It's been a while, I know. But what's a holiday season without a little insecurity?
Let's start with my good news. My good news is I started my next WIP. Granted, I'm only two chapters in, but it's a start. I've been exchanging chapters with a dear friend and CP. In fact it's because of him (and my last IWSG post) that I'm writing again. He's fabulous at peer pressuring me. In fact so many of my CPs have been wonderfully supportive by trying to kick my butt into writing gear. Thank you for that.
Here's my problem, with the limited writing time I have, everything I give him is rough...and by rough I mean ROUGH. And yet so many of his comments have been positive, which, naturally, makes me insecure. Yes, I give my chapters away hoping someone else will like them. But then when someone does, I flip out and feel the need to pass them around until someone will crush my growing optimism and knock me down a peg. Stupid. Sick, twisted - yep, I know. Tell me, why do we only trust the bad stuff?
I hope you all enjoy a lovely holiday season!
You're just trying to prove to yourself that you aren't any good. Dare to be wrong about that!
ReplyDeleteHope the kids enjoyed the interview and bookmarks. I probably gave them hope...
Also, dare to love what you write. No, it's not great our first writing trip through, but love the idea of what you've written. Love certain sentences. Love certain words. And then work on what needs work with the strength that these little love nuggets give you.
ReplyDeleteWe're all a little twisted.
ReplyDeleteI know this feeling. I don't trust the folks who read my stuff and LOVE it. I keep looking for that person who is going to be *honest* and tell me that it is crap. hahaha. However, I have no doubt that YOUR writing is incredible!!!
ReplyDeleteI sometimes wonder if the people who like my stuff are just humouring me, being kind to me? Maybe they don't really like it?
ReplyDeleteWe all have those moments...
Writer In Transit
I do the same thing when I let someone read my stuff. I never believe them if they say it's good.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on starting your new WIP, Kimberly! I am probably about 10k from finishing mine--well the second draft of it. :)
ReplyDeleteHappy holidays and hope you are doing well! XO
Hi, Kimberly…
ReplyDeleteYou MUST trust in others. WE are here to help. If something is good then ACCEPT IT! Believe me I've had my share of CP's who have ripped me to shreds. But I learned from them. So when I get a positive, I wrap it around me like a cashmere throw and cuddle right into it…. Need I say more.
Hope all is well and you're staying warm. I'll be heading back north in a few weeks… BRRRR. I'm loving this 70 degree weather...
I'm with you. I sometimes wonder if it's because my first critiques I got (when I was just starting out) were so harsh that I don't trust any of the good stuff. I still discount it.
ReplyDeleteAlso, there's something about being too close to your own work. Sometimes you don't know when it's bad, but you also don't know when it's good.
Ha! I'm the same exact way... I hope that someone will like my work and am VERY suspicious when they do. "You have nothing bad to say? Really? Are you sure???" Hope you get some more writing time and good luck with that new story! :)
ReplyDeleteThen, the way my mind works, I think, "oh they're being too nice." Silly us. Yeah for you for working on a new WIP!
ReplyDeleteWhy do we fear success even more than failure? Keeping listening to the positive. And keep writing!
ReplyDeleteHey, when I read nice comments, I sometimes think they're wrong. Stupid doubt.
ReplyDeleteGlad to see you back and hear you've started something new. What kind of story is this one? Do you have it all planned out or are you pantsing it?
Happy*New*Year! Was just thinking of you and wanted to visit and say hello. I made the switch to teaching m.s. lang. arts this year too and LOVE it :-) Good luck with your writing. Let me know if you ever want me to look at a chapter . . . I owe you for promoting 18 Things to your 7th graders!
ReplyDeleteHey Kimberly, just stopping by to say hello, and to wish you a happy, peaceful and productive 2014!
ReplyDeleteWriter In Transit
We are often very hard on ourselves, aren't we? We want our stuff to be great, but it's hard to believe it . . . and so much easier to question our critics.
ReplyDeleteRegardless, you've started writing again, and that's often the hardest part. Good job!
If I give anyone my really rough drafts of anything, I usually tell them I don't want feedback on anything but the story idea or the chapter transition or whatever I really need feedback on. I think it's better to make it un-rough before asking for more feedback than that.
ReplyDeleteTrust your critique partner and believe in yourself. I'm amazed you find time to write with your busy schedule.
ReplyDelete