Wednesday, February 3, 2016

February 2016 IWSG - Negative Self-Talk

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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!


Ugh. Insecurity. 

A Savage Ghost released last week, as a solo. I added some scenes from the love interest's point of view and tweaked a few other things to make it a bit different. Even though it's been "out there" for months as part of an anthology it's still a little nerve-wracking launching a new baby out into the world. I do have it commissioned already as an audiobook.

What if my readers don't like the changes? 

What if it doesn't sell--because that must mean it's got poor writing or is executed poorly. 

What if it gets bad reviews?

What if it means I suck? 

What if it's just that time of year and I'm suffering from too little sunlight? lol

How do I quiet these negative "what if" questions? Hmm ... chocolate might work.

I think I like "what if" questions for my stories better than for myself. 

What do you do to quiet your negative self-talk?



33 comments:

  1. Well, congratulations! I had no idea it was released by itself. Will let everyone know on Monday.
    What if you never released it? That might actually be scarier...

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  2. Congrats on your new release! I think everyone has these kind of questions when they release a book. Know these are normal feelings. I don't know how to get rid of those thoughts. I do try to replace some of the negative self-talk with positive thoughts.

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    Replies
    1. As long as I don't talk myself into quitting, I should be good. Once the stomach settles down.

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  3. Yeah, what if is much more fun when you're using it to torture your characters. Best of luck with "A Savage Ghost"!

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  4. Hi,
    I have come to realize that What if questions or better said, the negative questions are things that never happen without presenting a better opportunity. So, I keep moving knowing that if it does happen something positive will come out of it.

    Congratulations and all the best for your book.
    Shalom,
    Patricia

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  5. I freak out at the what ifs, and then I moan and groan to the ones I love and they lift my spirit. Chocolate is a good solution too.

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    Replies
    1. I like the like of transitioning into things that lift my spirit.

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  6. I'm sure it will be very well received, Donna. Just save the 'What ifs' for your stories, after all, that is the only time we can control them. Congratulations!!!!!!!

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  7. I have a cheat I use with feedback sometimes...if my wife likes it then only her vote counts:) It helps me along:)

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  8. Keep moving forward and whack the bad talk with your imaginary broom stick. Stop it!

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  9. Congrats. I just shove on, negative nelly can go bother someone else lol

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  10. It's so difficult to have your book discovered so don't just yourself on sales alone. The only way to answer those what if questions is to take the brave chance.

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    Replies
    1. And just move on to the next project. Look forward.

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  11. A writer spends all their writing time scared that they're never going to finish their story, or that they won't find and agent. And then once they do all that, they find new reasons to be insecure. I'm afraid insecurity is just our lot in life. Relish in it!

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  12. I'm a glass half empty person, so negative self talk is my constant companion. Of course, once you get all that negativity out of your system, you have nowhere to go but up up up.

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    Replies
    1. I guess that's one way to look at it. I recently saw an awesome meme about the glass half empty/half full thing. Glasses are refillable. :D

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  13. I didn't know you had a new one out. Email me the details and I'd happily give it a shout out. I love the cover.

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  14. I don't have an answer. Maybe write anyways... Wishing you much success!
    Happy Belated IWSG Day
    Juneta Writer's Gambit

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  15. I have these same doubts with every book, but I squash them down. I put myself out there and I have people who enjoy my work. Congrats on this release.

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  16. I have similar anxieties about releasing my short stories and novellas on Amazon, but if they fail, I think it will be because I didn't work hard enough on marketing.

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  17. Chocolates always work. :) So does sleep, prayer and talking to someone about it. Personally, I also watch motivation videos or even just feel-good shows like Ellen. :)

    Looking forward to read this.

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