Insecure writers?

Are writers insecure frail creatures? It would depend on who you talk to. There was a group of people that were talking about this subject and they felt if you are a good writer you have nothing to be insecure about and if you were, then you were simply just a whiny person.  I felt it was more of a group that wanted to be mean and bash people rather than actually explore whether or not there was a reason for it and to what extent.

There was a while there that several of my friends who write were stating how “insecure” they were about their writing so I asked them a few questions. I wanted to know exactly what was making them insecure. Whether it was their ability to write a story and have it understood, to come up with an interesting story for someone to read or if it was simply whether or not someone would like their writing.

Depending on which friend I wound up with answers from the very start of their writing right down to the fact their book was out there for people to see, so I asked myself the same question, if I considered myself to be insecure at all?

I would have to answer by saying yes and no. Personally when I write I enjoy the topic, the characters, names, settings and what they go through. I will dream about them and run the story through my head like a movie. I thoroughly enjoy my own story. I do my best when it’s time to present it to others by picking a cover I feel best represents the stories and hopefully a good description on the back. Unfortunately when I write up the back excerpt I tend to start writing it in story format rather than simply go to the actual story and sum it up. I can explain a general synapsis with no problem however making it short enough for the back cover is entirely different.

I certainly don’t feel insecure about the story itself. I prefer my writing style and had fun finishing the story. I feel confident in putting the story out for others to read. There’s nothing I would change regarding my stories. Here is where the insecurity comes. Whether or not anyone else will enjoy it. Even if they did not like it or would want something changed it doesn’t change my mind enough to make any changes. It helps to know what people thought of it as long as it’s actually constructive and not abusive.

Personally I don’t think writers need to be coddled or frail. If you apply for a job you would hope your potential boss would like you and that you do a good job.  One that you can be proud of and one that will ensure you keep your job. This goes for writers. They want to write a story that they are proud of and will stay with its readers hopefully in an entertaining way.

I’m sure you could make some authors inferior by simply tearing them down, if you happen to be someone they look up to. It almost seems normal to see celebrities to have their spats or who is warring with whom which is sad. There is plenty of space for talented individuals. Just because you don’t care for their work doesn’t mean there isn’t someone else who equally is interested. To tear someone down or to say someone isn’t a good writer, isn’t saying very much for the one speaking it let alone the fact there is someone out there that most likely doesn’t like their writing either. I am addicted to reading and I’ve found some books I personally don’t care for. It’s just not for me but I acknowledge the fact someone else might like it. If it’s riddled with errors such as spelling, punctuation, repetitive words, confusing dialogue between characters. Then this is something that can be fixed but it doesn’t make them a bad writer and neither does a storyline or character set up that you might not personally be interested in.

I like to help improve or encourage writers rather than waste my time and theirs by tearing them down. It’s not worth the attention that comes with it and neither is it good for the person saying it. This is why I like to know what is making a writer insecure and help them if I am able to.

My best advice to other writers. Read a lot of books and find what style that you relate to. Find the style that makes you comfortable and enjoy writing. If you enjoy or love what you’re doing then this will come across in your writing.

Believe in yourself and understand not everyone is going to like your work and this goes for those who we assume would be supportive such and family and friends. Some feel they need an outline and if this works for them then it’s great but not everyone needs to.

Don’t let the “rules” of writing stop you from enjoying what you are doing. If your style is different than other writers consider this a bonus. If every book was cookie cutter no matter the genre then there would never be a point in reading another book or learn about a new author. Different is a good thing but don’t intentionally try to be different from what you naturally are otherwise yes, this will come across in your writing.

Most importantly, relax and have fun. Don’t push yourself to hard. I only push myself when I know I can write but I’m tired. I’m always tired so I make sure I don’t use that as an excuse. I write when the passion for the story and the drive to write is there.