That's my insecurity as a writer. I have no special training as a writer other than being a voracious reader all my life. I know what's good reading, but I'm not there yet. I wish I had all kinds of money to take college courses or webinars that Writer's Digest offers, but I don't. I could work more to have extra money, but then when would I write?
I finished my novel at 62,000 words after chipping away at it for a year. When I looked at it again, it started out as a YA and ended up in suspense. So I edited it, completely changing the beginning. It got better, but still not good enough. I sent off my first query and got rejected in half an hour by a form letter. Ouch!
Now I'm on my third revision. I've changed the beginning yet again, changed the POV, and am focusing on suspense. I know this will not be the last revision either.
I'm thinking of starting a workshop of sorts on my Thursday post to work on writing, open to all. That way we could all build our skills and get group feedback. It's just an experiment- but I've truly been helped by the feedback I've gotten from others in the past.
Anyway- back to writing I go.
A workshop sounds great, Honey.
ReplyDeletep.s. Send me your latest ms if you've made changes since the last time you sent it. :)
I'll do it then (the workshop). And I'll send you the latest revision, although I think I must be driving you crazy. You're so awesome to offer. :)
DeleteJust not good enough. I think we've all said that. I know I've said it. But just think, with each revision your wip gets stronger and closer to where it's supposed to be. I wish I was at that point, but I still have to finish the darn thing! Anyway, I love your idea of starting a workshop. Count me in! (:
ReplyDeleteGreat! I'll research a topic tonight! Thanks for your support.
DeleteDon't sweat the first one. I wrote 100,000 novel for my first effort. It was my second attempt that got published. I went back and looked at that first effort, and while it is still a story worth reading, the craft was not there. You have to go through the process once to truly understand it. You will be a better writer for it, just don't expect it to be - the one.
ReplyDeleteP.S. I didn't take any fancy courses. I've learned though trial and error and reading advice from seasoned authors. Good luck.
Awesome! You got published! I'm just not ready to let go of my story yet. Maybe someday I will, but in the meantime I believe you're right about it being a good learning process. Thanks for commenting and for the encouragement.
DeleteHi there. Just popping by from Alex's link. Funny you mention this insecurity today because I commented on something similar in my blog today. Editing can take a long time to do, but when do we know when it's ever good enough?
ReplyDeleteThat's what I would like to know. I guess you're never really done until it's sitting on a shelf! :)
DeleteI know we've all felt that, and honestly I don't think any of us are good enough alone. I know I'm not. It's when we get feedback, advice and support from crit partners and fellow bloggers that we can become good enough. Without there help I would have crashed and burned a long time ago. So a workshop sounds great!
ReplyDeleteI agree! And come back tomorrow- I have an idea brewing to get started with a workshop. :)
DeleteI feel that way often! I think you gain great experience learning as your write. It's more hands-on than reading about writing. You're doing it!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your revisions!
I've wanted to write for so many years, but now that I'm taking the time to do it, you're right, it is the best way to gain experience. You can't be a good writer if you don't write!
DeleteHi Honey and welcome to the IWSG! I believe you're a new member, right? Anyway, welcome. I'm a new follower via the group.
ReplyDeleteLet me start off by saying that we all feel that way about our writing. The trick is to find the best way to change that. In my experience, working with critique partners is the very best way to improve both your writing and your story, all at once.
Working with more experienced writers who've been there and done that will open your eyes to what does and doesn't work. I've said this a hundred different times to a hundred different people (more probably,) but that's because I truly believe it works. It certainly did for me. I would never have landed a book deal otherwise. And in only 2 years from the time I started writing my first book. And I was totally inexperienced when I started. I learned so much, I cannot even begin to tell you.
So follow the blogs, both writer and agent, and connect with writers both in and outside your genre, and cull a relationship with a few you feel comfortable enough with to swap manuscripts. I guarantee, you will learn more than you dreamed possible, and all without spending a dime on classes! Good luck to you!!
