I haven't been spending very much time writing lately. In fact, I've been contemplating whether or not I'm really a writer. This past summer I made some changes, dropped out of my much loved group of critique partners, and focused on learning new painting techniques. Well, I'd say I have improved on my painting skills, which is good, but what about the extra time I was going to spend writing? Okay, so I received a very negative rejection from an editor in the spring who told me basically I sucked at writing. I tend to be a bit insecure, so I figured she must be right.
Okay, so if she is right and I do need new writing skills, what can I do about it? Well, I can always start at the beginning, and re-learn the writing process. Can I do this? Yup, I can! First step is to sit down at the blasted-computer and put some words down on paper. Next step, figure out where I should begin. Edit previous manuscripts or move forward and work on my current work in progress? hmmmm. . . .? Good question.
7 comments:
Sheryl, Love your pictures! And just my opinion. Never, Never, Never, NEVER give up. Just toss anything negative. Constructive criticism- give me all you've got, but just negative thought? There's nothing productive in it- throw it away.
You need to take another look at what your passionate about- and if that is writing- persue it.
Wish I could offer you help on your blogspot but I'm in the same postition right now- wondering how to treat it. Or, should I set up a paid website?
The reality is blogspots and websites are taking time away from works in progress. So as an aspiring writer my time might be better spent getting a submittable manuscript finished.
I have blogged abit-but it is more like a personal diary- and though I havn't invited anyone to visit- it does make me feel vulnerable. On the other hand, it's satisfying to see my words on the web-with pictures, so I keep it.
I've had time off the past two weeks recovering from surgury and I've written alot. But I reach a point every day where I've exhausted my creativity on my WIP for the day but I still have an "urge" to write. This writing energy could be used well on a blog. Doing writing practice, scenes, charactors, story starts, situatuions, training exercises for the actual WIP.
Thanks--Sheryl- you've helped me find a new direction for my own blog. Hope you find all your answers.
Darcee---writing for a second chance at love.
I keep everyone of my rejections, good, bad and the ugly. And I try to learn from them. And/or develop a thick skin to weather the storm.
As Darcee said NEVER give up. It's like riding a bike, you fall off (bad rejection) you pick yourself up, dust off and climb back on!
Good luck,
Mary
Sheryl,
I agree with Darcee. Don't give up! One opinion is just that, one opinion. I'm so glad that you're going forward with your writing. Can't wait to hear how it goes.
Many blessings,
Cami
Cheryl,
I post a blog twice a week, usually Mondays and Thursdays. I've found that, by promising my readers to post on those days, I am forced to write something at least twice a week. So even if I don't work on my novels, at least I'm writing, so it still counts.
My blog runs the gamut from funny stuff that's happened, to social commentary, to, when I'm in the midst of revision like I am right now, posting a snippet of my WIP. So I feel that as long as you post something, it's all good.
My purpose for my blog is to create an on-line presence, which is getting to be necessary for us Pre-Pubs in the literary world. I have a following; When I get published, I have a customer base already built up. That's what it's all about, for me.
Your mileage may vary.
My two cents.
Lisa
Hi, Sheryl!
Love your latest blog entry, about writing, rejection, and self-doubt. As I read your words, I felt like we were chatting, one-on-one.
I've discovered that if I simultaneously use my creativity in another outlet besides writing, it only enhances my writing when I do sit down to write. The two are connected, it seems, at least for me. So perhaps your painting techniques will help you further your writing? Give it a try...and don't give up!!
Alice
Hi Sheryl,
You seem to already know where you're going with your writing, so I hope my unsolicited advice doesn't offend, but I thought I'd share this tidbit with you. Self-doubt is such a problem with writers. I stuggle with it too. And I learned a long time ago that there's not much I can do about it. Putting on a happy face just doesn't work. So I learned from a master how to work through it instead. I adore Dean Koontz, and I stumbled across an interview by him where he talked about self-doubt and his cure for it was-- no outlines, no nothing-- just to write one page. One page at a time. He reworks that page over and over again, 20-40 times, until he's happy, and then moves onto the next. I don't write like this all the time, but when I get mired down in doubt, I use this technique to get me going again and it works like a charm. Maybe this would work for you too. =)
Hugs,
Diane
Thanks so much for those of you who took the time to comment on my blog. I hope to have something new to post soon. Sheryl
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