Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
HOW IT BEGAN:
Alex J. Cavanaugh, the founder, noticed a lot of blog posts from writers mentioning their doubts, concerns, and lack of confidence. He also saw the positive replies they received and realized that the writing community offered an abundance of support. Writers want to see other writers succeed, which is how he came up with the Insecure Writer’s Support Group.
We post on the first Wednesday of each month. Check out our membership.
The awesome co-hosts for the January 5 posting of the IWSG are Erika Beebe, Olga Godim, Sandra Cox, Sarah Foster, and Chemist Ken!
Every month we have an optional question and they always make me put my thinking cap on and examine my writing life. This month IWSG is asking:
What’s the one thing about your writing career you regret the most? Were you able to overcome it?
The one thing I regret the most when it comes to my writing career is my lack of confidence, or maybe not taking myself seriously. Or maybe even taking myself too seriously. They all three might go hand in hand. Seems I’ve always doubted and denigrated my abilities in an effort to prepare myself for failure. For some reason, I have always expected to fail.
Looking back and analyzing my lack of confidence, I can identify spurts of bravery popping periodically out of the blue. Like when I learned that Southern Writers Magazine needed a writer, I had a spurt of confidence and applied. Only afterwards did I hit my forehead and ask, “What have I done? Am I crazy?” I wrote for them for almost seven years.
Another spurt of bravery was when the entire staff walked out on a local magazine editor; my daughter and I walked in as if we knew what we were doing. The bi-weekly folded a year later, but we had an entire year of creating a magazine, interviewing city and government officials and business owners. Such a wonderful but hectic experience. That spurt of confidence paid off.
My spurts of confidence are sparse. I’m truly a “NO” person. When I’m asked to do something I always say ‘no’ first, then analyze, visualize the situation like a play in my head. I suppose that’s my so-called dress rehearsal.
Once I was asked to replace a speaker at a conference. I immediately said no. Hubby reminded me that this was something I’d always wanted so I called them back and accepted. I’d spoken at small conferences before but this one was a one-room conference with almost 100 people. Fear and dread consumed me but it was one of the best experiences of my life.
Another “no” came about when the director of a continuing education department of a nearby university asked me to create a writing program. No, no, and double no! Why would he think I could do such a thing? When he asked again and again, I finally said yes. What fun creating classes for writers to take, even teaching one!
When the music director at my church asked me to write a Christmas play I said no, but then God gave me an idea and I sat down and wrote the first act. Of course, I had to call her back. I’ll never forget the thrill of watching my characters come to life on stage.
I don’t tell you this to brag but to share the torture I put myself through—needlessly. Lacking confidence and saying NO out of fear is one of the most miserable feelings one can have. It’s almost painful!
Think about it: If fear of failure keeps us safe then it also keeps us from success. If we protect ourselves by saying no, if we don’t value and use the talent God gave us or take advantage of opportunities He hands us, then where are we?
Some day we might be wrapping ourselves in regret because time has passed us by.
Let’s make 2022 work for us. Let’s make a point to accomplish something on a monthly basis. If you’ve never submitted anything for publication to anyone, promise yourself you’ll do it soon. Getting one thing published will boost your confidence so much, you’ll want to submit again and again and again.
And the second part of that question … was I able to overcome it? Nope! I’m no braver than I was five, ten or fifteen years ago. I just swallow my fear …
GULP!
Jessica, you’ve accomplished so much! Wow! Congratulations! One would never guess that you are so afraid.
Keep at it! You’re doing amazing things!
Happy IWSG Day!
Thanks Michelle. I’m pretty much an introvert. When I go to a writer’s conference, I’m the one holding up the wall, seriously. I FORCE myself into bravery but it doesn’t last long.
… and Happy New Year!
I realized after I wrote this post that I didn’t even mention Christmas or the New Year. I sure hope everyone has a good one!
It sounds like you ARE braver. Sure, you say No out of fear, but then turn it around. Look at all your accomplishments. Thanks for sharing your successes.
Here’s to more Yeses and successes in 2022!
Oh Mary, I’ve really tried to conquer some fears. At some point I realized if I wanted to achieve anything, I had to ACT inspite of my fears.
Ah, the joys of being an introvert. I can relate! Sounds like you’ve said yes to some amazing opportunities!
Yep, after I said no. LOL. Thanks for stopping by.
You just need a little time to think about it, that’s all.
Yeah, I need a lot of time. I’m a “processor” and have to run everything through my processing mill before I commit. LOL
You’re post is so encouraging! No’s get you nowhere where a yes will break you past a barrier you thought you wouldn’t be able to break. Thank you.
Hooray for second and third and MORE chances!
Happy 2022!
♥.•*¨Elizabeth Mueller¨*•.♥
Absolutely thank the Lord for second and third chances! Thanks for friending me on FB too. 🙂
Those are some great moments of bravery that seem to have paid off! It seems like you just have to try to ignore that instant urge to say no, and really think about what you want and what you’re capable of.
I’ve had some great moments of bravery, yes. I hate being so hesitant though. I need to JUMP at these great opportunities instead of having to think and process. In 2022 I’m changing my ways. LOL
The things you have accepted have turned out great. Maybe you’re just discerning and the things you said no to wouldn’t have ultimately worked out? I tend to be the opposite. If I get an offer/request, I make myself say yes no matter how scared I am. Then I maybe panic about what to do for a bit. But it always works out in the end, too. Continued good luck as you move forward!
The Warrior Muse
Basically, that’s what I do … make myself say yes, but only after I say no. It’s just that after a hundred years of writing I’d like to be more confident. Guess I’m just not “built” that way.
Bravery doesn’t mean you’ve overcome fear. It means learning to do things, despite it. I think you’ve gotten there!
Thanks for popping in, Miffie.
I spent one year saying yes to everything that wasn’t illegal as a response to a difficult time in my life. It was an absolutely blast of a year. But I’ve returned to caution again. No idea why, it feels easier I guess. Time to be brave again methinks. I shall channel you as you clearly have done many things as a result of being talented and brave.
When we claim the title “WRITER” amazing opportunities come our way. Thanks for dropping by. And wishing you all kinds of GREAT opps in 2022.