What an incredibly encouraging comment! Thank you. And thanks for joining my blog.
DeleteI think just writing is the best way to improve. And reading, of course. If you find you've written and re-written your first work to death and it still isn't good enough, that's ok--start writing something new, and you will continue to learn and improve. I admire you for keeping up the hard work!
ReplyDeleteAllison (Geek Banter)
I've come a long way already on a lifelong dream, so it's not been a waste either way. Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
DeleteHi! I'm a new follower from the IWSG. Nice to meet you! Yes, revise revise revise. It's so ESSENTIAL. There are lots of great books out there for very little $$ that will help you with the revision process. Some of my favorites include: The Fire in Fiction by Maass, Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Browne & King, and Save the Cat by Snyder. JUST TO NAME A FEW. :0) Enjoy the process.
ReplyDeleteThat's great! Thanks for joining my blog too. :) I'll have to check out those books.
DeleteMore greetings from the IWSG here... hi! First, I just have to say: you wrote a novel. That is an accomplishment in itself. Having the dedication to see something through to the end... and then being willing to change and adapt it is an inspiration to other writers, so thank you for sharing. As for a workshop, I think that's a great idea. I've recently found that an online support group can do wonders to keep you motivated, so count me in... you may need help editing (which I'm actually pretty good at), but I need help just finishing a project :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping in and joining my blog! What an encouraging comment too- a little encouraging push in the right direction can do wonders. And is that an offer to edit? I might need that someday :)
DeleteMany of us have no real training as writers and learn by doing it. For me, talking to others, asking for advise, and submitting my works in progress to critique by others with more experience have been the best classes ever. I also read 'How to Write a Novel for Dummies' and learned quite a bit... as strange as that sounds.
ReplyDeleteMy advise would be: Keep networking and asking for advise. That idea for a worship sounds awesome, follow it! There will always be people happy to share their knowledge with you and give you constructive criticism to help you get better. At least, that's been my experience.
Good luck with your book. Don't lose faith!
Thank you for stopping by and commenting. That's exactly why I wanted to start a workshop- learning from others experience is a great way to grow.
DeleteBe encouraged! It took J.K. Rowling 7 years to write the first Harry Potter book. Too, it took Jane Austen 16 years to write "Pride and Prejudice."
ReplyDeleteKeep on keeping on! You CAN and WILL do it!
Thank you for your encouraging comment. 16 years! Wow, I didn't know that, and I'm a big fan of hers.
DeleteI can totally relate to this! I don't have any special training either, I just know I love to write and it's the only thing I've ever felt good about doing. I just started sending out my first query letters and already received one rejection. It's definitely not fun! I'm glad you have joined the group, it's great to meet you and I look forward to cheering you on. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments and it's nice to meet you too! Likewise on the cheering on part :)
DeleteI didn't start out with any formal training and now I'm the author of two books. Believe me, that should really give you hope!
ReplyDeleteWelcome to the IWSG. Following on your journey now.
Thank you! I've been following you for awhile now, and yes, you give me inspiration. Thanks for starting the insecure writers group, I've found great support there!
DeleteSo many of us don't have any special training. I think writing starts to come naturally after you've read so many books:) Glad you joined Alex's group--I love it!
ReplyDeleteI love it too! Thanks for stopping by and commenting!
DeleteYou don't need to take a course. Just keep working at it, keep up with blogs that offer writing tips, and pick up a couple of good craft books. You'll get there eventually. Have faith. Glad you joined the ISWG.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the advice. Glad I joined the ISWG. All the encouragement has been incredible!
DeleteThere is something to be said of the value of writing on your own volition compared to writing at an expensive workshop. If you enjoy the process you have nothing to lose. Keep up the good work. Cheers
ReplyDeleteThanks for the input!
Deletethank you for sharing
ReplyDeleteI believe most of us are in the same "are we good enough" boat. Welcome to IWSG! Don't give up. :))
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear I'm not alone. Thanks for stopping by and joining!
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