#IWSG Wednesday!


Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
 
Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time. Be sure to link to this page and display the badge in your post.

Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!

Our Twitter hashtag is #IWSG
 
Ninja Alex J. Cavanaugh is the founder of IWSG. Be sure and visit his blog.
 
The awesome co-hosts for the August 5 posting of the IWSG are Nancy Gideon, Bob R Milne,Doreen McGettigan, Chrys Fey, Bish Denham, and Pat Garcia!

I almost forgot about IWSG this month, even though I have a reminder set for 24 hours prior. What did I do yesterday when it went off? I said, "Oh yeah!" and then promptly forgot again. *Sigh*

I'm not feeling particularly insecure about anything at the moment, but I remain uninspired. I sit in front of my WIP(s) and struggle to find the words to move the story forward. I've never had this particular difficulty before. But you know what? I know it will pass. Whether it's brought on by the constant change in my life or from shouldering the burdens of loved ones - whatever is causing a dam in my word stream - I feel confidant that it will go away again. Break up. Float downstream. 

What challenge are you currently facing in your writing career?

Comments

  1. TBMAugust 5, 2015 at 9:07 AM

    I seem to space it out each month even though it's consistent. But consistency hasn't been my strong suit.

    ReplyDelete
  2. StephscoAugust 5, 2015 at 9:58 AM

    Ah, I do hate those moments. I have a few tricks to get motivated, though sometimes my trick is to walk away and do something else :)

    Here is my August IWSG post. It's the second post on my blog today because my Pitch Wars mentor bio needs to stay at the top. Thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kai Strand, AuthorAugust 5, 2015 at 12:39 PM

      Yep, that walking away thing has been my latest attempt. Hard to do though.

      Delete
  3. Chrys FeyAugust 5, 2015 at 11:05 AM

    I was having this problem until I skipped the chapters that had me stuck. Right now I have to write the end of my current WIP and I find myself procrastinating.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kai Strand, AuthorAugust 5, 2015 at 12:40 PM

      Ha ha. I have stuff in my WIP like, "BUT SOMETHING CLEVER HERE" and "FINISH THIS CHAPTER WHEN YOUR MIND IS WORKING AGAIN." It'll all come together. So far it always has.

      Delete
  4. Crystal CollierAugust 5, 2015 at 11:18 AM

    Writing. Yes, that's my challenge. I've got a baby who wants me to hold her. How can I say no? (One handed typing isn't nearly as productive.)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Gwen GardnerAugust 5, 2015 at 11:36 AM

    That's a great way to look at it, Kai. It always does pass. My problem is not enough time in the day. But hey, September has a three day weekend in it! Woot!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kai Strand, AuthorAugust 5, 2015 at 12:42 PM

      All sorts of holiday time from Sept to the end of the year. Or should I say writing time?

      Delete
  6. Pat GarciaAugust 5, 2015 at 11:39 AM

    Hi,
    Yes, you said it, It will pass, but oh sometimes I sit hoping it will pass soon. Actually sometimes I feel like I work much better without the inspiration because I can focus better. When I am highly inspired my mind jumps from one scene to the other. There is something about keeping my cool and looking at my manuscript like a doctor looks at his or her patient that helps me revise my work better.
    Shalom,
    Pat

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kai Strand, AuthorAugust 5, 2015 at 12:46 PM

      For the last four - productive years of my career, that's exactly how I worked. Sat down and wrote. Inspiration or not. The words came. It's lovely. Can't wait to be there again.

      Delete
  7. Bish DenhamAugust 5, 2015 at 1:04 PM

    Sometimes a little break is a good way to help break the log jam. Or maybe interview with the characters. Or simply journal for a few days. But ultimately, you're right, it will pass. The thing is, is to not dwell on it, not beat yourself up.

    Thanks for stopping by my blog!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kai Strand, AuthorAugust 5, 2015 at 2:42 PM

      Well, since this has been going on for months and months, I'm sure I'm plenty rested. Interview with the characters is a good idea, though. I'd forgotten that little trick. Thanks!

      Delete
  8. cleemckenzieAugust 5, 2015 at 2:38 PM

    I squeaked in under the wire this month. I was busy being insecure. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Joylene Nowell ButlerAugust 5, 2015 at 4:06 PM

    Yes, it will pass. I once had one that lasted almost a year. Scary. Now I just get mini-ones. One day when no one was around, I curled up on the couch and watched 3 hours of Netflix. I also ate nachos. I felt sinful and the next day went right back to writing. Another time I went online to Bookbud and found a great book to read. It inspired me to go back to my WIP. Another time I grabbed 3 of my favourite books off my shelf and read random passages. There's no end to handy tools. You could clean house, that's always a great way to be inspired to write. Haha. It's presents a huge decision: clean house--write, clean toilet--write, clean oven--write. Mow lawn or write??? Hmm. Another one: wash windows or write???

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kai Strand, AuthorAugust 6, 2015 at 7:46 AM

      Ha ha! Clean toilet - write? Love it. The words might be flowing again in no time. Thanks, Joylene.

      Delete
  10. Donna McDineAugust 5, 2015 at 4:17 PM

    Kai, I've been in the same boat. I've decided I'm not going to beat myself up about it and work on my marketing plan for my children's book release for December 1st. It is my hope that once summer is over and everyone is back into their own routines inspiration will respark!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kai Strand, AuthorAugust 6, 2015 at 7:48 AM

      I'm starting a new part-time job come the new year. I think once I get used to that new job and the new schedule, I'll be able to find a new routine.

      Delete
  11. Alex J. CavanaughAugust 5, 2015 at 4:45 PM

    Kai, it will pass. I go months in between books, feeling no inspiration. Then it hits and I am off like a shot.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Beverly Stowe McClureAugust 5, 2015 at 5:47 PM

    One day your fingers will start typing and beautiful prose will come out. Hugs.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Raquel ByrnesAugust 5, 2015 at 6:37 PM

    Oh yah. Constant change especially during the summer just kills my creativity. I actually need the consistency of regular writing time to get the juices flowing. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kai Strand, AuthorAugust 6, 2015 at 7:53 AM

      It funny, isn't it? Wouldn't you think the change would inspire creativity?

      Delete
  14. AnonymousAugust 6, 2015 at 10:55 AM

    I'm having issues with motivation and energy, but I know I can do it. Like I said on my post, it comes in spurts of all or nothing. The best I think we can do is not beat ourselves up about it.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Nick WilfordAugust 8, 2015 at 1:41 PM

    Yes, this happens to the best of us. Maybe you should give permission to have a break for a while, deal with life stuff, do something nice for yourself, and then come back. The issues might get resolved while you're not even thinking about it!

    ReplyDelete

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