Hopefully, writers will be supportive and encouraging. But sometimes they're not. That's just the way writers are. But I haven't yet run into a writer that wouldn't answer questions like: 1) what do you think is working well, and 2) what could I improve, and 3) is the point of view working, and 4) are the characters and story compelling enough for you to want to know more? Sure, every single one of us wants to hear the words, "This is perfect and amazing and don't change a thing." But I've never known that kind of compliment to come bubbling from anyone's lips. Part of that has to do with the fact that people use critique to sound intelligent about a topic. It's why a job where you get paid will never net you a flawless performance review: there's always something that can be improved, even if it is made up.
Being comfortable with yourself is almost impossible unless you're a Buddhist monk. So rather than overcome insecurity, I think it's important to realize that when you are feeling insecure it means that this is an opportunity for you to take a leap. In other words, life is asking you to take a risk (or to gamble at something). And just like gambling, there's usually a reward to go along with it. I used to think there were examples of terrible writing and examples of great writing. But now, I'd like to revise those terms. There is popular writing and unpopular writing and a thousand shades of gray in-between. Unpopular writing still has an audience. There are people out there who will just love it and think it is the best thing ever because it creates some kind of emotional reaction in them. Popular writing just has a bigger audience...more people are apt to be connected to it in some way. But writing doesn't have to be "excellent" to be popular. I think this year's republican primary shows this particular idea in spades.
Anyway, learning to share your work with other writers is an important first step to overcoming insecurities. I thought I'd talk about that for today's Insecure Writer's Support Group post and wish you well on your writing journey.
You make a great point about insecurity. If we never felt insecure, we might never take the risks that help us grow. The key is to keep that insecurity from paralyzing you altogether.
ReplyDeleteIf you pay the other writer that helps to ensure their cooperation.
ReplyDeleteWell said. Writing can always be improved and there's an audience for everything.
ReplyDeleteBest of luck on your writing journey as well Mike. Writing comes in various forms and as long as readers are taken in while reading it they are likely to have some kind of positive response.
ReplyDeleteI recently joined a small critique group that meets every other week. So while it terrifies me, I have to submit pages every other week for others' perusal. It's gone well so far. No one has said that my writing is perfect and nothing needs to be changed, but maybe next week...
ReplyDeleteAnd like L.G. said, you make a great point about insecurity.
I think the best way to triumph over insecurity is to produce a large body of work. When your hoes and dreams are wrapped up in only a few projects and criticism comes, it's harder to accept than when you have dozens of stories to share.
ReplyDeleteYes, I very much agree. Other writers know that struggle and that's the best first step towards improving!
ReplyDeleteI think the first few times a writer shares their work with someone it's pretty scary. It's a very vulnerable moment. But it gets easier the more feedback you get. If you're lucky enough to form a rapport with someone, it's actually very fulfilling.
ReplyDeleteI remember having to push my self the first time, but it does get easier.
ReplyDeleteI guess it's kind of 'beauty in the eye of the beholder' kind of thing. There have been some very popular novels that weren't very good writing. But I won't name any names.
ReplyDeleteI disagree about there not being terrible writing. Although, I might call it not-fully-developed writing. Because everyone can improve.
ReplyDeleteIt is good to get your writing out there. To get reactions to it. To see what connects and what doesn't.
I think you're lucky not to have run into a snarky critique group, but I agree with you about having specific questions that can help if you share your work. Good luck!
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