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.

One Wish Away cover reveal

I'm super excited for Kelley Lynn's cover reveal for her new book, ONE WISH AWAY. I had the opportunity to critique this one, and I've been anxiously waiting for its release. It's so good, you guys. November can't come soon enough! Isn't it beautiful? Congrats, Kelley!

One Wish Away

by Kelley Lynn

Release Date: 11/11/14

Bloomsbury Spark

Book Summary:

Be careful what you wish for…

Lyra has always been ahead of the curve. Top of her class in school, a budding astronomer, and with a best friend like Darren she barely has time to miss the mother who abandoned her family years ago. She's too busy planning to follow in her father's footsteps, and to become the youngest astronomer at Space Exploration and Discovery.

When a star goes missing Lyra is determined to get to the bottom of it only to discover her braniac dad is the mastermind of a top-secret government experiment. They promise to build a perfect world, one galaxy at a time, but with every tweak of the present, a bit more of the future starts to crumble.

Lyra has to go undercover to reveal the truth and let humanity decide if the consequences are worth more than wishing on a star.

About the Author
Eventually the day came when the voices in Kelley Lynn’s head were more insistent then her engineering professor’s. So instead of turning to her Thermodynamics book, Kelley brought up a blank page on her computer screen and wrote. Somewhere along the way she became a Young Adult author.

Kelley was born and raised a Midwestern girl. She’s not afraid to sweat and fills her free time with softball, soccer and volleyball. (Though you probably don’t want her on your volleyball team.) She occasionally makes guest appearances as a female vocalist for area bands. Music plays a large role in her writing process as well as the characters and plot lines within her stories.

You can find Kelley hanging out at her blog, titled in her name, as well as the group blog she shares with her fellow critique partners, Falling for Fiction. Kelley is a member of the Society of Children’s Books Writers and Illustrators.

Author Links:

   

Cover Reveal Organized by:

Underrated Treasures

Today I'm participating in Alex J. Cavanaugh's Underrated Treasures Blogfest where I get to share the movie, band, TV show, and book that I love, but for one reason or another seems to stay under the radar. Here goes:


The Maze Runner (movie)

I know what you're thinking...this movie isn't exactly under the radar. In fact, it secured the number one spot this past weekend in the box office, and rightly so. But I wanted to spotlight it because it's based on the novel by fellow YA author, James Dashner--and I got to watch it with him along with my family and other writer friends (you might recognize a few pictured here)! How cool is that?

I was on the edge of my seat the entire time, my teenagers next to me constantly grabbing my arm and gasping during the non-stop action and surprises. I loved it...highly recommended! The second film is already underway, and the September 18th, 2015 release was just announced. I can't wait!

Chelsea Lankes

I'm constantly on the search for new music to write to, and lately I seem to be tuning into Chelsea Lankes. All of her songs definitely fall in the pop range (which isn't my usual thing) but with enough synth influence to make me an instant fan. Her debut album releases soon, and I have a feeling she's one to look out for.

The Killing

It's a dark crime drama that lasted three seasons on AMC and was recently revived for six more episodes on Netflix. I admit the Netflix versions were too dark for me and I didn't make it past the first of those episodes. The first two seasons cover just one murder investigation, but right down to the last thirty seconds of the last episode of season two, my jaw hit the floor. I have never been so shocked to find out who the real killer was in any story ever. My husband and I still talk about it. Also, Joel Kinnaman's character Stephen Holder is my #1 favorite character of all time. I'm talking books, movies, you name it. He's the winner. I want to write an entire novel just based around a character like that. I LOVE him.

Dreamhunter/Dreamquake

This is a fantasy duet by New Zealand author Elizabeth Knox. It takes place in an alternate universe Edwardian version of New Zealand where you can visit the Rainbow Opera and while you sleep, have your dreams guided by a professional dreamhunter. One of the most original stories I've ever read. As soon as I finished the second book I went straight to the first to read the whole thing again. It also has one of my favorite (non-human) characters of all time.

There you have it...my underrated treasures. What movie, band, TV show, or book do you feel is underrated?

Learning To Share

Join the IWSG

With my debut novel coming out next month (eep!) I have a lot to feel insecure about right now. A LOT. But I want to offer a little encouragement to other writers out there who are struggling, especially those who are in the process of pursuing publication.

We often talk about remembering why we write. Maybe it's because we love it, it makes us happy, it's a way to cope, it's purely a creative outlet, it connects us to our inner selves. Whatever the reason, writing is hard, and remembering why we do it when it becomes a struggle can help us get through those tough times.

I think it's just as important to remember why we publish. Because we love it? Because it makes us happy? A way to cope? Um...not quite the same, is it?

