The Insecure Writer's Support Group is hosted by Alex J Cauvanaugh and I hear it's becoming it's own site. However, I've had no time to check this out, so please accept my possibly dated link.
You wanna know what I'm insecure about? Everything. Seriously. Lately, the lack of reward for my 3.5 years of diligent work has made it hard to even stay motivated. I'm way behind my production schedule. (Yeah, I have a business plan. My books are on a production schedule because once upon a time I actually thought I'd make money writing some day). I kind of wonder if I'm ever going to finish my current WIP. And I'm going back to school for a MFA in the spring. I was so excited about this and I worked so hard to get accepted. But I'm wondering if this is the worse decision I've ever made, because I'll yet again be spending money on writing.
It's a business but also a labor of love. You'll make some $ and you'll also have bad days. I think going back to school is a good decision, because it provides you with more opportunities and possible contacts. Keep your chin up.
ReplyDeleteWe all have these days. Honestly, more like hours. Every day I feel a little insecurity about something. Am I being a good enough mom? Should I be doing more for my elderly parents? Am I helping out in the community enough? being a good enough friend? Is my writing really worth publishing, or do I live in a dream world?? On and on ....
ReplyDeleteIn the end, we just have to take one step at a time and do our best. And remember, money spent on your writing career, is money invested in yourself. Think how much money people invest in college every year, with hopes of a dream career.
Beth, it takes time to make money in this industry—at least for the majority of us. Hang in there. You are in good company.
ReplyDeleteSorry you're feeling down, Beth. Believe me, you have a lot of company. I find it especially hard when I spend so many hours a day writing, commenting on blogs, forums, and social media, and hubby raises his brows at me since after all this effort, I'm not making any money. I promised I'd give myself 5 years to start making some money out of it, and that 5 years will be up next June....I wonder if I'll continue on or not?
ReplyDeleteIn the grand scheme of careers 3.5 years doesn't seem like a super long time to be waiting for a pay off. You'll get there. :)
ReplyDeleteYou know what I've learned about writing, Beth? Being patient. I know it's hard. Most of us want success right now. It doesn't always happen that easily. I think you're off to a good start. Yes, some days will seem like everything goes wrong. Look for the good days though when you finish that chapter and really like it. Keep reminding yourself that you can do it. Never give up.
ReplyDeleteI read through this, and a couple of things seemed to be missing. There didn't seem to be anything about enjoying writing. There didn't seem to be anything about it as art. Instead, it seems to have become a question of churning out products for you. Even as someone who writes every day for a living, I find that's a dangerous place to reach. The art fuels the other stuff. If you're worried about the MFA, think about why you're doing it. If it's just to write more commercial fiction to make money from it, then honestly, there are millions of people doing the same and it offers no guarantee. Certainly not a reasonable return on investment. If you just want to make better art, it will probably help you do that.
ReplyDeletePart of the reason I want to do an MFA is because I would like to teach at a college or university and it really is necessary for that. It doesn't mean that I have to enjoy paying for it, because even choosing a relatively cheap school with the cost of education in this country it is an insane expense. And enjoying writing is fine. When I did it as a hobby I didn't have to edit or worry about what anyone else thought about it. You are the first person to think it is unreasonable to be upset/disappointed after putting so much time and money into something. I'm really not even looking to make a living. I'd just like to break even. Thanks.
DeleteI feel that way each time I see another big deal or movie rights sold. Our road isn't easy, but if one person reads our story and connects with it, I think it's worth it.
ReplyDeleteI think and MFA will inspire you. We all go through our roller coaster of highs and lows. Just hang in there until the car starts to climb again.
ReplyDeleteJust think of all the experience you've gained a long the way. We're much smarter today than we were when we wrote our first stories. Right? *hugs* (And I'm talking about both craft and marketing)
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