It’s time for IWSG - Insecure Writer’s Support Group! This is the brain child of the amazing Alex J. Cavanaugh, and is the time for us writers to seek or offer encouragement to each other as we journey our way down the writing road. And yes, writers need this! To join us, click above and sign up. You won't regret it.
The co-hosts today are Suzanne Furness, Toi Thomas,Rachna Chhabria, Donna Hole
and Me!
This month, one folk tale pops into my head whenever I think about writing (which is a lot).
The Tortoise and the Hare!
No, not because it's Easter. And no, not because turtles are constantly crossing the roads here (seriously, it's like that old computer game Leap Frog when going to town. . .well, between turtles and squirrels that is. Where are they all going, I wonder?)
Anyway, this month has reminded me that writing/publishing is not a race. I don't have to write super fast like the hare. I don't have to stress myself out. Writing and the road to publishing is more of a test of endurance, persistence and simply sticking to it. The finish line is there, but there's no reason to dash for it like a lunatic...that only results in bad manuscripts and high-blood pressure (no, I didn't have this.)
So, take a sip of that lemonade, grab your pens and let the words flow as they will. Stories need their own time. Writing needs its own time (I'm ignoring deadlines imposed by editors and Co. here. . .)
Be persistent. Don't give up, and don't let those super-sonic-speed hares get to you.
Just write.
And what about you? What feelings does writing give you this month? Pulling out your hair? Celebrating anything?
What insecurity do you have???
Thank you for this clever way of offering much needed advice. Yes, I do try to rush the writing .Your words are wise--"Stories need their own time. Writing needs its own time." And thank you for co-hosting this month!
ReplyDeleteNow, if I could find away to follow my own advice ;)
DeleteI'm definitely a tortoise. But at least I know that.
ReplyDeleteThanks for co-hosting today!
Knowing is half the battle! (so am I)
DeleteI am definitely a tortoise. Though this month I want to write lots, I also want to enjoy myself and not stress about it getting published or getting an agent.
ReplyDeleteRachna Chhabria
Co-host IWSG
Rachna's Scriptorium
Tortoises can sprint...I've seen them do it!
DeleteYes. It's more like a quest. No sprinting. We'll get there when we get there. Thanks for co-hosting IWSG this month!
ReplyDeletePlay off the Page
Lol! A quest is right!
DeleteI had to learn that I'm a tortoise. lol
ReplyDeleteThere's a lot of plus points about being a tortoise.
DeleteHi, Tonja! Writing feelings for this month? Elation is the perfect word. And I hope that sticks 'til the end of the month and beyond. :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks for co-hosting!
Yay for that high! Hope it keeps up for you!
DeleteWith my new WIP, I'm trying to learn to be more like the tortoise. It deserves the time and I deserve the time. Thank you for co-hosting this month! :)
ReplyDeleteIt will probably be at least as awesome as the rest.
DeleteLove your attitude about writing and pacing yourself. You're right, so long as you keep writing, you'll get to where you need to be!!
ReplyDeleteNice to see you! I really have to pop by your blog again...
DeleteLove your comment about writing & pubbing being a test of endurance. You are so right. Persistence, not giving up. It's definitely worth it. Thanks for being a co-host this month.
ReplyDeleteIWSG #111
Or sometimes I refer to it as pure stubborn ;)
DeleteTonja, that is great advise. And you are so right. There's no rush, just stubborn persistence. Happy IWSG.
ReplyDeleteWriting has existed for a long time and will continue to do so...good thing too!
DeleteHaha--oddly enough, the exact same insecurity you do: not writing fast enough! I see the wordcounts of some of these other indie writers and I just want to die. But then I remember that the time I spend comparing myself to them is time I could be using for writing!
ReplyDeleteYou are one of the last people who should worry about getting things done...I'm always in awe of your speed!
DeleteExcellent reminder. It's easy to treat writing like a job, with deadlines and supervisors. It isn't. It's a passion that unfolds in its own pace. I might take a nap today, for instance.
ReplyDeleteAll these deadlines and word count goals make one feel rushed, I think. But life is there too.
DeleteI really needed to hear this right now. My post this month is about doing too much, going too fast, and overwhelming myself. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteIt's so easy to feel to fall into that grove...and so hard to get out.
DeleteYou could trip yourself up if you go too fast. Very inspiring post!
ReplyDelete*hehehe* I tend to fall a lot!
DeleteOnly hoping I make it through this month without tearing out hair! Too many things popped up to do this month after I'd taken on doing the A to Z Blogging Challenge! But, I've heard it said, ask a busy person to do something because they always get it done. I'm hoping that will be me by the end of the month! Luckily, I have our Ninja Captain to emulate! Lisa, co-host AtoZ2015, @ lisabuiecollard.com
ReplyDeleteThey say the busier one is, the more they get done. Good luck!
DeleteTortoise for sure! I don't multitask well, so I need to be able to do things at my own pace, in my own time.
ReplyDeleteAnd who's to say your time isn't perfect? ;)
DeleteGreat post. I'd like to be a hare but haste makes waste, right? Fortunately, in reality I'm more of the tortoise. It's just that I have a lot of writing aspirations for 2015 and I'm trying to stick to some kind of deadline in order to meet them. But by the end of the day, I rather write at my pace and steady than speed write a mess. Now, all I have to do is ignore the clock.
ReplyDeleteI always have all these goals too and never meet them because life always has different plans. But getting frustrated just doesn't help things. Luckily, we don't have many clocks in our house!