While I feel like writing is all about ME and what I want, publishing is all about US. My favorite scene may end up on the cutting room floor, or my favorite character might have to be re-imagined into someone slightly different to suit the story better. I may need to delete or add, edit and rewrite. And rewrite again.

But that's okay.

Because this publishing thing is a shared endeavor, with agents and editors and readers all having a hand in the final product. And that's really exciting when you think about it. When times get tough, that's what I need to remember...I'm publishing because I want to share my story.

I want others to read it and enjoy it, but I also want them to cry and laugh and love the same way I have--and in ways I haven't. I want them to see themselves in my characters and find a similar kind of hope and courage. To have the story touch them in a meaningful way.

Why do you publish (or hope to publish) your writing?

A few REMAKE "publishing" updates:

• You can now preorder it for your Kindle or Nook in addition to a beautiful hardcover edition. 
• Speaking of beautiful hardcovers...my publisher sent me copies. Aren't they gorgeous? >>>
• You can also read a nice chunk of the first chapter on Goodreads. Just click on the "open preview" tab beneath the book cover. 
• REMAKE is on NetGalley.
• I received my first official trade review from Publishers Weekly. While not terrible (phew), it is a bit spoilery. (Fair warning)
• I was spotlighted as part of Utah Book Month.
• Oh, and I'm having a launch party on October 17th at The King's English Bookshop. If you're in Utah, I'd LOVE to see you there! 
• And if you're not in Utah, you can still get a personalized signed copy by ordering it at this link and letting them know.

Lay your hand in mine...

Writer Regrets

A couple of weeks ago, I was asked to speak on a panel at a writer's retreat in a gorgeous lodge in Sundance. The food (three meals) was cooked on site by a professional chef and was amazing, the lodge and surrounding views were gorgeous, and I got to hang out with fellow writers and editors for a whole day...it was as incredible as it sounds.

That's me rocking the panel with Valynne Maetani,
Courtney Alameda, and Marion Jensen. 

Author Mette Harrison hosts these retreats about once a month. Contact her if you're interested and she'll give you more info. on pricing and schedule. You can't beat a private critique session with a visiting editor/agent in addition to a great day of writerly classes. (And the location!)

Our panel was about breaking into the publishing industry, and I think it was a success. Our scheduled one hour morphed into two-and-a-half as the questions kept coming, and I enjoyed every minute of it. One topic brought up was about what we regret in our experience so far in our publishing journey, and for the first time, I voiced something I've kept quiet about until then...

I wish I never started writing.

I know. Possibly the worst thing to say at a writer event, but on most days, it's true. I started writing in 2010 as a bucket list item to check off. But once that writing fire was lit, I couldn't keep it under control and it spread. If I had known what this writing life would be like, I don't know that I would have started. Because it's hard. So so hard. There are oh so many ups to balance those downs, but all that movement can make you kind of dizzy too.

I've been more emotionally unstable, anxious, stressed, depressed, impatient, and frustrated in the last few years than I've ever been before, and the insecurity I feel has only increased the longer I do this--it's like the more I learn what good writing is, the more I realize my writing needs A LOT of improvement. My house is a mess, I don't get enough sleep, my family eats a whole lot of cold cereal and pizza, and I don't have time to volunteer for so many worthy causes I wish I could. Life would be SO much easier if I wasn't a writer.

I've tried to quit. Really, I have. But writing is like a drug. I'm fine at first, but then I start to have withdrawal symptoms--anxiety, insomnia, restlessness. I can't concentrate on normal everyday things and feel depressed and cranky all time. And none of it goes away until I get that next fix: fingers on the keyboard, playing with the characters and stories in my head.

Do I regret becoming a writer? No. I don't regret it. I LOVE writing, now that it's a part of my life. A part of me. But if I had the chance to choose it again, I'm not sure I would. So if someone asks me if they should become a writer, I'll probably tell them yes...but only if you can't NOT write. And you love it. REALLY love it. Because it will kick your butt.

Do you love being a writer? Think you could quit? Any writer regrets?

I get to see this band live tonight along with Paramore and New Politics. I can't wait!

My songs know what you did in the dark...

Butt. In. Chair.

Join the IWSG

I've been through those times before. You know the ones. Where you hit a wall and either have no idea where to go next in your book, don't have the motivation to finish and just want to start a new project, or need to take a break from writing all together because you just aren't feeling it.

I'm going through that now. Where all I want to do is work on the book I'm excited about, NOT the one I HAVE to write with a tight deadline and no desire to do it. But I have to, because it's my JOB. And did I mention tight deadline?

I have to constantly tell myself: Butt in chair, Ilima. Butt in chair! I've decided to take it one day at a time. I WILL do this.

How do you motivate yourself to keep going when you REALLY don't want to?

I keep feeling smaller and smaller...