Well the first Wednesday of the month is upon us and that means it is again time for Alex J. Cavanaugh's IWSG. This is a place for writers to share their insecurities or try to help others with theirs. If you would like to join, follow the link back and sign up.
I guess today the most relevant thing for me to discuss is trying to maintain what you've done and improve upon that.
My first book has been out for a little over a month now and those that have read it seemed to enjoy it. The reviews so far have been positive and I am greatly appreciative of those that have given me and my work a try. I plan on releasing the second installment in August and as such have been writing like a mad person. The deadline is helping me stay productive, but the worry that I will regress with my writing instead of moving forward seems to haunt me every so often.
I don't think this is a bad thing altogether. If I thought my writing was all amazing and wonderful then I wouldn't be seeking to grow. An artist I love by the name of Jim Lee said and here is the actual quote- "Art is a work in progress. Anytime you think 'I am just kicking ass' that is the end of the road for you—your done. Because I think that's when your perception of your work exceeds what you're actually creating."
Now I don't think he means never be happy with what you do. More so, that anytime you think you have just nailed it and there is nothing better you could do, you are no longer pushing yourself to grow. So in this I am glad to have the nerves and the doubt. I guess my struggle now is not letting that doubt take over. I want to be an author, I have chosen it as much as it has chosen me. If this is going to be how I define myself then I must push past the doubt and insecurities to be the best version of that I can be.
Some cool news Wayman Books put out a press release for Elemental. You can check it out here.HERE.
Anyway these are just some things I'm going through, what about you? As always have fun and keep writing.
I remember thinking I nailed a scene in CassaStorm when I wrote the first draft. Repeated readings told me no, I didn't!
ReplyDeleteWelcome to the IWSG! Best group of writers on the Internet.
Yeah those rereads really show you the reality of a situation. Thanks it is an awesome group.
DeleteWelcome to IWSG! Artistic creations should always be a work in progress, I think. At some point you have to call a project finished but know that your next one will be better.
ReplyDeleteLaura
IWSG co-host
Laura Eno – A Shift in Dimensions
Yep, letting go is part of being an artist, maybe the most important part.
DeleteI, too, worry that I will regress with my writing. But I do always try to keep moving forward.
ReplyDeleteLove Jim's quote.
It is a hard path we sometimes tread.
DeleteYeah it felt like he said something right to me.
If the heart and soul point us in a certain direction, who are we to say, "No." Hearts and souls have no prejudices and they help us be true to ourselves. Best of luck with your books, Brandon.
ReplyDeleteThank you and I agree wholeheartedly and uh...souledly too :)
DeleteLove the quote!
ReplyDeleteLucky (and unlucky) for me the only time I ever think I'm kicking ass is when I literally am kicking ass... with writing? I don't worry about regressing because I'm in the learning phase so I have miles to travel on that road yet. I'm too busy focusing on what I need to learn next, but I'm glad that I also have the nerves to at least try.
Your next book will be just as fantastic as Elemental, I have no doubt. That press release was really cool too ;)
Now, take your own advice: go have fun and keep writing... like right now. #Augustiscoming
Yeah it is a favorite of mine as of late. We are all learning, I hope. I agree trying is more important than knowing.
DeleteI hope so and thank you for the kind encouragement.
Yes it is always coming....
Great post, Brandon, and that quote is a really good one. We can never stop trying to improve, because once we do... what's the point anymore? There's nothing to strive for. We have to keep getting better and better. And we will, if we try!
ReplyDeleteYes I agree it must be a living growing thing art.
DeleteWe can always make our writing better, but at some point we have to let it fly into the world.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
An important step I agree.
DeleteThat is an awesome quote. I know there are times when I think "Nailed it!" complete with swagger, only to discover that I really hadn't.
ReplyDeleteYeah, it is good does of reality that humbles us often as writers.
DeleteGreat post! I always try to defy my insecurity, but it's good to have some doubt . . .and I know that I'm not the writer I want to be yet, even on my sunniest, top-of-the-world days.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes on your writing journey! Happy Writing!