Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Insecure Up To My Ears

IWSG
I'm not sure that non-writers, or even friends and families of writers, truly understand how difficult this career path is. I've heard of classes, seen online discussions, talked with friends, and even discovered websites and programs (like the IWSG) dedicated to mental health issues as it relates to writing. Depression and anxiety is real, and it can be crippling.

Why is writing so stressful? Is it because it's a creative endeavor that reaches in and grabs the rawest parts of ourselves? Is it because we face rejection in hundreds of forms every step of the way, from agents to publishers to readers? Is it the solitary nature of the job, where lack of sunlight and no social interaction from day to day is the norm?

As for me this month, I'm feeling way too insecure to share the details of my endless list of insecurities. So how about this? Tell me something GOOD that is happening for you right now, whether writing-related or not, and I will celebrate with you today.

Cyber hugs all around.

I'm holding on for dear life.

16 comments:

Diana Wilder said...

...and when you reach something that people consider 'success' you wonder why you are not deliriously happy. Hearing it said certainly helps, doesn't it? (And good wishes on REMAKE's debut this season!)

Sarah Foster said...

I've been feeling the same way lately. It's like depression keeps me from writing, but if I was writing, I'd feel less depressed. It's like I can't really win. I'm trying to take it one step at a time to try and get motivated again.

Madeline Mora-Summonte said...

I'm happy it's the start of a new month, a new chance to dust off some of those goals I made back in January and take another crack at them.

Hang in there!

Madeline @ The Shellshank Redemption

Suzi said...

Well I just got your book in the mail yesterday. That's a good thing. :)

Kristin Smith said...

Oh, Ilima! I can only imagine how stressful these past few weeks have been for you. But how exciting that your book is available in two weeks! It looks like Suzi already got it, so I'm headed over to order it right now!

And yes, I think you're right. It's all of those reasons that make our lives as writers stressful. I haven't even entered the publishing realm yet, only the query trenches, so I can only imagine the insecurities that result from crossing over to the "other side." But you have a great novel (I read the first chapter online) and much to be proud of. Embrace it! Love it! Live it! You are a published AUTHOR!! :)

*leaving to order Remake*

Tonja Drecker said...

My kids just told me that even if I sold millions of books, they wouldn't classify writing as a real job. *grrr* Take REMAKE, hug it a few times and know it's gorgeous because it is. My 'good' news - I went on submission this month (which has only released a flood of insecurities.)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Mental health issues - is that what we have?
I sent my latest manuscript to my publisher last week. That's a big deal because I only do it every couple of years...

Chrys Fey said...

I love Sia!...Sometimes we make writing stressful. Taking a step back and remembering why we started writing in the first place helps. Something good? Shucks...umm...I have two short stories I love that I plan to submit soon after I found a couple of willing beta readers. I'm not sure if that's good enough, but it's all I've got.

Rosalyn said...

You've already made it so far with your writing--I get the insecurity thing, but I think it's also important to track our progress. A good thing? Well, I just found out I got some full requests from a writing contest I entered six weeks ago. The bad part of this? I'm halfway through a big-rewrite courtesy of Pitch Wars, and now I have to figure out what to tell those agents . . .

Sheena-kay Graham said...

I signed up for a free writing course last week and have a sign up for my cover reveal coming up. Funny how life is, I started preparing to publish a dystopian series and instead I'm now doing a five book series (novellas) on missing girls in verse along with my AYA novella. People outside the writing world rarely understand. It's sad but we have our people and I'm here for you too Ilima. Best of luck conquering your insecurities and your novel Remake.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

One of the best things going for me this month is the IWSG book. It's very exciting to be part of it.

Tammy Theriault said...

THAT is one of my FAV songs. man, it just can be the perfect for this storm. hang in there, it'll all come to a good place. one day, maybe you can buy a huge chandelier, hang from it and yell "yes!"

A. B. Keuser said...

I thing blogging about these issues is helpful. It's nice to know you're not alone.

Karen Jones Gowen said...

Very helpful post, and for me it's the isolation and staying indoors when I'm really into my work. Right now I have just finished and it feels great but also weird to let it go.

Carol Kilgore said...

I survived the launch of my third novel. So now I'm catching up and getting to know the new group of characters in my head

Kathryn Purdie said...

You and your 1001 insecurities are an inspiration to me--because you always rise above them. I <3 you, Ilima!