IWSG~Pitfalls

It's time for another Insecure Writer's Support Group group post. There's always the option to write about something I'm currently insecure about and/or feeling good about. But I like this month's optional group question, so I'm going to offer up an answer for that.

What pitfalls would you warn other writers to avoid on their publication journey?

The first pitfall that came to mind is an internal one and one that ALL writers - even the A-listers - will say they've gone through: CONFIDENCE.

Writers write because they like it. And most start out with a similar mindset that they're going to write the most amazingly fantastical tale EV-ER! Not because they're more talented than the next writer. No. But because they just need to write - It's an inner knowing, a desire to tell the story that's been gnawing away at them for a while; sometimes, for years. It's a wonderful place. The trick is to not let the few (and eventual many) stopping points get to you. 

That. Is. Hard.

So if you feel like this know you are not alone.

*Notice my phrasing - stopping points. I did not call them failures or roadblocks or even pink slips. These stopping points aka refusals from agents & publishers, tough critiques, family, daily job, school, and life issues happen to help you grow. DO NOT TAKE THEM PERSONALLY. Use them as fuel to improve your craft and grow in both skill and confidence. 

Writing is a fourth of the battle. Marketing/Promoting is another fourth. And I believe that Belief-In-Oneself makes up the other half of the full circle.

Just Believe in You. What do you have to lose?

For more participants.

Thank you to this month's co-hosts:  Erika Beebe, Sandra Hoover,Susan Gourley, and Lee Lowery!

Interested in finding out more about the IWSG? Want to join in to participate? We'd love to have you.