It wasn't hard to think of a topic for this week's post. I've been struggling with feeling discouraged for the last couple of weeks. It's something that every writer faces at some point. Stories fizzle. The words won't come out right. A reviewer was cruel. Or we fall into the comparison trap.
This is the part where I wish I could say, "Good news, New Writer! This won't happen to you any more once you get over your initial nerves!" At least, that hasn't been my experience. It's all sort of part and parcel to that "insecure writer" thing.
But, what I can tell you is there's a way to deal with it, a very positive and easy method that has given me great results. There's an old Zen proverb that explains the concept quite simply:
Monk by ~IamTheWay |
Encouraging another writer will remind you we're all struggling at times, and it will help put your troubles into perspective. It sometimes takes only a few words to lift someone's spirits and change their day for the better. When you see you've made a positive impact, that you've managed to make a difference on a day when you otherwise felt like you were helplessly spinning your wheels, you'll feel better. If not, you'll at least have one good deed you can chalk up for the day. Give it a try. You've got nothing to lose, except maybe that cloud of discouragement weighing you down.
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You can see my other posts for the Insecure Writer's Support Group here, and visit the main blogroll here.
Great advice. Encouraging others does make us feel better. It's as if speaking the words affects us, too.
ReplyDeleteThank you. To paraphrase another old saying, you can't spread around kindness without getting a little on yourself.
DeleteThis gives new depth to the "fake it till you make it" mantra. Put a smile on your face and eventually it'll feel real, and in the meantime you've likely cheered up others without hardly trying. In writing, sometimes it pays to just keep going even when you know you've written nothing but rubbish. I'd never applied this line of thought to encouragement, though. Makes sense; give and you shall receive, right? Thanks for the deep thoughts on this shiny hump-day! :)
ReplyDeleteI've gone back on occasion and looked at that rubbish with kinder eyes and said, "Hey, that isn't so bad..." After all, they say you can fix anything but a blank page.
DeleteExcellent advice. I know many authors who are wonderful at encouraging one another. It's definitely a good way to help yourself and others when your own doubts and insecurities try to take over.
ReplyDeleteI've met some amazing writers whose support has kept me going at times. I want to be one of them.
DeleteI already know encouraging others brings an extra pep in my step. It's great that you shared this for IWSG. Hey it was so great I became a follower on my first visit to your blog. Hi!
ReplyDeleteBlog: Queendsheena
IWSG Co-host
Thank you so much. Glad to have you. :)
DeleteThis is great advice. I will never get tired of supporting new writers because I will never forget what it felt like when I was supported.
ReplyDeleteIt's such a fragile time, when writers first start out. A few kind words can mean everything. More than anything, a new writer often needs to hear those four small, but infinitely precious, words: "I believe in you."
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