It’s the first Wednesday of the month which means it’s … Insecure Writers Support Group day! Thanks as always to Alex J. Cavanaugh for hosting and organising this fantastic event. You can check out the rest of the participants here, and pop along to visit some more insecure writers and offer your support.
Well, I’m going for a fairly upbeat tone to my IWSG post this month. I’m reflecting back on a few of my recent insecurities and seeing whether I’ve improved … or not.
- September: Procrastination and daughter’s first day at school
- October: Doing an MA in creative writing
- November: Going to the Festival of Romance as an Indie author
- February: Public Speaking
Well, back in September I was worried about all this new freedom once my daughter started school. Ha! What a joke! There is no freedom – there is just more and more stuff to do, and less and less time for writing. I’m not sure how this has happened, but it’s up to me to sort it out. I know I need to be more disciplined and impose proper working hours on myself. (But where’s the fun in that?)
In October I was worried about the MA I’d just started. I felt out of my depth and unsure if I could operate on the level required. I’m not worried about that anymore. I’d say I was slap bang in the middle of ability and talent in the group – not the best by a long chalk, but I’ve got as much right to be there as anyone else.
In November I was anxious about going along to the Festival of Romance and being asked the dreaded question: ‘Who are you published by?’ It did happen, and I held my head up high and said, ‘I’m Indie.’ And no one sneered or threw things at me. (Although there was a horrible incident with a mean-spirited author – check out December’s IWSG post.)
And last month I confessed to all and sundry about my stammering past and very real fear of speaking in public. I had some wonderful messages of support, and I’ve made it my mission to challenge myself to at least one safe-ish speaking event this year.
I feel quite exhausted after all that! Right now I don’t have time to be insecure about anything writing-related – I’m too busy running to catch up with all the things I’m supposed to be doing/supposed to have done already. But I hope you are having a good week and in the words of the very lovely Frasier: ‘I’m listening …’
Joanne Phillips 
March 6, 2013 at 2:32 pm
I can totally sympathise with you. My daughter started school in September 2011, and my son is due to start this September – nerve-wracking time!! I’ve just sent an email to the organisers of the Festival of Romance, so it was lovely to read a post by someone who has already been-there-done-that! Good luck in the future. x
March 7, 2013 at 4:59 pm
Hi Charlotte,
I really enjoyed the festival – are you going this year? Feel free to email me if you want to chat about it: joanne g phillips @ gmail . com
March 7, 2013 at 5:02 pm
Hi Joanne,
I’m not sure. I’ve filled in the contact form on the website, but not heard anything back yet.
March 6, 2013 at 3:00 pm
I feel a bit the same way – too busy to pause for breath. Actually, I just took 10 days more or less “off” to visit my parents and help out after a hip replacement, so I know why I’m scrambling to catch up 🙂
Great idea, though, to look back at your previous IWSGs and see how things feel now.
March 6, 2013 at 8:01 pm
Too many things to do and never enough hours in the day. Why is that always the case? *sigh* =)
March 7, 2013 at 4:56 pm
Hi Patricia,
I really need to sort it out! For a while I kept a ‘did list’, instead of a to do list, and it really helped me see where the time went. But mostly it’s on non-essential procrastinating tasks 😉 Focus, is what I say to myself all the time.
March 6, 2013 at 8:19 pm
You have done so well, Jo! So many things to celebrate. Sometimes it’s all too easy to focus on the tangible successes (a certificate, money, a prestigious job or getting something published) and forget about these intangible achievements that are just as important. If not more so. Like overcoming a fear or personal limitation, moving into a new phase of your life, moving out of your comfort zone, dealing with obstacles.
March 7, 2013 at 4:55 pm
Thanks Marina. Those are the true measures of how far you’ve come, aren’t they? But they are also the things it’s so easy to take for granted and not notice as time goes by! xxx
March 6, 2013 at 9:19 pm
Jo you have written another fabulous post that resonates with so many people. My little boy started school full time in January and after the first day where I was crying alone at home I knuckled down to some serious writing and marketing and I’d have to totally agree with you that time has played a trick on me and I am never in a situation of being on top of things. Sounds like you have accomplished so much and have much to be proud of as always I am in total awe of you.
Charlie 🙂
March 7, 2013 at 4:53 pm
Thanks Charlie. I know – where does the time go? I think I forget that I actually work full-time hours (or other people do), and I try to fit in all the things that other non-working mums fit in. Then I look at my work and think – how come I’m so behind? Duh! x 🙂
March 6, 2013 at 10:23 pm
I’m glad you’re making progress on your insecurities. That’s marvelous.
I used to have a huge fear of public speaking, too. I do much better now. I work as a star guide at an observatory in the summers and speak to the public all the time in the dark. I think that’s how I got over it. That and my library has an open mic once a month. So, I’d go and practice reading.
March 7, 2013 at 4:52 pm
That’s a great way to overcome your fear! It’s funny how I can record a video without stammering – because no one’s listening, of course. Our local library has open mic nights so maybe I’ll try that one when I feel a bit more confident.
March 7, 2013 at 10:46 am
Lovely to hear Jo 🙂
Keep up the positivity honey xx
March 7, 2013 at 4:49 pm
Thanks Vikki 🙂 x
March 8, 2013 at 1:39 am
That is so (so!) cool that you are going for your MA!
I agree, it is very important to keep track of progress, and have found the blog is a great place to do that. 🙂 Keep going at this rate, and soon you’ll have nothing left to be insecure about!
(And I love ‘Frasier’!)