IWSG: Being Open, and Honest, and Finding Time for Writing

I’m an introvert, believe it or not. I’m good at hiding it–both on my blog and in real life–but that’s what I am. Someone who knew me well once said that I’m an audience person. I’m fine as long as no one expects me to be myself. Turn down the stage lights, put down the mic, and I’m terrified.

This blog is somewhere just past my comfort level. And a whole lot past my comfort level, if I have to think about people I know in real life reading it. (Which, I don’t, because there are so few of them who do. Even the ones who have the URL.)

I want to be open about my projects, and about my life in general, but there’s always that fear that I’m just not interesting enough to be worth anybody’s time… or that I’m too messed up to be.  Or that I’ll be open and honest, and shock and horrify everyone until they don’t love me anymore, and pretend not to know me when we meet on the streets.

Question of the Month:

Making time for writing used to be a problem for me. It’s still a problem, but it’s the kind of problem you overcome 99% of the time, like finding time to brush your teeth. No one ever says they don’t have time to brush their teeth.

So, the first time I ever finished a novel–meaning, the first time I made the decision to sit down and actually do it–was for NaNoWriMo. There was something about the community, and the support, and the clearly defined “This is What I’m Going to Do Today” goals that made finding the time seem so much easier.

I’ve slowly crept away from time-wasters. I don’t listen to more than two or three television shows (and always on the internet where I can control the schedule) and the few video games I used to play… gone.

Now, my goals shift–right now I’m looking to build my website–but there’s always time for writing of some kind.

The Insecure Writers’ Support Group’s Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer – aim for a dozen new people each time – and return comments. This group is all about connecting.

If you want to join us, or just see other blogs on the tour, follow the link below:

http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html

7 Comments

  1. Reply

    Hi Karen,
    I used to think of blogging as ‘shouting into the void’, there was a kind of security in thinking nobody was listening as I could say what I wanted.
    A few people actually do pay attention now 😉 but I’m less self conscious than I was. You’re getting loads of practise in – maybe there’s a saturation point you reach?

    • Reply

      I’ll look for that saturation point, but I don’t know. Maybe it’s something where more and more of you sneaks out onto the stage, until suddenly, you look around and realize there’s nothing left to be shy about.

  2. Reply

    I think we all look for acceptance to be ourselves and fear being judged and found lacking. I don’t know if anyone I know in person reads my blog but I don’t really think about it anymore.

  3. Reply

    I’ve been blogging for nine years, and I still worry about being judged. I know a few people personally who read my blog, but most of my readers are other bloggers, some of whom I’ve known online for years. Writing is a difficult path, littered with plenty of heartache. Blogging can help ease some of that. It’s possible to limit our “sharing” to our writer selves and still be authentic.

    VR Barkowski

  4. Reply

    I can definitely identify with being an introvert. When I decided to publish my book, I knew I’d have to start a blog and put myself out there on social media. Talk about terrifying. I was so far out of my comfort zone I felt like I was in outer space. It’s gotten easier, though, and I don’t worry so much about whether or not people will like my blog or my books. I be myself because it’s the only way I know how to be. I’d make a terrible actor. 🙂
    Good for you for getting rid of distractions and carving out writing time! I’m still working on that. For me, it’s not so much distractions as it is life happenings that get in the way and have to be dealt with. Not much I can do about those, but I’ll keep trying. Best of luck with all your projects!
    IWSG Co-host at http://lorilmaclaughlin.com

  5. Reply

    Good to hear that you devised a strategy for writing often. NaNo is certainly a great motivator and helps a lot of writers get their stories typed up.

    Hope you keep on writing, and thank you for visiting my blog!

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