Insecure Writers Day – September

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Yep, it’s that time of the month again (no wise cracks please lol) and for some reason, I feel it’s come around really quick this time….weird lol

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So it’s IWSG Day and this will be the 6th consecutive month that I’ve participated. If you haven’t joined, please do (see the tab above) as I can’t recommend it highly enough. It’s been great, and I’ve met some lovely bloggers :)

Sooooo, where do I start? What am I feeling insecure about this month? Actually, wait for it, nothing! Lol. Yep, you heard right, zilch, nada lol ;) Well, ok, there is something but more on that later ;)

I think I know the reason why I’m feeling so good…. SWANWICK! I enjoyed it last year, which was when I attended the first time. But I came home feeling totally inadequate and out of my depth. Come on, who wouldn’t! Sitting in the bar, having a drink with Iain Banks and feeling in awe of Meg Davis and Emma Darwin as they mingled.

This year was different. This year I still had respect for all these authors, agents and tutors, but, I didn’t feel so inadequate or intimidated. I didn’t feel that they were somehow “better” than me. I even spent a couple of early mornings sitting on a bench chatting to Meg while we both smoked lol.

So what changed? I dunno….lol…..I have a couple of theories :)

1. I’m more confident in my own work.
2. I’ve got used to mixing with these people and realise they’re “ordinary”?
and
3. Blogging, connecting with other writers, forming a support network, and feeling that I’m part of a huge family of writers that spreads across the globe.

*grins stupidly and is filled with a warm fuzzy feeling*

So I came away with a sense of support. I came away with a smile on my face, and a determination to succeed :)

Then, last Wednesday, I had an e mail from The Faber Academy (who are part of Faber & Faber the publishers in London) to say that I was being offered a place on their Novel Writing course. When I applied back in early July I had to submit 1000 words as an example of my work. They had 52 places on their London courses for 2012 so they decide who gets a place based on your writing. I sent them the prologue and first couple of pages of But Not Forgotten. So I guess they liked it lol. I’m excited, but bloody terrified!!!!!! I’m worried that there will be high standards, that my work won’t be up to the calibre of the other students. Silly really, because Faber obviously see something in my work that I don’t lol.

Sooooo, my advice to anyone who is feeling insecure today? DON’T GIVE UP! KEEP WRITING, NEVER STOP! Even if it’s only 1 sentence a day. Mistakes and crap writing is what we learn from. If its not working, put it aside and try something else. Don’t bin it, it’s part of your journey. And if you ever get chance, do try to go to one of these Writers Summer Schools. Over the last 2 years I’ve met people who have been attending Swanwick for years! I can see me being one of those, definitely :)

And if you don’t believe me, read what writer/tutor Simon Whaley has to say about these events :)

I’m away from home today (I’m in Birmingham lol) so I may be a little late visiting other IWSG members, but I’ll get to as many of you as I can later :)

So what are you feeling insecure about today? I’m all ears, and available for hugs and finger wagging if required ;)

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62 thoughts on “Insecure Writers Day – September”

  1. I’m insecure about the cover artist I just hired. I’m gonna blog about it tomorrow, I think. And that’s more just nervousness. But other than that, I think I’m good. Glad to see you’re stress-free this month, lovie!

    Reply

      • Lol @ “bloody change.” I hope I get to meet you one day so I can be freaked out by your accent. Because, as an American, everyone always sounds American in my head, even when I know better. I wonder if that’s true for everyone?

      • It’s more likely that I won’t understand a word you’re saying. Hubby always makes fun of me because I’m terrible with accents and whenever we watch a movie that has character(s) with an accent, I have to put the subtitles on in order to keep up.

        But I would love to meet up with you one day at a book launch, writing conference, retreat, etc. I just need a translator…

      • Lol, what are you like! Have you ever seen Trainspotting? Even I couldn’t understand most of that!!!!! Lol ;)

        He he he, if/when we meet up I’ll bring you one of those little translation guides, for British Slang, you’ll be fine :)

        Now, the question is…..which one of us is gunna have a book launch first? ;)

        Xx

  2. Hey Vikki, congrats on the writing program. That is so cool. The online community is great, but I can’t wait to get in an environment with other writers in person. Even though I am scared to show people my work. See my IWSG post.

