The first Wednesday of every month, we answer questions in our IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Join us here – https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html
Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.
The awesome co-hosts for the May 4 posting of the IWSG are Kim Elliott,Melissa Maygrove,Chemist Ken,Lee Lowery, and Nancy Gideon!
May 4 question – What are your writer highs? What are your writer lows?
The highs are when I’m getting work done. It’s not that mystical.
A week ago I was interviewed by writer Nancy Christie for her podcast, Living The Writing Life. We talked about my personal versus professional life. Nancy brought up a one-piece I wrote awhile back for Authors Publish https://authorspublish.com/its-okay-to-be-selfish-with-your-writing/. She wanted to know why I used the term ‘selfish’.
We wear multiple hats. Artists have families and have to keep the lights on. As a communications specialist I write for various sites. As a novelist and anthology contributor my mornings are sacred. Nancy asked me why I used the term ‘selfish’ for my writing time. My “selfish time” is right before the sun rises and no one’s blowing up my phone, or walking into my office asking where the laundry detergent is. I keep the door shut. I have no problem delivering a sharp stern, “What?” if that door creaks open.
I don’t really feel I’m selfish, but I used the term selfish in my article to beat judgmental non-creatives to the punch. Yes. If that’s how you see it, I am being selfish with my writing time. I’m cool with that. Just like I’m selfish when I need a hot bath at the end of the day instead of a bottle of wine. Selfish when I need to destress with a workout. The highs are when I’m getting work done. My writing highs are when I’m writing. It’s not that mystical.
I could have said, “Your writing time is sacrosanct.” or “It’s okay to be protective of your writing.” instead of, “It’s okay to be selfish.” in my article. But selfish is what I hear, so that’s what I’ll respond to. Like with self care, some people see writing everyday as pampered. These people feel spending time on something with potentially little to no monetary gain is selfish. Fine. I’m selfish.
The lows are terrible. They don’t come when my queries and pitches are getting rejected by agents and editors. I’m getting responses. I know I’m trying. I’m working. The lows are when I’m stuck. When I’ve fallen off track because life got in the way, and I’m no longer consistent.
What are your writing highs and lows? I always return comments. Happy IWSG day!