Wednesday, December 4, 2013

IWSG- Post NaNo and a Reminder!

It's the first Wednesday of the month, which means it is time for Alex J. Cavanaugh's Insecure Writer's Support Group!

The purpose of IWSG is for those in the writing world to share their neuroses, fears, etc. OR to offer encouragement to one another.  It's fantastic.  And if you are a writer and you aren't a member of IWSG- I'd recommend getting linked up! Like yesterday!

Now onto my insecurities and a reminder:

It's post NaNo- so I'm sure many of you are feeling the writing hangover that comes with pounding out the majority of a manuscript in 30 days.  I blogged about my experience Monday; sharing my bittersweet feelings about NaNo and the story that emerged.  I'm not sure if I'll participate in NaNo again, because the quantity v. quality thing has been battling it out in my mind the last few days.  Regardless, I wrote a story much different from anything I've ever written and, I'm not sure what my next move should be. 

Today, I want to remind you all to BE YOURSELF IN YOUR WRITING.  Embrace your personal voice!  I am struggling with this now.  I've always wanted to write serious stories, like Richard Yates.  But, I'm not Richard Yates.  I write light hearted so much better than I write heart-wrenching.  And, I enjoy the process so much more when I'm letting my freak-flag fly. This video by my former professor, and author, Geoff Herbach, sums it up perfectly (and also has a great writing exercise at the end) and I hope you enjoy it!


13 comments:

  1. Thanks for sharing the video and good luck!

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  2. Your former professor is a hoot. Classes must have been entertaining. I love writing exercises and will try his. It's already written down in my little book of all things writerly. :-)
    --December IWSG co-host

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  3. Light hearted and whimsical is how I like to write too. Maybe one day I'll try something serious like a thriller or something similar, but only after I become much better at writing. Happy IWSG day!

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  4. I went through that struggle a while back as well. I made peace with the fact that I can't write the same way many of my favorites authors write, and that's okay. Being ourselves is the key to sharing our unique stories. Great post!

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  5. Hi Azia,
    Very interesting note for the day with equally interesting video that to is of your own professor. He presentation is really interesting too.
    Yes ultimately BE YOURSELF IN YOUR WRITING is the tip for the day,
    Thanks for sharing this
    Best
    Phil

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  6. Great video--I especially appreciated the pictures of George Clooney ;)

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  7. Thoroughly enjoyed listening to Geoff - I imagine his lectures are so interactive and fun! And he likes The Smiths, even better!
    Popping in from IWSG FB page.
    Suzanne @ Suzannes Tribe
    x

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  8. Great video. He sounds like a wonderful teacher.

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  9. You mentioned struggling with quality versus quantity during NaNo.
    Besides the fact that I write slow, the quality/quantity factor is also another reason why I'm undecided about whether I'll ever do a NaNo!
    And I'll check out the video later...
    Writer In Transit

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  10. Thank you, Azia, I needed this reminder! It's so timely because I have been reading every single book written by Maggie Stiefvater and moaning and groaning that I'll never be able to write like her. Ever. *sob* But, you know, I sometimes like what I write. So maybe I should stick with that since it's what I can do, yes?

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  11. Whatever is your natural voice, use it. That is your greatest strength.

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  12. Excellent advice. Protect your voice and don't let critiquers edit it out of you.

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Love to read what you have to say! Keep the comments coming!