The fact that I worry and obsess a lot about my work no longer bothers me as much, especially since I know that there are quite a few other writers who can relate. I just wish my family will stop reading over my shoulder as I type. It just causes me to freak out over this imperfect piece of work that still needs love, attention and plenty of editing.
The Insecure Writers Support Group was created by the wonderful and talented author and blogger, Alex J. Cavanaugh. You guys can visit Alex over at http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com.
I completely understand. When we send a piece of writing out into the world, we're sharing a part of ourselves. And that's scary. But it's like having a child - once they've left home, they have to stand up by themselves because you've got their siblings needing attention.
ReplyDeleteI also obsess over every line and sentence that I write. It's sort of like a writerly obsessive-compulsive disorder. LOL.
ReplyDeleteI'm obsessive too. Is this word good enough? What if I delete this sentence? Will that ruin the scene? Should I have this character do this instead of that? Ugh! The possibilities are endless.
ReplyDeleteI hate it when family members read over my shoulder as I'm writing. They just need to run along and let me work. haha
Annalisa - That is a new way of looking at things. It definitely makes a lot of sense. Though, I would still obsess over the kid that left home.
ReplyDeleteMichelle - Very true! But I think it is okay for us to obsess over our writing, as we can just call it a writers quirk and get away with it.
Julia - I think obsessing over our work has to be some kind of occupational hazard. But I definitely think that my family has to just keep walking, instead of reading over my shoulder. I am glad to know you feel the same.
I don't let anyone look over my shoulder. Except my little guy who can't read. :)
ReplyDeleteReading over my shoulder while I'm writing is illegal in my house - the fine: no chocolate for the offender.
ReplyDeleteI don't know anyone who likes to have someone peering over his shoulder while he writes. It irritates me when someone does that. I immediately shift my position and angle my laptop away from them. :)
ReplyDeleteIf I were you, I wouldn't let anyone read over your shoulder. That time is just for you and your characters :)
ReplyDeleteAlso, the first draft is supposed to be crap. That's what makes editing over and over and over and over and over ;) again so fun!
Then lovely Critique Partners take a look at it and give you suggestions and then you edit it over and over and over and over and over ;)
So yeah, first draft. Just chug through it. :)
Tonja - Ha ha! Maybe he might surprise you. I think reading over one's shoulder is one of the most annoying things.
ReplyDeleteTyrean - Ha Ha Haha! That is brilliant! I should try that.
Sherri - I agree, it is just a violation of privacy.
Kelley - Thank you. You are so right, there is always editing to make you like your written work a bit more.
Oh lord, I obsess over my blog posts as well. Is there a typo? A misspelled word? Did I flip from one POV to another?
ReplyDeleteI guess that's what keeps us on out toes. Congrats on your agent, what a fantastic milestone.
Gene Pool Diva - Thank you! Yep, it definitely keeps us on our toes and I guess that kind of obsessing comes in handy during editing. Thank you so much for stopping by.
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