Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns or offer advice to those in need. Here is a link to sign up. LINK. This is also the 2 year anniversary of IWSG, so it's an extra special day for the group.
It was a slight struggle coming up with what to write for this months IWSG. Not because I am without insecurity or advice. More so, it was hard because I feel in a state of flux. Two books down, tons learned, now what?
I have many ideas floating around my head, and all of them are begging my attention. I am also back to the struggle of, do I query or do I continue down this road of self publishing I have come to enjoy?
I was feeling slightly overwhelmed. I wanted to write, but kept stopping as I wasn't sure of my direction. I was growing frustrated, when I found that one of my favorite authors posted a new set of lectures. Brandon Sanderson teaches a class on writing and last year I found a site on YouTube that records these.
One is a seven part series, one a six part series. So, I decided I wasn't going to write or read last night, but instead I sat and watched them all back to back.
It was actually quite refreshing and when I got up today I was just in the mood to write.
Sometimes just hearing those that are where you want to be, giving a bit of advice, can steady everything out for you. I think that is why IWSG is such an important blog hop/group. It really is a place were we can all come together to offer that much needed advice and support.
Here is to another 2 years. Also I will post the first two vids in the series if anyone wants to go and watch them. They are long-ish, but worth it.
First video: 1/6
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5hGItqfM34
First video: 1/7
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWHWMvkfx7s
Anyway, hope you enjoy the vids if you have time to watch them. As always have fun and keep writing.
No doubt you've kept yourself busy and I have not dropped by as often as I should. I like the new look in your blog. I'm also glad you found the path you should take next. You're very creative. Congratulations on your second book (a belated one, I know but still honest.)
ReplyDeleteOh, I haven't heard any of Brandon's lectures. Thanks so much for posting the links. I think I could use this!
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard any of Brandon's lectures either, but I did attend a one day seminar hosted by author Lisa Gardner and I came out of it feeling good and stead and ready to write, so I get what you're saying.
ReplyDeleteHappy writing!
Thanks for the links. I know I could use them. And if they fired you up, then that is awesome.
ReplyDeleteFeeling inspired to write is one of the reasons I enjoy conferences so much. However this year I haven't attended any. These links are probably just what I need. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteIt is nice to sit back and just LEARN for once. So often, I think, we feel guilty about just ... not writing, but sometimes, that's exactly what we need! I will have to check out these lectures!
ReplyDeleteI think writers self doubt is a natural process. We read and rewrite until we can trust the words in front of us are the best we have to give. There is that constant revision process eating away at us. Most occupations do a job once and consider it done. Even in my insecurity (despite loud praise) I know, I have to put trust in my abilities at some point. Never lose faith, every single word speaks for itself. (Hugs)Indigo
ReplyDeleteSometimes a little inspirations goes a long way.... Try putting $5 in front of you and say if I wrote one page I can take it to DQ and buy a blizzard!
ReplyDeleteI have been over whelmed lately and it has totally stopped me from getting any writing done. I'll have to check out those you tube videos, I think you're right, sometimes getting a little learning is inspirational!
ReplyDeleteThe IWSG is awesome for the support it offers. Cheers to its 2nd birthday!
ReplyDeleteUsing some inspiration from someone who has tried and succeeded sounds like a good way of getting motivated to keep on writing. I'll have to check out the links soon. So you wonder if to query or if to continue with self-publishing? I say write the stories and let them help you decide. Either way, sharing with your readers is success enough ;)
So go on, YOU have fun and.... well, you know the rest lol
oooo thanks for the links. I'll check them out when I get home.
ReplyDeleteAwesome! I love those kinds of videos. i watched all the Plot Whisperer videos back to back. Here's to two more years of writerly support!
ReplyDeleteI started Elemental and mentioned it on my blog today. I'm impressed already.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
I found those same videos one day and ended up getting sucked in. He's amazing! Some great advice/tips in there :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing. I hope you have smooth sailing for your next books. Happy IWSG Birthay!
ReplyDeleteI understand the feeling of "now what?" I finally put the final touches on my first novel a month ago, and I'm getting ready to start querying, but in the meantime I don't know what to do with myself now. I have a lot of ideas, but it seems kind of weird to refocus from something that has occupied me for well over a year. I'm also debating dipping my toe into the self-publishing biz, but I'm kind of tap dancing around that idea for now.
ReplyDeleteWhatever you choose to do, good luck with it.
Thanks for the links. I'll have to check them out when I have time.
Those lectures are gold. I learned so much from last year's that I already know most of what he's teaching this year and a good bit of what he talks about on Writing Excuses. Even so, they're nice to watch. Good luck with your future publishing endeavors.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the links and I will definitely give them a look. With two books out, you should be an old had at the writing game, already ;)
ReplyDeleteNot sure if you're looking for unsolicited advice, but it might be interesting if you go the 'traditional' publishing route, this time,as you know what self publishing is all about.
Either way, I'm sure figure it out. :)
There are many NON-WRITING things we can do that make our writing better. Thank you for sharing something that worked for you. I will save this information!
ReplyDeleteReally good post.
ReplyDeleteWriters always tell me to watch something or read something to get me back on track when I'm lost.
The 2nd best advice was, if you're stuck, its time to kill someone. :)
Happy anniversary!
HMG
It is great to read advice or thoughts from other writers! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteHappy Writing!
Thanks for sharing those video links!
ReplyDeleteI haven't finished my book series yet, so I haven't reached the "now what?" question!
You will figure it all out! I'm actually going to be attending a talk this month by an author who made a killing in self-publishing, and then switched to traditional when a publishing house approached him. I'll let you know if I learn any pointers!
ReplyDeletePersonally, I feel that learning craft or researching or social networking are just as important as writing. Even taking a break from everything to regain your sanity is as important as writing. (This is probably why it takes me so long to finish a novel!) Have a great weekend! :-)
ReplyDeleteIt could be good to hear from an authority who's maybe been down that road to get the inspiration that's been lacking. Conferences, classes, writing groups, are all good for that. I'm glad you found that when you needed it. I'll keep those in mind to watch if I have time. Writer’s Mark
ReplyDeleteSometimes we just need a break to read/watch more about the craft of writing to inspire us. And that's awesome about the classes. Brandon Sanderson is a fabulous writer.
ReplyDeleteDUDE!
ReplyDeleteI didn't realize there were more of these videos up! I watched all of last year's (and took notes) and I've listened to all episodes of Writing Excuses (more than once).
Thanks for posting a link!