Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Insecure Writers Support Group



It's that time again, and since I missed last month I wanted to make sure I posted today. I'm still insecure with my writing, and here's how this month.

I had sent an email to a regional writers group trying to get into contact with other writers in my area. The result was that four of us met in person at a local bookstore and compared notes for an hour and a half. I was worried that I'd be meeting hopelessly awful "writers" that I would feel obligated to teach how to write English. Instead, I met highly educated people, one of whom has representation but is yet unpublished, a published poet working on her master's in creative writing, and a journalist from a local paper. Oh, and did I mention the writer with an agent is also a registered nurse, like myself, except she's the head of the RN to BSN program at a college. And then there was little 'ol me.

To make it worse, my social phobia was in full form, and 75% of me wanted to hide somewhere in a corner.

Despite all that, the end result was that I left thrilled with the prospect of having critique partners to push and inspire me, and I hope I can help them in some way in return.

With that, today was a horrible day for me. I had to put down my dog Cookie. The first time I saw her was about two years ago- an old, lame, deaf dog with ear infections and covered in sores at the animal shelter where I volunteer. I couldn't stand to see her in the cold, dirty kennel during the winter, so I brought her home as a foster. Then, I fell in love with her. The sweetest dog ever, she wagged her tail constantly unless she was sleeping. She was 11 years old, and after years of neglect, she finally found what it was to be loved, and she loved me back.
Rest in peace, sweet Cookie.

And as the Lorax from Dr. Seuss says,

UNLESS someone like you
cares a whole awful lot,
nothing is going to get better,
It's not.

I console myself with the fact that I cared a whole awful lot. She was worth it.

22 comments:

  1. Very heartfelt post Rose. Our thoughts are with you.

    It is really awesome that you have got in contact with local writers. That would be my next mountain to climb. Be proud of having the courage to have your work critiqued and owning the fact that you write. It's is really good to see. Cheers

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    1. Thank you, and yes! meeting the other writers made me feel like a real writer.

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  2. I'm so sorry to hear about Cookie. I know how it feels and it's hard. Sending you lots of positive thoughts your way.

    It's wonderful you have found a writing group. I know it can be intimidating, but you'll learn and grow so quickly with good writers willing to critique your work. Not only that, but your confidence will grow as well. And don't forget, you have your own experiences to bring to the table that will enrich their experience as well. (:

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    1. I remember you lost your cat recently and thank you for your words of comfort.

      I am looking forward to getting something out of the group, and I think I am the only one actively blogging, which means I will be able to help out one of them who wants to get started.

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  3. Rose,
    First and foremost, I'm so sorry for the loss of your beautiful Cookie. It's good you had each other, even if the time was too short.

    In terms of your local group, I think your insecurity will decrease and your elation at having found a writing support will increase as you continue to interact. :)

    Kim Lajevardi (IWSG)

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    1. Thank you for stopping by and joining, plus the kind words. I agree completely that this new writing group is huge!

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  4. So sorry about Cookie, she's in a good place though with others that love her.

    I'm happy that you found a local group though! That is pretty awesome. Just by being yourself and looking at things in a unique perspective you will help them.

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    1. Thank you, and yes, I'm really excited to see where I can go with this group.

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  5. So sorry about your dog! Our furry friends just don't live long enough.
    Glad you found the group and it's helping.

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    1. Thank you, and that's so true about the pets. It's just never easy to say good-bye.

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  6. Oh, poor you! What a loss. We got our dog from a shelter, too, and she is the best dog ever. I feel your pain. I will miss her terribly when she goes.

    About your writers group - I have felt like that so many times I can't count. Inferior. Like everyone is way ahead of me in this writers' game. Hang in there. We're all on the ladder somewhere, and just because someone has some fancy degree in something writing related does not a fiction expert make.

    Not to mention, anyone who reads much at all can give a helpful critique, even if they're still learning. We know what we like, and it's easier to spot errors in other people's work than in our own. ;)

    Chin up. I'm glad you found some local writers. May you all hit it off swimmingly. :)

    IWSG #179 (At least until Alex culls the list again. :P)

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    1. Thank you, and you're right, everyone including myself, can offer something!

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  7. Poor Cookie! Hugs to you!

    I think you've got a good group of people in your writer's group. They'll help you grow as a writer!

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    1. Yes, it's an awesome group, and thanks for your hug, I needed it today.

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  8. Oh, so sorry about Cookie. Glad you were able to give her a good home.

    And writing groups can be so helpful. I hope it ends up being a good fit for you. I'm right there with on on social phobias.

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    1. Thank you, and glad I'm not alone with the social phobia thing!

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  9. Ohhhh. My heart hurts with yours over Cookie. The loving loyalty and friendship of dogs is almost beyond words for me sometimes. Strange for a writer, but true. Their hearts are just so pure.

    Great news about meeting writers! Every writer needs others because this thing we do is so different from anything else.

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    1. It's true. I know you're an animal lover too, and there is no love like a dogs' love.

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  10. Cookie is gorgeous and so are you for making her part of your heart. Our old guy could be Cookie's older brother, he's eighteen and our lives revolve around his care and happiness.

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    1. Eighteen! A dog! That's amazing. Thank you for stopping in and joining. Sharing my pain in this little corner of the world has helped for sure.

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  11. Wonderful post.

    I hope your new partners push you hard to get you to be the writer you want to be. Sometimes that's exactly what we need even if we don't think we do.
    Best of luck.

    Sorry about your puppy. Think of the wonderful life you offered them and the unconditional love you received in return will get you through the hard days.

    HMG

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    1. I am very excited to work with other writers! Thank you for your comment and for joining my blog. Nice to meet you.

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