Thought for the Week

 Really does make your think...

IWSG - September 2016

Click here to find out more and to see a list of other IWSG blogs.

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!

I was out of IWSG during my summer break, but I'm back. At the moment, I'm not feeling particularly insecure.

I know. *gasp*

What I am trying to do is just enjoy the journey.

I love creating my stories, my characters. My worlds. I love surprising readers with an unexpected twist. So what if I'm not a New York Times bestseller. Or even an Amazon bestseller (well, I am but only on some of the side categories).

It really doesn't matter because that's not why I do what I do.

So, I'll leave you with a short segment of Neil Gaiman's fabulous 2012 commencement address.

Click here to hear the entire address--absolutely worth the 20 minute investment of your time.

Why do you write (or whatever art you make)?

June 2014 ISWG

Click here to find out more and to see a list of other IWSG blogs.

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!

With Torn Canvas releasing in fewer than two weeks, my insecurities should be obvious. What if people hate what I've done with this story or the direction I took this secondary character? I loved Jori in A Change of Plans. I knew I had to tell his story, show his growth as a man. What if I didn't do him justice?

Well, Neil Gaiman said it well here, and #6 fits my situation:

I've let Jori's tale go now, and I'm already working on the next book in the series--Swing Vote. I spend so much time editing that I forget how much fun writing news words can be. Even really bad new words. lol

How about you?