Monday, July 27, 2015

How Do You Handle Writer Insecurity?


Author Alex J. Cavanaugh shared a guest post earlier this year.
(I can't remember where, or I would share the link)

He offered great suggestions on how to handle writer insecurities. 

In my comment, I joked that Alex should create a sign for us to display in our writing spaces. 

Soon after, I got an email from him that included this: 




What a nice surprise! Thank you, Alex.

 This dose of practicality and perspective is no surprise since Alex 

and several of his talented friends created the Insecure Writers Support Group.

For more encouragement and helpful resources, check out the IWSG site.



What do you think of Alex's graphic? 

How do you handle insecurities, writing or otherwise?

Happy writing,

Karen






Graphic courtesy of Alex J. Cavanaugh

22 comments :

  1. That's awesome that Alex sent you this. It's so true. Since I'm writing non-fiction articles that are edited by editors who tell me sometimes what's wrong with them, yes I suffer insecurity. I try to remind myself that we're never perfect and we all make mistakes sometimes.

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  2. Thank you for sharing that, Karen! I'm glad you liked my graphic.

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  3. Natalie,
    It was a wonderful surprise! It's such a great reminder too. :) You're right, our writing is always growing. Dealing with editors can be tricky, for they are all looking for something different.

    Alex,
    You are welcome! Thanks again - it was a nice surprise and such a timely reminder. :)

    Happy writing,
    Karen

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  4. FYI: The winner of last week's book giveaway is Diana Flowers. Congratulations Diana! :)

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  5. What a helpful perspective--and a cool meme. It's definitely worth sharing!

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  6. Hahaha, love this, amigo. Alex is the absolute best, isn't he? Tweeting your post. I need the don't compare. That's me in a nutshell. I must stop doing that!

    Congratulations to Diana!!!

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  7. Thank you for sharing Alex's sign.It speaks to me. Because my writing speaks to a small niche, I haven't found markets that I can study and explore in order to progress.

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  8. Alex's points are valid, thanks for sharing.

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  9. Insecurity keeps you grounded. Love it! That puts a positive spin on it. Thank you for sharing.

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  10. Susie,
    This really does lend perspective, doesn't it? I really should print it up and post it in my office. :)

    Robyn,
    Alex is the best, I agree. Yes, don't compare! You are one super smart writer and an amazing friend! :)

    Cecelia,
    You are welcome! Thought maybe it might be an encouragement to my writing friends, you know? :) Keep moving forward!

    Linda,
    They really ring true, don't they? Glad you came by! :)

    Lynn,
    I know, right? Really makes sense for us, not just for writing but for other things too. It's not all about being negative, but it can help us stay balanced. :)

    Happy writing,
    Karen

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  11. Love it! Can I share it online?

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  12. What great advice. Alex is awesome! A wonderful reminder for all of us writers who need to keep things in perspective. :) Thanks for sharing it with us!
    ~Jess

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  13. That was wonderful of him to put it together for you.

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  14. Great advice! You know, when I first began writing I thought my insecurities would go away if only I could publish an essay or an article. And after that happened I thought my insecurities would go away if only I could get a book contract. And then I thought my insecurities would go away after my book was released. As it turns out, no matter what happens, the insecurities stay. But that's okay. I had a NYTBSA tell me that any writer who says they aren't insecure is either a horrible writer, or they're lying. Since I can't seem to shed my insecurities to date, I guess that means I'm doing okay. :)

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  15. Terri,
    I am glad you like it. It struck a chord with me. Will check with Alex about sharing it. I think it may be okay. :)

    Jess,
    I know, it is a great idea! He is an awesome support to his fellow writers.:) Glad you like it!:)

    Diane,
    I know, it was a very nice surprise!He's a great help to all of us, isn't he? :)

    Lisa,
    I think we all wrestle with stuff, no matter where we are on the journey. Funny how it mirrors other areas of our lives, isn't it? Like our problems will go away when we get married or make a certain salary or whatever. We can all be works in progress together! :)

    Happy writing,
    Karen

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  16. Wow. That is so cool!
    I sometimes feel insecure, then I remember that in God's eyes, we are all the same messy people. If not for his grace, we'd be sunk.

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  17. I hope Alex doesn't mind if I post this on pinterest and FB.

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  18. Nice! I usually face insecurity by studying my rear off and coming to the point where I feel like an expert. Usually. Not quite as much when I'm this sleep deprived, but hey, variety (even in mental prowess) makes the world go round.

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  19. Jen,
    We are messy people! So glad there is a solution, and thankful for His grace.:) Thanks for sharing the info!

    Crystal,
    Well that is another way to approach it too! Except for the sleep deprivation part, of course. I am sure Sera appreciates the hours you tend to her, even if they are in the middle of the night. :) Hope you get a nap soon!

    Happy writing,
    Karen

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  20. Love the graphic! Especially "don't expect perfection", and "recall past praise". My middle name is Insecurity but it's good to know I'm not alone. =0)

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  21. That's wonderful and all of it rings true. I keep writing and submitting, stick to my amazing CP's, and recall past praise.

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  22. Susan,
    We are definitely not alone, and I think it's wonderful to have reminders like this too. We just keep plugging away, right? And we need to remember to touch base with other writers so we can keep our heads on straight. :)

    Medeia,
    What would we do without our CP's, right? They help ground us for sure. Alex has nailed the important elements here! :)

    Happy writing,
    Karen

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Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. Have a blessed day!