This post is Augustโs Insecure Writers Support Group post. A group created byAlex Cavanaugh. You can find sign up details by clicking on the link. You will also find a list of other bloggers signed up to the challenge that are worth checking out. Once a month we all post our thoughts, fears or words of encouragement for our fellow writers. If you write, it’s a great one post a month, group to join in with.
This month I’m going through the “What the hell made me think I could possibly do this” phase.
Yes, I’ve proved to myself that with determination and effort I can put my seat in the bum and complete a novel. Part of being a writer is also making sure you read and I’ve been doing that. ย And this is where I’m starting to get anxious. I’ve read some absolutely outstanding books recently and I’m not just talking about in my own genre – of which I have read some outstanding books – but every book I seem to pick up is wonderful in its own right. The author has shown their skill when they weave together great characters, with plot and setting and does it with such wonderful prose. How on this Earth, did I possibly get it into my head that I could join them in the ranks of publication?
I’m doing everything I can to make myself better. I’m reading as much as I can and I’m doing it as a writer. I’m sitting down at my desk to write and edit at every opportunity and the amount of time I am able to do this has increased. I’ve bought myself a book on punctuation to make sure I fully understand all the rules. I am doing what I can. I am driven. I just hope it will be enough one day, because right now, I feel a little bit like an amoebae swimming with the whales.
What do you do to improve as you write?
Prashant C. Trikannad says
Rebecca, I’d like to think that the reason we do something is because we CAN do it and do it well. You’ve already proved yourself as a writer. I wouldn’t underestimate the amoebae.
Rebecca Bradley says
Thank you Prashant. I think we have these ups and downs don’t we. It keeps us trying.
Margaret says
I don’t write novels. I write occasional articles for our church magazine and another christian publication, my own personal blog and a blog for a vegetable web site. I read other people’s blogs to try to improve my writing and I often feel I’m not good enough. I was once told never to compare myself to others because we are all different and have our own style. I agree with the above comment, the fact that you have taken that step forward to write novels shows that you can do it.
Rebecca Bradley says
Thanks Margaret. We do all write so differently. The novels I have been reading recently and comparing myself against, have all be brilliant, but they have also been very different from each other. I have my own voice. I just need to keep working on it.
danpentagram says
What was the book that you bought to help with punctuation, Rebecca?
Rebecca Bradley says
It was the Penguin Guide to Punctuation Dan, written by R. L. Trask. I haven’t finished reading it, so don’t start pulling me up yet! ๐
Margot Kinberg says
Rebecca – Doesn’t matter about all of the other books you’ve read. You have your own unique voice and you have things to say. Nobody else can say your things better than you can.
Rebecca Bradley says
Thank you Margot. We do all have a different voice don’t we? It’s just finding that confidence and belief to go with the voice. Questioning my work will keep me striving to improve it though.
Elizabeth Hein says
Rebecca – I understand that amoeba swimming with the whales feeling. Editing has a unique ability to make you feel inadequate. This time last month, I was feeling down about my ability to write a decent sentence and the fine people in this group suggested I put down the craft books for a while. Good advice, indeed. From everything I’ve read on this blog, you can do this. Really, you can.
Elizabeth at scribblinginthestorageroom
Rebecca Bradley says
Thank you so much Elizabeth. It really is a lovely group this IWSG isn’t it? From what I’ve heard from writers though, I think we are doomed to being continually self critical in the extreme, it’s just working through it. Having the internet and groups and blogs like this, really helps. It feels less isolated and lonely.
Tyrean says
I agree with Margot! You have a unique voice, and a unique perspective. Each book touches the hearts of readers, and yours will. Just keep writing, keep studying the craft, and keep believing. You might just be a beluga, or an orca, or a blue whale, or a super fast bottlenose dolphin that leaps out of the water! Keep writing. (that’s what I do when I feel those “not good enough” blues)
Rebecca Bradley says
Thank you Tyrean! I love the imagery of the whales and especially the bottlenose dolphin. I hope there is room in that sea of readers for us all.
Linda King says
Write, write, write! Read, read, read! Persevere ad nauseum! ๐
Rebecca Bradley says
I am and I will. ๐ x
nancyrae4 says
I write. I read. I study. Yes, sometimes I wonder why the blazes I’m writing. But, when it comes down to it, we write because we want to tell our stories. I also write because I just love that occasional perfect line that makes me say – damn, I’m good!!
Rebecca Bradley says
I love that feeling when something goes right! Yes, definitely something to hold on to ๐
Alex J. Cavanaugh says
You’ll be just as good! As your reading, your soaking in all of the awesomeness and I’ve no doubt your writing reflects that.
And if you still need a boost, go read one of my books – then you’ll be convinced you’re a genius!
Rebecca Bradley says
They do say a writer needs to read and I completely agree. Though I don’t agree about the reason for reading one of your books!