    Reply

  3. You make a great point about how sharing fears with other writers can really help build all of our self-confidence. I loved reading about all your experiences at Swanwick, and I can see that you’re already grown SO much as a writer.
    Keep it up! You’re really inspiring to me. :)
    My latest insecurity? My novel’s bloated word count. Who knew I would ever complain about having too MANY words? But there it is.

    Reply

  4. I always feel insecure about any of my writing, took me ages, to even get a blog together lol I’ve been thinking about writing a child’s book based around photos and short tales, but I’m not sure if the group would be any good for me, as they all seem to be writing grown up books.

    Congrats on getting on your course.
    :) x

    Reply

    • No no no, there are a lot of YA writers in the ISWG, and I’m sure there are writers of you ger children’s stuff too. On the right where I have links, click on Clarbojahn’s blog. She hasn’t posted for a while, but she’s a children’s writer. She also did a guest post for me (have a look in the “Blog Swaps & Guests” tab above :)

      Go for it Sam, seriously :) You know I am happy to help in any way I can :)

      Xx

      Reply

  5. You had a drink with Iain Banks!?? That is so awesome! I have several of his books – his work has inspired me greatly. (Not to sound like a groupie but I am very impressed!) The Faber Academy you mention sounds like a great opportunity. Very excited for you! Cheers

    Reply

    • Hi Clayton :)

      I did *blush* sat next to him and everything, lovely guy :) I have to admit though, he was walking around the campus most of the day, laughing and joking with people, and I wondered who the big Scottish guy was who seemed to be surrounded by people. Felt awful when someone finally told me who he was lol.

      Awwwww, thanks honey :) I’m excited too! Bought a new bag, a new notebook and a new pencil case already!!!! Lol ;)

      Xx

      Reply

  6. Pingback: Insecure Writers Support Group Day « Poeta Officium

  8. Hi Vikki, I’m feeling insecure about everything today! It’s my daughter’s first day at school, and that moment I’ve sort-of longed for – the days when I can write uninterrupted for hours and hours – has finally arrived and I don’t know where to start. Blogging about it is a good place perhaps :) x

    Reply

    • Hi Jo :)

      Haven’t had chance to catch up yet, so I hope it went well, for both of you :)

      I remember when my youngest started full time, for the first week I didn’t know what to o with myself, but after that, the time just went too quickly ;)

      Hope you managed to get lots done today! :)

      Xx

      Reply

  9. Pingback: Insecure Writers Support Group | Joanne Phillips – a writer's journey

  10. Great advice! And I was feeling all old because I’ve just posted my second IWSG thingy. I’m glad you’re so happy! Spread the joy! And I’m sure that course will be brilliant. Congratulations on getting in :)

    Reply

    • Hi Ravena :)

      Thanks for stopping by!

      Your second month, wow, how are you finding it?

      Thanks honey, oh gawd, if you check back over the previous 5 entries, well, I’ve gone from one extreme to the other lol ;) I shall probably back to self pity once I start the course lol ;)

      Xx

      Reply

  12. Hi there – popping back to see you. Well done. You seem to be getting on well. Have had a poke about but will come back another time to camp out on here for a while.

    Reply

  14. I need to join. Blogging is excellent if you’re a writer. It’s really expended my skills and increased my confidence. I’m glad you got in. Woot! :)

    Reply

      • Wow. It’s devastated me. My dream is practically shattered at this point. I don’t think there’s a single person who’s followed my blog who actually reads what I write anymore. More people are reading me by accident from Googling really weird stuff and being surprised (and probably later disappointed) my posts showed up at the top.

        I used to console myself by thinking my blog was a good place for other people to click Like just to get their faces seen. But even the absent-likers have abandoned me now, probably in the realization that I’m just poor advertising.

        You can’t imagine how distraught I was when I saw that you weren’t insecure about anything… at all. Absolutely. Demoralizing.