DeleteGreat post! If I have a pocket of time to dedicate to writing, I'm like a hare, which definitely isn't always the best. Slowing down and taking the time to perfect and patiently wait is something I have to work at!
ReplyDeleteOh, those sprints are great....when they come! And patience...what"s that???
DeleteGood advice. Sometimes we all put too much pressure on ourselves and it can be counter-productive. Take it easy. Thanks for being part of the co-host group this month.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes
Suzanne (IWSG co-host)
Lol! Counter-productive is a word I know well.
DeleteBeing persistent is my biggest cannon as far as writing goes. I'm a slow enough writer I'd never finish any story without a lot of persistence.
ReplyDeleteI tell my hubs that I've got to be the slowest writer on the planet. The ideas are there, but I can't finish a section until I feel it's right. That makes it take forever.
DeleteLike the wise Brinda Berry once said, writing is a marathon, not a sprint!
ReplyDeleteOne of my most favorite sayings!
DeleteThanks for co-hosting today. Writing is sometime like a race between the tortoise and the hare. I tell myself all the time that I need to slow down or speed up depending on the situation. I just wish there was a way to find balance. As for my insecurity, I fear I'm trying to reach the wrong audience. I know I have a niche out there somewhere, I just need to find it.
ReplyDeleteIt's funny how we often slip into the perfect niche at one point...usually, something totally unexpected. But it does come in time.
DeleteI'm over 50 already; dashing is no longer a preferred mode of getting things done, lol. I miss playing frogger on the Nintendo. Ah, such wonderful memories of time wasting. Stress is my biggest insecurity this month; and likely will be until I get a paying job again. You know the old saying: you have time or money but never both at the same time.
ReplyDeleteHow true!
DeleteThanks for co-hosting (and for your lovely review of Adamant!) :) Great advice for the month! I think every writer and project has a different pace, and it's important not to get stressed out and compare ourselves to other people!
ReplyDeleteLoved Adamant! (But I'm a secret fan of cyberpunk and all those sorts of things ;) ) And you're always sooooo busy and productive! Tips????
DeleteI really needed to read this today. My second book is in production and as long as it took to get here it seems to be suddenly overwhelmingly busy. As exciting as it all is I want to enjoy it and not feel so anxious.
ReplyDeleteI think anxious comes with the game, but don't forget to breathe!
DeleteThanks for this, and for co-hosting. I have to push myself to go faster. I'm too comfortable being a tortoise. But there's a balance too. If I push too much, the hair pins start popping. This month is my most stressful month because of the a-z. With a book just about ready, I'm trying to maintain a sensible pace.
ReplyDeleteA-Z is a feat in itself! Congrats on having a book almost ready...and you're right, the hare needs to pop up every now and then.
DeleteYour IWSG posts are always motivating! Thanks for this!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteWe'll all get there at our own time. No race. :)
ReplyDeleteOnly a self-made one :)
DeleteIf we keep moving forward, we WILL get to the end. ^_^
ReplyDeleteBut really, where ARE they going?
Good thing we don't know where the end is....and the animals don't know either, by the looks of it.
DeleteWhat an inspiring post! I definitely feel like the tortoise. Sometimes being a mom has slowed me down, but mostly it's just been how much I've had to learn. It's been an incredible journey so far. I have to keep reminding myself to enjoy the scenery along the way. :)
ReplyDeleteThe learning is a huge part of it, and we can't do that if we rush on by.
DeleteGreat reminder that we don't all have to write at the speed of light. I do tend to get anxious when I see yet another new release from Jennifer L. Armentrout. How does she do it?! Thanks for hosting this month.
ReplyDeleteUgh! She's amazing, isn't she??? Yes, it's exactly those awesome people who push me on too...but that's not all bad either.
DeleteThanks for co-hosting this month. I, too, am the turtle. I even used that analogy in my own post this month. Here is to the turtles of the world. They may be slow, but they offer wisdom, sure and steady, strong self defense, long life spans-longevity, which I hope translate into my writing life. I google the symbolism. Order
ReplyDeleteCreation
Patience
Strength
Stability
Longevity
Innocence
Endurance
Protection
Yeah for Turtles and proud to be one.
Juneta @ Writer's Gambit
Great list!
DeleteThank you for taking the time to co-host! As a confirmed turtle, I appreciate that lift of my spirits. And I like having company on the road that isn't just in it for the race.
ReplyDeleteWe learn so much from others. A slower and richer finish!
DeleteGreat post! So inspiring - I definitely need to remember this more often! Thank you for co-hosting this month :)!
ReplyDeleteI have to repeat it to myself too.
DeleteLol! If you figure out the secret to not freaking out, let me know.
ReplyDeleteYes, this completely. ^_^ We always hear about the people who got their careers started quickly, so it's easy to think that's how it goes, but that's really rare. Most of us spend a long time working before anyone knows who we are or reads our work. And it really helps to remember that from time to time.
ReplyDeletePatience is needed, and unfortunately, mine is often in short supply.
ReplyDeleteYes, it certainly is a very slow-moving race, but as long as you keep moving forward, you are making progress. It's tempting to look ahead at unfulfilled goals and finish lines we haven't reached. Instead, we should look back to see how far we've come, a little bit at a time.
ReplyDeleteA great reminder that we need to work at our own pace... there's no rush!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for co-hosting the IWSG this month!