insecure writers support group – Page 6

Am I Ruined for Life?

Published on July 3, 2012 by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle39 Comments

It is that time of the month, where I feel safe to reveal some of my insecurities for the world to see. It is Insecure Writer’s Support Group Day!

My main concern for the month is that my first novel-writing experience has ruined me for the rest of my writing career.

In June, I finished a month-long writing challenge called JuNoWriMo. With a goal of 50,000 words, I was able to write over 75,000 words. I did what the challenge asked me to do; Just Write. I really enjoyed writing this way. It was my first novel. But, it was a novel I had been thinking about for over 2 years. I knew exactly how it was supposed to start and end. I knew the main character inside and out. I knew the setting backward and forward. I knew the lesson my MC was supposed to learn by the end and she got there after going through several conflicts. The issues in the beginning came to complete and sometimes funny conclusions at the end. Dare I say it, the process was easy.

Don’t get me wrong, I woke up early to write. I stayed up late to write. I didn’t go out much and a couple of days I didn’t bath (Am I sharing too much?). But, in the grand scheme of things, I felt that the month went very smoothly.

I created a daily journal about my writing experience and there were only a couple of days that I would classify as me having a “moment”. Other than that, it was so much fun.

My concern is what if the next time it is not so easy. No way it could be. I have another story idea, which I just thought about this month. It is with two MC, but besides the broad story, I know nothing about them. It is in familiar settings, but it will still take some research. And, I have an idea of where it should start, but no idea of where it will end.

I am concerned that the process isn’t going to be so easy and will I be up for it. I have given myself a month to outline and plan and then jumping right back into the writing fray with Camp Nanowrimo in August.

I would love it if my first experience was my writing process, but, I don’t think that is realistic.

Did my first novel-writing experience ruin me for life?

Let’s Open it up to the Group

Published on June 6, 2012June 11, 2012 by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle19 Comments

Hello Insecure Writer’s Support Group Members:

Last month I found myself writing a lot of short stories. I guess I was warming up for JuNoWriMo, which I am 6 days in and happy to say on goal, so far. Out of all this actual fiction writing, a few issues and questions have come up that I would love to have my fellow writers advice and input on. I mean, who better to tell you what you are doing wrong, then your friends. We are friend, right?

Let’s Open it up to the Group:

Is there such thing as to much dialogue in an a story? I am concerned my WIP is starting to look more like a screenplay instead of a novel? How do you determine the right balance between dialogue and description?
How do you express someone laughing or crying or cringing without coming right out and saying that “Emilynn laughed”? or Is it ok to say what type of physical reaction your character is having?
Yesterday I found myself writing a scene in my WIP and when I went back to read what I wrote, I literally did not remember writing it. It was really good though, so I didn’t panic to much. What is your “in the zone” writing experience like?
In the last month, I have written a few reality short stories, two scenes from a scary (not quite horror) stories, and my WIP which is an international/romantic/comedy/drama. When my goal is to become a better writer, is it ok to write in all these different genres or am I spreading my creative mind to thin? Should I just stick with getting good at one?

Thanks again to Alex Cavanaugh for creating this forum for me to share my insecurity’s in a calm and supportive environment. I really look forward to hearing everyones feedback.

Michelle Flower(negative) 1 — New Lotus design. What do you think?

Distracted, Again

Published on May 2, 2012May 2, 2012 by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle28 Comments

I was excited to get home from work today to write a post for the Insecure Writers Support Group and it happened. I got distracted.

I have been pretty focused lately. I survived the A to Z challenge with confidence and the accomplishment really motived me to get going this week on outlining my novel. It is May 2 and I got distracted.

I only have a few hours per day to write. If I enjoy sleeping, which I do, I can get in about 2-4 hour per day. Maybe another 1 or 2 at work if my boss is away from the office (don’t tell her).

I get home and I am all set to write a quick post and then tackle my outline. I turn on the t.v. for background noise. And, there is a Woody Allen Movie. Manhattan Murder Mystery. Woody Allen, Diane Keaton, Alan Alda and Manhattan.

NY Rockefeller — NYC can distract me, too!

I love this movie. In fact, I love all Woody Allen movies. Especially the ones that take place in Manhattan. Something about the way he shoots Manhattan.

Then, it got me thinking. What excuses, if any, are good excuses to interrupt the pursuit of my dream.

Sure there are the easy ones; death and injury – to myself or a loved one. Work obligation – But, not really. I run a golf Academy. Not to many golf instruction emergencies that I can think of.

I have compiled a list of things that I will allow to distract me from my scheduled writing for the day?

Woody Allen Movies – They inspire me, so that is a good thing.
The opportunity to have a great steak with cream corn, broccoli au gratin, and a green salad with red onions and homemade ranch dressing – I am specific about my food.
A phone call from my mother or my cousin – I miss them.
A Stephen King Book – but, this inspires me,too. I have put off starting 11/22/63 until after June.
A quick read of my favorite blogs – again, that inspiration thing.

And, with that, I think I better close down this list because it could go on forever. If I stick to this list, then I should have plenty of time left over to get my writing done.

So, my fellow writer out there, how do you handle distractions? What do you do to stay on schedule?

And, what would you put on your good excuse list?