        It’s what I get for writing fiction. I knew when I started and I tried anyway. NO ONE reads fiction. Not according to Freshly Pressed anyway. At least I know that people still love my comments. OMG! You do love my comment don’t you?

      • Oh Anne (((((hugs)))))

        I totally know where you’re coming from honey. Every day I get comments I am soooo thankful. I’m shocked, daily, that anyone wants to read my blog :(

        But, then I remind myself why I started this blog, for myself, to record my journey, to have a record of whether my writing had actually improved. I’ve achieved that, and I will continue to blog even if no one reads my posts, but, the comments make it all worth while :)

        I’m so sorry my post hit you at a bad time, how you’re feeling right now, but, trust me, this is the first month out of the 6 that I’ve participated that I’ve actually felt good. I think it’s important to share the good and the bad times. We all need sympathy once in a while, but, returning the gesture is just as important :)

        I’m gunna pop over to your blog right now and say hi :)

        Thanks for stopping by honey, I really appreciate it :)

        Xx

      • Oh gosh. I was just trying to be insecure satirically to fit in with the post. Haha, I need to figure out how to put a fiction alert on my posts and a comedy alert on my comments.

        Honestly, I was just tickled your Gravatar said you liked to chat.

        I guess this stuff is true for a lot of us sometimes. I hope I stuck a smile in the middle of it.

      • Ha ha ha, well that just goes to show that your fiction writing is EXCELLENT! ;)

        And I do LOVE to chat, so make sure you stop by again you hear! ;)

        I think the stuff you said about people commenting on your blog would strike a cord with ALL writers. Insecurity goes hand in hand with writing and blogging, there’s no getting away from it lol ;)

        Xx

  16. Congratulations on being offered a place in the course! Thats terrific :) And I’m so pleased to hear that you are feeling good about your writing (which you should be). I’m so proud of you!! :) xxx

    Reply

    • Hi Gina :)

      Yes, self confidence is probably the hardest thing for a writer, because there’s a fine line between confidence and complacency don’t you think? I still reread my work and say, oh gawd that’s crap lol, I don’t think I’ll ever write something I’m 100% happy with, but now, I see everything as having potential. I think we all need to realise that even “the greats” first drafts were rubbish, well, ok, perhaps some of them WERE geniuses, but you get my point ;)

      Xx

      Reply

  18. That sounds like good progress. You can only try and see what comes out, work on your weaknesses and try some more. Enjoy and have a little trust in yourself.

    Reply

  19. Hi Vikki, great blog and great words of encouragement. I’ve never been to any kind of Writing Summer School, but there’s a local workshop going on this month so I may have to pop along. Thanks again!

    Reply

    • Hi Heather, thanks for popping by hon :)

      Awwww, thank you :) It makes a change, I’ve whined and moaned on the previous 5 IWSG posts lol

      Ooooo, do go, you won’t regret it. It’s great just to mix with other like minded people, not to mention you may pick up some tips too :)

      Good luck!

      Xx

      Reply

  20. Vikki, You have already very kindly listened to my insecurities by visiting my blog. It is great to visit yours and see such a positive blog. A blog full of excitement and forward looking to the future. You will of course be nervous about joining the Faber thing, but…Wow! You definitely deserve to be there if they picked you. Can you imagine how many actually applied, just think of that!

    Wishing you much fun, enjoyment and learning on that course. I look forward to hearing how you get on as I’m now following the blog :)

    Reply

    • Thanks for stopping by Rebecca :)

      Lol, I’ve tried to think like that about Faber, but there’s that little lice that says “they probably didn’t have many applicants this year” he he he…I tell the voice to go away :)

      Awwwww, thanks honey, I will definitely be blogging about it, you can be sure on that score lol

      Xx

      Reply

  22. Pingback: Potter or Plum: September advice for writers | Pauline Wiles

  23. Lovely, upbeat post! Faber want you and they are such a respected outfit so give yourself a big pat on the back and keep reminding yourself that they liked what they saw. Go along to the course, enjoy it and learn lots. Ok?

    Reply

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