Insecure Writers Support Group has returned for another year of insecurity. A big thanks to the man who created this phenomenon, Alex J. Cavanaugh. This monthly meme is a great way to reflect on your writing insecurities every month so that you can toss them out and focus on the positive stuff. If you aren't familiar with #IWSG and want to know more, click here and check it out! Lately, I've been doing really great getting back into the swing of things. I've been able to balance work and family nicely and do a fair amount of writing which has me extremely pleased. Sometimes there are instances in my life where I recognize a parallel of what's happening in my writing career. That happened to me recently and I thought I'd share it with you.
On Friday afternoons, I take my kids to the park where they meet up with their friends and play like their lives depended on it. My son has gotten into a routine where he and a handful of other boys play down and dirty football. It always starts out as touch, but then after a good hour it turns more aggressive. These 7,8, and 9-year olds are very serious about their football. It's pretty adorable to watch them call plays. One play I watched had me roaring. I watched my son who was holding the ball steady for the kicker--yeah, we all know the play and the way its supposed to go. But to my absolute shock and slight horror, I watched my son pull a Lucy. Yes, he did. And I never laughed so hard in my life--God love him.
Later I had to explain that he couldn't do that. I explained that it was okay to be afraid but to pull away like that wasn't good. "You have to stay tough to support your team," I said, hiding a smile. He's getting the hang of it, and I'm supporting him along the way. This brings me back to that parallel in my writing I mentioned. There are two actually. In one scenario, I am Charlie Brown, focused on my sole goal of connecting with the ball i.e. my novel and actually launching the darn thing. Lucy represents my hurdles and the fact that they feel endless when it comes to finalizing things. The other scenario is--I am both Charlie and Lucy and it's me that keeps screwing things up. Yeah, it's probably the second one. *Sigh*
Can you relate? I find that writing these ridiculous thoughts down does help. Thank you IWSG for all the love and support. I saw this image and thought of you. In case you haven't guessed, I'm good ol' Chuck and ISWG is the ultimate BFF, Snoopy.
What type of insecurities are you faced with this month?
21 comments:
I like the graphic you made!
Yes, we are often our own worst enemies, our own Lucys.
I think I would've been on the ground howling when your son pulled that trick.
Ha! Love the graphic. And yes, I can relate to this!
The Chuck and Snoopy image says it all!
The insecurities are full up... all sorts of them...
I totally relate to what you're saying - especially about being both Charlie and Lucy. So true.
It's great that you've been getting back into the swing of things, and getting the balance right - it's something I'm still working on.
Hey, Mina,
These things take time and though it sometimes feel we'll never get done, everything eventually falls into place. Balance is good every time.
So cute! Can we steal that graphic for our blogs?
We are bound to screw things up at first but we will prevail.
Keep writing! Keep moving!
Heather
There will always be accidents, mistakes, and unforeseen holdups, but as long as you keep at it, you'll get through. And it sounds as if you're making good progress.
Sidebar - my fav Buffy villain, too. Best episode ever!!
What a cute graphic. I love that. :)
That's a great story about your son and the parallel. It's not easy launching a book while keeping up with everything that goes along with it and everything else going on in your life - but you'll do it and it'll go off great! :)
Love that last graphic! I'm struggling with deciding what ms to work on, torn between a "safer" novella and an ugly ms. But I'm slowly learning that it's not such a bad problem to have. :)
I'm just trying to get back into the routine, after an extra long winter break - thanks Polar Vortex. I finally have my quiet mornings with no kids back, and this morning I should have been writing, but I was actually a bit scared to open that manuscript after two weeks away. I know it won't be as bad as I fear. Time to suck it up, buttercup, and get back to work.
This is too cute!! Our boys would have a great play date and totally not hurt themselves...LOL. I love your analysis of it all. Bloody brilliant!! Recognize it and beat it!! Awesome girl!
I was just thinking of the Charlie/Lucy metaphor for other aspects of my life the other day. You must have some psychic powers to be able to channel what I was thinking. =)
Dude, rock on for finding a balance!!! What's your secret??? SRSLY, I need help. (That probably doesn't surprise anyone...) ;-)
Also; your little boy is adorbz.
❤
Ooh, this is such a great comparison. I simultaneously feel like Charlie and Lucy with all my goals, too...
Hi Mina,
Yes, I know, it has been ages since I delighted you with one of my award winning comments :)
Yes, I can relate, once I figured out you meant that type of football not, football, football as in soccer, football.
Of course, the real reason I visited your blog was because you have put up a dedication posting to my group "IWSG" aka "I Was Seeking Gary." Thank you so much.
Snoopy is friends with Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet superstar!
Gary :)
I can absolutely be a Charlie and Lucie. Great post Mina!
I love your son! That was hilarious. I am glad you are realizing that we are our own worst hurdles. Good luck and Happy New Year.
Leanne ( http://readfaced.wordpress.com/ )
Mina, PERFECT comparison. And I get it. I sooooo get it. <3 <3 <3
@Alex - I wish I had it on video. It was too funny.
@Emma - I'm glad I'm not the only one.
@Michelle - Like Snoopy, IWSG gives good hugs.
@Tonya - Yup! #True
@Laura & @JL - It always comes back to balance, huh?
@Heather - Yes! Keep moving forward. :)
@Lexa- #Buffy rules. Best villain for sure. My fav episode is when Buffy turns into a vamp.
@Kimberly - Thanks Sweetie!
@Madeline - Go with you gut!
@Lily - I've hand dry spells longer than 2 weeks. You'll be fine.
@Tammy - Yeah, I bet our boys would have some fun. :)
@Cynthia - Great minds, Cynthia. Great minds! :)
@MinaLobo-Thx, Goth Mom. Xman is the best. :)
@Heather H - Why do we do that to ourselves?
@Gary - LOL! Yes, Football as in American Football. I forget sometimes. Hugs to Penny!
@SL - Why, SL? Why do we do it to ourselves? *sigh*
@Readfaced - Thanks RF. I need all the luck I can get.
@Morgan - Thanks, Morgan. :)
I like the little snoopy graphic. I think for writers, we often get in our own way. We battle silent wars with ourselves over creativity, capability, worth. It seems pretty universal...
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