, and a zillion other things." <---Sounds about right.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear you're having a hard time. In the For What It's Worth category, I am constantly in awe of you, and all that you accomplish.
Hang in there!
It's because there are five planets in retrograde right now! (I'm only half kidding.) Almost everyone I know is feeling this to some degree. I've been completely unmotivated myself. But we'll both keep going because we can't *not* write . . . That's worse than even the most difficult writing times.
ReplyDeleteLuckily we've been stung by the writing bee and there is no cure except to keep writing. But you're really good, Christine, and you're getting a lot done and moving forward. Go you!!!
ReplyDeleteI think we're all in the same boat this week. Maybe we just need a quick break before getting back to it.
ReplyDeleteAmen! Sometimes nothing keeps me motivated. That's the sad truth. On those days I binge watch Netflix from the comfort of my bed. Eventually, something will click and I get up and get back to work. If I ever figure out how to speed up that process I'll let you know. ;)
ReplyDeleteGood luck!
I believe we just pass these days around the community, so some are banging their heads while others are saying, "There. There. All will be well again soon."
ReplyDeleteI don't know. I guess I don't think about the results. I just do what feels good and writing makes me feel great. :-)
ReplyDeleteAnna from elements of emaginette
This is why I craft! Sometimes when writing gets frustrating or I get down about it, I make jewelry or knit because I can create a necklace a lot faster than a story so that instant satisfaction of creativity really boosts me. Go buy some beads (Walmart has some bins of $1 beading supplies) and make something.
ReplyDeletePS: If you get addicted to crafting I'm not responsible. =P
Sounds like a rough time. When I end up banging my head against the desk, I usually get up and take a walk to clear my head. Usually I'll try to approach my issue from a different angle. Though, that tends to happen with programming more than writing in my case. :)
ReplyDeleteYou have some great works already out there. You have done a lot and come far, maybe not as far as you would like or hoped, but I believe you will get there.
ReplyDeleteDon't know what keeps me going, mainly I just can't help myself no matter what the outcome of my efforts. I love this writing community, so I know that helps, interacting with all you guys, and seeing what you are doing.
Wishing you much success.
Happy Writing.
Yikes, stop hitting your head on the desk!!!! You're a great writer!!! Though, I understand the frustrations.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Loni, take a much needed break!!!
Eventually you do top the horizon and get to take a ride rather than pushing your creative endeavors up a very steep hill. Here's hoping it comes sooner rather than later.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry you're having a hard time. Hope you start feeling better soon.
ReplyDeleteCoffee and wine. The more the better.
ReplyDeleteMay 2016 IWSG Co-Host
May the 4th Be With You
Stephen Tremp’s Breakthrough Blogs
I like to read when I'm going through something rough. The silver lining about some bad weeks is that sometimes they can offer great material.
ReplyDeletePut a pillow on your desk, you won't get as big a headache! What keeps me motivated (whether I'm writing or not) is looking out at the yard, admiring nature and being ever so grateful for a million little things.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry you are having a rough time. You're always one of the most positive authors I know and you have accomplished so much. I hope you will be shouting "I will prevail" sooner rather than later. Hang in there!
ReplyDeleteI wish I could offer some motivation advice, but I'm too busy banging my head over the same exact things, haha. Especially lately, I can't help but think I'd be better off just quitting. Sorry to hear you're feeling just as insecure right now! Hope next week isn't so head-bangy for you!
ReplyDeleteOuch. Are you reading my mind? Did I write this post for you because you really took the words right out of my mouth. I know you'll power onward.
ReplyDeleteSusan Says
Thank you to everyone! You guys make me smile. :)
ReplyDeleteWell, I went back to work. The crappy job is motivating. :) Actually, I found stepping back helpful. It took the pressure off.
ReplyDeleteI find putting distance between me and my stories helps... makes me realise how much I do enjoy writing and why I do it:)
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear you're having a down week! They are the worst. You rock though and I really hope you get your mojo back soon. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteThe life of a writer is stressful, but exciting. Most people just go to work every day, never having anything to look forward to like the release of a book. But yeah, marketing totally stresses me out. UGH.
ReplyDeleteWhy do we do this to ourselves? Have we lost our faith, our confidence? Sure have. Thanks to good writer friends, I've gotten my butt kicked and I'm back writing. You will, too. Best wishes.
ReplyDeleteIt does start to weigh down. Hang in there.
ReplyDeleteNo matter how hard we work, or how successful we are, those bouts of insecurity are going to keep coming back. Just remember that you've done lots of great writing before, so you'll do it again once you clear your head again. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteYou keep pushing forward because it's your passion. :)
ReplyDeleteYou keep pushing forward because it's your passion. :)
ReplyDeleteOne motivator for me is that I'll eventually have a breakthrough, and these endless months of seeing a flat line will someday end and I'll begin turning a profit. Today's dry spell or frustration may be tomorrow's success and excitement.
ReplyDelete