I've never done an entry for the Insecure Writer's Support Group, but seeing as I am an insecure writer, it makes perfect sense that I would start.
Here's my latest problem associated with my insecurity. Mounting panic.
As my WIP grows, completing it seems like more of a daunting task. This has always been the case. You'd think the closer I get to the end, the more relieved I would feel, but no. I start to become paranoid of plot holes, and I worry the characters are doing too much, or too little, or something about their interactions won't make sense. The number of worries increases directly in proportion to my word count.
In the beginning, when I have my outline and ideas flowing, everything is open. All is possible. It isn't quite so scary then.
This is a problem I need to face. I mean, what use is a writer that can't finish a project without having a panic attack?
I probably sound like a maniac, so with that, I will say good night.
I think everyone experiences moments like this. I used get quite panicky the closer an assessment deadline was due, and I'd start thinking what I have spent the past week writing wass a load of crap, then I'd be up the night before going through it all! But the past few times, I've completed it a week before it's due, then just left it a few days - I've found that few days just leaving it and not thinking about, makes me feel a lot calmer and more confident about handing it in. I know it's not the same as writing a novel, I hope this helps :)
ReplyDeleteMy worries get larger with my word count too . . .partly because I find myself forgetting secondary character names . . .really, I don't remember what I named Captain so and so in the third chapter and he shows up again for a brief cameo in chapter 20, and I don't know his hame . . . I think panic moments are normal for writers. Just keep writing and trust yourself.
ReplyDeleteMaybe just a combination of a lot of things combined. I would think would probably be normal. I am far away from any editing and such but am sure everyone has those feelings when they get close to submitting something Good Luck with your WIP
ReplyDeleteIt all sounds perfectly normal to me, but who am I, I've not written a story to completion yet. Good luck!
ReplyDelete-MJ here from the support group http://creativelyspiltink.blogspot.com/
Hello L.G. and welcome to the group. I'm a new follower via the IWSG. This is a great place to get out all those insecurities.
ReplyDeleteAs for yours, I think you should just worry about getting all the words down and finishing. Revisions are where your story will come together and make sense. You'll find a lot of those holes and nonsensical places yourself, but even when they get past you, your critique partners will find and help you solve them. Take it one step at a time. Write your first draft then worry about fixing it later.
I popped over from #IWSG...I'm only up to chapter three of my first novel but you and your commenters have me prepared to deal with the "nearing the end" panic. Thanks. ;-)
ReplyDeleteWe all feel those worries, I think. I try to push them aside and remind myself that it is a first draft, and first drafts are supposed to be bad. Then when I am editing and rewriting, I tell myself I can take all the time I need to make it better.
ReplyDeleteAllison (Geek Banter)