Maggie Thom says
Your words were mine a few years ago. And to some extent still are. What the hell made me think I could do this? I too spent a lot of time trying to perfect my writing and I read a lot, wrote a lot. And then moved on to the next thing. Here’s a secret, don’t worry so much about editing as you go. Try to get it written first. From my experience, I found that as soon as I stopped trying to edit each page, each paragraph, each word as I went, that the ideas flowed much easier and I wrote a whole lot more. Once you have your novel written then go back and edit. I think you’ll find it easier.
Because you are so passionate about it and want it to be good, my guess is that it will be. When you put heart and a lot of time into something, it can only get better. Good luck on finishing your novel, I truly believe you’ll get there.
Rebecca Bradley says
Thank you Maggie. It does sound like many of us go through this. There are so many fabulous writers out there, I just want to be the best that I can be and I want that to be something readers will enjoy. I will keep going. There is nothing else for it. ๐
MPax (@mpax1) says
I’m sure folks will read your book and think the same thing. I love reading for what the author gets right, because there’s magic in every book, something to be learned. ๐ http://mpaxauthor.com/blog/
Rebecca Bradley says
I hope that one day they do. It would be wonderful, because I have found joy in so many other books.
Jacqui Murray says
When I read the title at first, I thought you were going to discuss the Mystery Writer Group you just started. Instead–it’s writing as a whole! Whichever–you’re doing great! Keep it up!
Rebecca Bradley says
Thanks Jacqui. There’s still time for me to panic about the book club! :0
mollymom103 says
Write every day. Totally the way to improve and, good news, you are doing that! Happy IWSG Day!
Rebecca Bradley says
Thanks Molly and thanks for stopping by. Happy IWSG day ๐
Vikki Thompson says
Good for you with the reading honey, I don’t read enough ๐
What do I do to improve? Hmmmm….practice, as much as possible! Lol
Xx
Rebecca Bradley says
That’s it isn’t Vikki, we need to keep writing. I read, but I wish I could read more. There are so many great books out there and not enough hours in the day! x
sharonsant says
Never think these things! I’ve seen what you can do and I promise you, you are no amoeba, you’re just a baby whale still growing. When you’re a big whale I’ll watch you swim over the horizon and be happy for you ๐
Claire McComisky says
Rebecca, I love that you care enough to worry about everything you mention in your post. It shows your dedication and passion, and that’s why you are a wonderful writer and the reason I look forward to the day I have your novel in my hands. I hope you overcome these feelings and continue to grow in confidence as a writer.
Rebecca Bradley says
Thank you! This means a lot coming from you xx
Donna B. McNicol [@dbmcnicol] says
I LOVE to read but admit that since I started writing seriously over 18 months ago, I’ve read very little. I find I need to concentrate on one or the other. Sigh…
Rebecca Bradley says
It’s difficult finding the time isn’t it? I do love to read and I think it’s important for my writing, so I try to fit it in. It probably impacts on my writing time, but I balance it out as best as I can.
Kirsten says
Being a glass-half-full kind of optimist, I like to think of my writing as a way to better appreciate the great books I read. When I come upon a wonderful phrase or riveting plot twist, I ask myself how did that writer do that? If I can figure it out, I get bonus points. ๐ And you know what they say about avid readers turning into great writers!
As for swimming with the sharks and whales, if you check out my avatar you’ll see that I feel the way you do almost all the time. I’m in way over my head with this, but determined to have fun anyway. I just keep at it, write a lot, study craft, get feedback, repeat and enjoy. ๐
Oh, and one more thing. Rumor has it published authors have miracle workers called editors to make sure the story really shines!
Rebecca Bradley says
I do find that I read differently now I write. It’s not just a straightforward read anymore. Like you I analyse what the writer is doing.
I love that rumour by the way! Maybe one day I’ll find out if it’s true! ๐
Kate is says
Your book is wonderful in it’s own right too. It’s different, it’s you.
Rebecca Bradley says
Thank you Kate. We do each have our own voice don’t we. I just need mine to be strong enough.
Patricia Lynne (@plynne_author) says
Your books will be awesome too. No worries. Just remember, all those books went through edits and rewrites just like yours is. They didn’t start out as brilliant as they ended up. The author and whoever helped them worked hard to get the book that way.
Rebecca Bradley says
You’re right Patricia and I’m also sure those wonderful writers also struggle with worrying about being good enough. I think it’s something we are doomed to live with.
Jane Isaac says
Hi Rebecca. We all suffer from this angst, whether published or on the road to be. We all want to produce the best work we can. I also bought myself a book on grammar when we were editing An Unfamiliar. As Patricia says, you have created a wonderful story which will be edited and proofed by a team of professionals. Try not to worry too much about the rest. Jx